Shishito Pepper Recipe Korean Style for Easy Cooking

If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful Korean cuisine but want to keep things light and simple, this Korean-style shishito pepper recipe is just the ticket. Shishito peppers are small, mild, and slightly sweet with an occasional surprise heat that makes each bite exciting.

When combined with the vibrant flavors of Korean seasonings like gochujang, sesame oil, and garlic, these peppers transform into a deliciously addictive appetizer or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

This recipe is quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and is a fantastic way to introduce a Korean twist to your vegetable repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving a tasty snack, these Korean shishito peppers will impress your palate and your guests alike.

Ready to spice up your kitchen with a burst of umami and a hint of smoky heat? Let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Korean shishito pepper recipe combines the best of both worlds: the crisp, tender bite of shishito peppers and the rich, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that Korean cuisine is famous for. The peppers blister beautifully when pan-fried or grilled, creating a wonderful smoky depth.

The addition of gochujang (Korean chili paste) adds just the right amount of heat and sweetness, balanced by nutty sesame oil and fresh garlic.

It’s a quick dish that can be whipped up in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with antioxidants from the peppers themselves.

If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful snack or side dish that’s a bit different from the usual, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 200 grams shishito peppers (about 3 cups)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
• Salt to taste

Equipment

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or tongs
• Small bowl for sauce mixing

Instructions

1. Prepare the peppers: Rinse the shishito peppers under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly. It’s important they are dry to get a nice blister when cooking.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang, soy sauce, minced garlic, honey, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
3. Heat the skillet: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
4. Cook the peppers: Add the shishito peppers to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until they blister and char on one side.
5. Toss and continue cooking: Using tongs or a spatula, toss the peppers and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing them to blister on all sides. They should be tender but still have some snap.
6. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the peppers in the pan. Toss well to coat every pepper evenly, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through and let the flavors meld.
7. Season and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Add salt to taste if needed.
8. Serve immediately: These peppers are best enjoyed hot or warm. Transfer to a serving plate and dig in!

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: While most shishito peppers are mild, about 1 in 10 can surprise you with a bit of heat, so eat with excitement and caution!

If you want to intensify the smoky flavor, try grilling the peppers instead of pan-frying. You can also add a sprinkle of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) for extra heat.

For a vegan version, make sure your gochujang is vegan-friendly, as some brands contain fermented seafood ingredients.

To add crunch, toss in some crushed roasted peanuts or cashews just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Korean-style shishito pepper dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or as a vibrant side to Korean BBQ spreads. Try serving it alongside Kimchi Fried Rice or Korean Bulgogi for a complete meal.

For a light snack, enjoy it as is with a cold Korean beer or a cup of green tea. It also works as a flavorful topping for bibimbap bowls or mixed into noodle salads.

Conclusion

This Korean shishito pepper recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delightful. With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can bring a burst of Korean flavor into your home kitchen effortlessly.

Its balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes makes it a versatile dish that complements many meals or stands alone as a tasty snack.

Whether you’re new to Korean cooking or looking for a fresh way to enjoy shishito peppers, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to experiment with the tips and variations to tailor it to your personal taste.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the delicious journey into Korean flavors!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Korean Style Shishito Peppers”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful Korean-inspired shishito pepper dish with a spicy-sweet glaze. Perfect as an appetizer or side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT20M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 pound shishito peppers”, “1 tablespoon vegetable oil”, “1 tablespoon soy sauce”, “1 teaspoon sesame oil”, “1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)”, “1 teaspoon honey”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds”, “1 green onion, thinly sliced”, “Salt to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add shishito peppers and cook until blistered, about 5-7 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, honey, and minced garlic.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour the sauce over the peppers and toss to coat evenly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 2 minutes to let flavors meld.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onion.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt if needed and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “90”, “proteinContent”: “2g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10g”}}