There’s something undeniably exciting about hearing that satisfying sizzle as fresh shishito peppers hit a hot skillet. Inspired by my love for Japanese cuisine, I found myself craving a quick, flavorful snack that could easily elevate any gathering. That’s when I decided to whip up these Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers.
With their mild sweetness and delightful crunch, these peppers blister to perfection, revealing a scrumptious contrast of crispy outside and tender inside. Coated in umami-rich furikake seasoning and drizzled with toasty sesame oil, they are a simple yet impressive addition to your appetizer lineup. And the best part? You can whip them up in under 15 minutes, making them a go-to choice when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Ready to impress your guests (and yourself)? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to add a spark of excitement to your next snack time!
Why are Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers So Irresistible?
Quick and Easy: These peppers come together in under 15 minutes, making them an ideal last-minute appetizer for impromptu gatherings.
Unique Flavor Profile: The umami-packed furikake seasoning paired with toasted sesame oil elevates the taste to new heights, offering a delightful taste of Japan right at home.
Versatile Snack: Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, these peppers can accompany a variety of drinks, from sake to beer.
Mild Heat Delight: With shishito peppers’ unpredictable mildness, you might just get a delicious surprise—perfect for even the most cautious spice lovers!
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress your friends and family with this eye-catching dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.
Healthy Indulgence: With only about 143 calories per serving, this snack satisfies your cravings without the guilt—what’s not to love?
Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers Ingredients
• Discover the essential components for creating your own flavorful snack!
For the Peppers
- Shishito Peppers – The star of the dish, providing mild sweetness and an unexpected kick; enjoy them whole, just discard the stems.
- Avocado Oil – This cooking fat ensures the peppers blister nicely; you can swap it with olive oil if you prefer.
- Furikake – A Japanese seasoning that brings umami and crunch to the table; adjust the amount to fit your taste preferences.
- Flaky Salt – A sprinkle of this seasoning enhances the flavors beautifully; kosher salt is a suitable substitute if needed.
For the Aioli
- Kewpie Mayo (or Japanese Mayo) – Provides a rich creaminess for the aioli; regular mayonnaise can be used as a non-Japanese alternative.
- Sriracha – Adds a spicy kick to the mayo; feel free to adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
- Garlic – Freshly grated for vibrant flavor; in a pinch, you can use garlic powder instead.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – A drizzle enhances the overall flavor; use it sparingly as it has a concentrated taste.
Get ready to indulge in these Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers—a quick, addictive snack that will make your gatherings feel gourmet!
How to Make Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers
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Prepare Aioli: In a bowl, mix 1/3 cup kewpie mayo, sriracha (to taste), 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, and grated garlic. Stir until well combined and refrigerate for a bit to let the flavors meld.
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Prepare Peppers: Rinse and towel dry the shishito peppers. Toss them in a bowl with 1/2 tablespoon of avocado oil, ensuring they’re well coated for optimal blistering.
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Preheat Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a 500°F oven until it’s nice and hot; you want to hear that sizzle when the peppers hit the pan!
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Blister Peppers: Remove the skillet carefully from the oven. Add the shishito peppers in a single layer; they should sizzle immediately. Switch your oven to broil and move the skillet to the highest rack for about 1-2 minutes.
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Turn and Repeat: Using tongs, carefully turn the peppers when they have light charring. Return them under the broiler for another 1-2 minutes until they’re beautifully charred on all sides.
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Serve: Transfer the blistered peppers to a platter, drizzle with toasted sesame oil, sprinkle with furikake and flaky salt, and serve with the creamy garlic sriracha aioli on the side for dipping.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture and crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers?
Elevate your appetizer experience with these delightful pairings, complementing the amazing flavors of blistered shishito peppers.
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Crispy White Rice: The chewy texture of crispy rice adds a satisfying crunch that balances the tender peppers beautifully.
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Soy Sauce & Wasabi Dip: A vivid umami kick from soy sauce with a hint of wasabi enhances the Japanese flair of the dish.
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Spicy Tuna Tartare: The rich, creamy tuna melds perfectly with the mild heat from the peppers—an exquisite contrast that will wow your guests.
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Sake: This traditional Japanese rice wine brings warmth and enhances the overall dining experience, harmonizing beautifully with the flavors.
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Edamame: Lightly salted steamed edamame provides a pop of freshness and protein, making for a well-rounded appetizer platter.
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Chilled Sapporo Beer: The crispness of a Sapporo beer refreshes your palate while cutting through the richness of the garlic aioli.
Indulging in these pairings will not only enhance your Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers but also create a memorable experience for everyone at the table!
Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers Variations
Feel free to let your creativity flow as you adapt this delicious recipe to suit your taste buds!
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Spicy Twist: Add a dash of chili flakes directly to the peppers before cooking for an extra kick.
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Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika into the aioli to give it a rich, smoky flavor that complements the peppers beautifully.
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Citrusy Zest: Freshly squeeze some lemon or lime juice over the blistered peppers right before serving for a delightful tang.
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Herb-Infused: Mix fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the aioli for a refreshing herbal flavor that bursts with every bite.
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Cheesy Delight: Top the finished peppers with freshly grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a savory finish.
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Crunchy Alternative: Swap out shishito peppers for Padrón or even jalapeños for a fun twist, keeping the same blistering technique for a unique taste.
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Asian Fusion: Drizzle with teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce instead of sesame oil for an entirely different flavor profile that’s sweet and sticky.
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Creamy Variation: Stir in some cream cheese or Greek yogurt into the aioli for a thicker, creamier dip that pairs heavenly with the peppers.
Storage Tips for Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers
Fridge: Store leftover peppers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To retain texture, avoid stacking them to prevent crushing.
Freezer: It’s best to enjoy these peppers fresh, but if you must freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture. Enjoy your Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers warm!
Avoid Room Temperature: To ensure food safety, do not leave cooked peppers at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Keep leftovers refrigerated.
Make Ahead Options
These Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a quick and impressive appetizer even on your busiest days! You can rinse and dry the shishito peppers and toss them with avocado oil up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the garlic sriracha aioli can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply blister the peppers as directed and finish with the toasted sesame oil and furikake before serving. This way, you’ll have a delicious snack ready with minimal effort, all while maintaining the same incredible flavor and texture!
Expert Tips for Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers
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Hot Skillet Essential: Ensure your skillet is extremely hot before adding the peppers to achieve that satisfying blister and crunch.
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Broiler Vigilance: Keep a close eye on the peppers while they’re under the broiler. The timing can vary based on your oven—don’t let them burn!
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Cast Iron Benefits: Using a cast iron skillet helps retain heat, ensuring even blistering and a delightful char on your Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers.
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Taste Test Furikake: Adjust the amount of furikake according to your preference. Start with a little and add more based on your taste.
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Perfectly Coated: When tossing the peppers in avocado oil, make sure they’re fully coated for optimal blistering—uncoated spots won’t achieve that lovely texture.
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Dipping Variation: Get creative with your aioli! Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or different hot sauces to vary the flavor profile.
Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best shishito peppers?
Absolutely! When choosing shishito peppers, look for ones that are bright green, plump, and firm. Avoid any with wrinkles or dark spots, as these may indicate overripeness. The skin should be smooth with no signs of damage, ensuring maximum sweetness and flavor when blistered.
What’s the best way to store leftover Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers?
You can store your leftover peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, avoid stacking the peppers to prevent them from getting crushed. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat under the broiler for a few minutes until crispy.
Can I freeze Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers?
Yes, but for the best quality, I recommend enjoying them fresh! If you do want to freeze them, first arrange the blistered peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, which typically takes about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a labeled freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake straight from the freezer in a hot skillet until warmed through and a little crispy again.
What should I do if my shishito peppers aren’t blistering properly?
If your peppers aren’t blistering as expected, ensure that your skillet is hot enough—ideally heated to 500°F before adding them. You should hear a sizzle the moment they touch the pan. If they’re not blistering, they may be overcrowded in the skillet, so try spreading them out in a single layer. Keep a close eye under the broiler, as timing can vary; adjust based on how your oven behaves.
Are Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers safe for my pets?
While shishito peppers are generally mild and safe for humans, it’s best to exercise caution when it comes to pets. If you have a dog or cat, the best practice is to avoid giving them peppers altogether, as spicy or seasoned foods can irritate their digestive systems.
Can I substitute ingredients if I have allergies?
Very! If you have allergies, you can easily substitute many ingredients. For instance, use a different oil like grapeseed instead of avocado oil, opt for tahini instead of mayo for a vegan alternative, or skip the garlic if you’re allergic. Just be sure to adjust seasonings like furikake for your taste, and don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors!
Furikake Blistered Shishito Peppers: Your New Favorite Snack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix kewpie mayo, sriracha, toasted sesame oil, and grated garlic. Stir until well combined and refrigerate for a bit to let the flavors meld.
- Rinse and towel dry the shishito peppers. Toss them in a bowl with avocado oil, ensuring they’re well coated for optimal blistering.
- Heat a cast iron skillet with avocado oil in a 500°F oven until it's nice and hot.
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Add the shishito peppers in a single layer; they should sizzle immediately. Switch your oven to broil and move the skillet to the highest rack for about 1-2 minutes.
- Using tongs, carefully turn the peppers when they have light charring. Return them under the broiler for another 1-2 minutes until they’re beautifully charred on all sides.
- Transfer the blistered peppers to a platter, drizzle with toasted sesame oil, sprinkle with furikake and flaky salt, and serve with the creamy garlic sriracha aioli on the side.