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To make blistered shishito peppers, you need a few simple items: - 1 pound shishito peppers - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a fantastic flavor that shines through in every bite. You can play with seasonings to match your taste. Here are a few ideas: - Swap sea salt for smoked salt for a deeper flavor. - Use garlic powder or onion powder for a savory kick. - Try adding crushed red pepper for heat. - Experiment with a dash of soy sauce for umami. These options let you customize your dish. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Garnishes make your dish pop. Here are some great choices: - Fresh lemon wedges for a zesty touch. - Extra crumbled feta for creaminess. - Finely chopped chives or scallions for color. - Toasted sesame seeds for crunch. These garnishes add flair and flavor. They make your dish not just tasty but also beautiful! To start, gather your ingredients. You need: - 1 pound shishito peppers - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Rinse the shishito peppers under cold water. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is key for getting a good blister. Now, let’s heat up your pan. Use a large cast-iron skillet or a non-stick pan. Turn the heat to medium-high. Wait until the pan is hot. Add the olive oil to the hot pan. Swirl it around to coat the bottom. Carefully place the shishito peppers in a single layer. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes without stirring. This allows them to blister and char nicely on one side. After that, use tongs to turn the peppers over. Cook them for another 3-4 minutes. You want them to be evenly blistered and tender. Once they look perfect, remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the peppers with sea salt and black pepper. Drizzle them with fresh lemon juice. Add the lemon zest for extra zing. Toss gently to coat everything well. Transfer the blistered shishito peppers to a serving platter. Scatter crumbled feta cheese over the top. For a nice finish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This adds color and flavor. If you want more details, check the Full Recipe. Serve the peppers on a rustic wooden board or a bright plate. You can arrange lemon wedges around the platter. This lets guests add more lemon juice if they like. Enjoy! Choose shishito peppers that are vibrant and firm. Look for deep green colors. Avoid peppers with wrinkles or dark spots. Fresh peppers will feel heavy for their size. If you can, pick them from the farmer's market. They taste great when they are in season. Heat your pan well before adding the peppers. A hot pan helps to create those tasty blisters. Use high heat and cook the peppers in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this allows them to char nicely. Let them sit for a few minutes before turning. This method helps achieve that perfect blistered look. To boost flavor, add lemon zest and feta cheese. The zest brightens the dish. Feta adds a creamy and salty touch. You can also try garlic, chili flakes, or fresh herbs. These ingredients can make your dish unique. For a different twist, drizzle some balsamic glaze on top. {{image_2}} You can mix up flavors with shishito peppers. Try adding garlic powder for a savory kick. A sprinkle of smoked paprika gives a nice depth. If you enjoy heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a sweet touch, drizzle honey or maple syrup before serving. Each option brings a new twist. Shishito peppers are great as a snack or side dish. Serve them with a yogurt dip for a creamy twist. You can also pile them on a warm tortilla for a tasty wrap. If you love bold flavors, try pairing them with spicy salsa. They also add a fun touch to salads for extra crunch. Shishito peppers fit many diets. They are naturally vegan and gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, skip the feta and use avocado instead. This adds creaminess without dairy. If you want a nutty flavor, sprinkle with nutritional yeast. This way, you keep it tasty while catering to different dietary needs. After you cook your blistered shishito peppers, they taste best fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Keep the container in the fridge for up to three days. This will help keep their flavor and texture. Avoid leaving them at room temperature, as they can spoil quickly. If you want to save your peppers for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the cooked peppers cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours until firm. After that, transfer the peppers to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal the bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. This keeps their taste and texture intact. To reheat your peppers, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to help them crisp up. Heat them for about 3-5 minutes, stirring often. This method brings back their delightful blistered texture. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crispiness. For the best taste, always reheat on the stove. Enjoy your delicious peppers any time! Shishito peppers are small, green, and mild peppers from Japan. They are known for their sweet taste and unique flavor. These peppers are often served blistered, making them crispy on the outside. You can find them at farmers' markets or in grocery stores. Their thin skin and tender flesh make them perfect for quick cooking. Many people enjoy them with a sprinkle of salt or a squeeze of lemon. They are fun to eat and a great appetizer. Yes, you can use other peppers if shishitos are not available. For a similar taste, try padron or even small jalapeños. However, each pepper has its own flavor. Padron peppers are close in taste but may be a bit spicier. Green bell peppers can also work, but they lack the sweetness. When choosing another type, think about the flavor and heat level you want in your dish. Each pepper adds a unique twist to your cooking. On average, shishito peppers are mild. Most of them have little to no heat. However, about one in ten can be spicy. This makes eating them fun and unpredictable. Their low spiciness allows you to enjoy them without worry. If you want to test the heat, try one before cooking. You can then decide how to season them. They are perfect for those who love flavor without too much spice. Blistered shishito peppers are a tasty and healthy choice. We explored the key ingredients you need, plus seasoning and garnishing ideas. I shared step-by-step cooking methods to help you achieve the perfect blister. Tips on selecting and cooking fresh shishito peppers ensure great flavor. You can even try fun variations and learn how to store leftovers. This dish is fun and easy to make, with endless options. Enjoy making it your own and impressing your friends and family!

Blistered Shishito Peppers

Discover the delightful flavor of blistered shishito peppers with lemon zest and feta in this easy recipe! Perfect as a simple appetizer or a tasty side dish, these peppers are quick to prepare in just 15 minutes. Learn how to create that perfect blistered texture, and elevate your dish with fresh lemon juice and crumbled feta. Click through to explore this vibrant recipe that your guests will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound shishito peppers

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Rinse the shishito peppers under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel.

    Heat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot.

      Add the olive oil to the hot pan, swirling it to coat the bottom.

        Carefully place the shishito peppers in a single layer in the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without stirring, allowing them to blister and char on one side.

          After the first side is blistered, use tongs to turn the peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they are evenly blistered and tender.

            Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the peppers with sea salt and black pepper, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Toss gently to coat.

              Transfer the blistered shishito peppers to a serving platter and scatter crumbled feta cheese over the top.

                Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the peppers on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant plate. For an extra touch, arrange lemon wedges around the platter for guests to squeeze more lemon juice on as desired.