Blistered Shishito Peppers with Dipping Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, flavor-packed appetizer that comes together in just minutes, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Blistered Shishito Peppers with Tangy Dipping Sauce. Think smoky, slightly sweet peppers—some with a fun surprise kick—paired with a creamy, zippy sauce that’s totally irresistible. This dish is always the fastest to disappear at a get-together, and once you try it, you’ll see why!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines kitchen basics with a few crave-worthy flavor boosters, creating serious magic with mere minutes of effort. Each ingredient really pulls its weight: smoky, sweet, and savory notes mingle beautifully, and you’ll love how the creamy sauce ties it all together.

• Shishito Peppers: These thin-skinned, mild Japanese peppers get irresistibly smoky and tender when blistered; about 1 in 10 has a bit of surprise heat!
• Garlic Clove: Adds a punchy, aromatic depth to the dipping sauce that truly makes the flavors sing.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce brings everything together and tames the zing from the other ingredients.
• Fish Sauce: Just a spoonful packs in serious umami—don’t skip it! (Veggie alternatives work too; see variations below.)
• Fresh Lime Juice: A burst of acidity that brightens both the sauce and the peppers.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, toasty aroma and that subtle flavor you find in your favorite Asian dishes.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the salt and tang—trust me, it’s essential.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough heat to complement the peppers and warm up the sauce.
• Vegetable Oil: The high smoke point ensures slick, even blistering for beautifully charred peppers.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on at the end, a generous pinch brings everything to life and lends irresistible crunch.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on these Blistered Shishito Peppers with Tangy Dipping Sauce. The ingredients are flexible, and it’s oh-so-easy to customize for your preferences or whatever you happen to have on hand.

• Make it Vegan: Swap in vegan mayo and your favorite plant-based fish sauce or soy sauce for a totally animal-free appetizer.
• Add a Garlic Kick: Double the garlic in the sauce or add a sprinkle of garlic powder right over the freshly blistered peppers.
• Citrus Twist: Use lemon or yuzu juice instead of lime for a vibrant new dimension of tartness.
• Heat It Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the dipping sauce if you like some drama (or roll the dice and try some padron peppers instead of shishito).
• Sesame Sprinkle: Top the finished dish with a shower of toasted sesame seeds or furikake for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Blistered Shishito Peppers with Tangy Dipping Sauce

Step 1: Whip Up the Tangy Dipping Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, mayonnaise, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, toasted sesame oil, honey, and red pepper flakes. The sauce should be smooth and slightly runny—perfect for dipping! Taste and adjust with a bit more lime, honey, or fish sauce, if you’d like. This easy sauce can be made ahead and kept in the fridge, making the rest of the process totally stress-free.

Step 2: Heat Your Skillet

Heat your cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Let it get nice and hot—the oil should shimmer but not smoke. If you want to be extra careful on a smoky day, crack a window or turn on your fan, as blistering the peppers can get a little dramatic in the best way.

Step 3: Char the Peppers

Add the shishito peppers in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes; you’re looking for dark blisters to form on the undersides. Give them a good stir so another side can hit the pan, and cook for another 2 minutes—don’t keep stirring! The less you move them, the better the char.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

As soon as your shishito peppers are beautifully blistered on all sides but still a little snappy, remove them to a platter. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt while hot, so it sticks. Serve immediately with your homemade tangy sauce on the side and watch everyone dive in.

How to Serve Blistered Shishito Peppers with Tangy Dipping Sauce

Garnishes

For an extra pop, shower the platter with toasted sesame seeds, a dusting of flaky sea salt, or even a zigzag of extra sesame oil right before serving. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top brightens the entire dish and looks gorgeous on the table.

Side Dishes

Blistered shishito peppers with tangy dipping sauce make a dreamy starter for sushi night, but they’re also right at home next to grilled steak, teriyaki chicken, or a big bowl of fried rice. For something light, pair them with a fresh noodle salad or a simple miso soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these peppers piled high on a rustic wooden board, in a cast iron skillet straight from the stove, or even threaded onto skewers for a playful appetizer display. For parties, offer the tangy sauce in individual ramekins for easy, double-dipping-free sharing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover blistered shishito peppers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; the dipping sauce also keeps well, covered, for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for these peppers, as their tender, blistered texture just doesn’t hold up well once thawed. The sauce also loses its creamy consistency after freezing, so enjoy both fresh for best results.

Reheating

To quickly revive leftover peppers, toss them back in a hot skillet for just a minute or two, or briefly broil them on a sheet pan. Avoid microwaving, which makes them limp, and always serve with a fresh squeeze of lime and that tangy sauce to liven them up.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so delightful and communal about sharing a warm plate of Blistered Shishito Peppers with Tangy Dipping Sauce. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, a side, or a spontaneous snack with friends, they promise big flavor for minimal effort. Give them a try—once you start making them, you’ll crave that smoky, savory goodness again and again!

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