Grilled Shishito Peppers with Lemon and Sea Salt on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

Grilled shishito peppers are a quick and easy appetizer or side dish that packs a ton of flavor. These mild, slightly smoky peppers are perfect for grilling on the Arteflame grill, where they get a nice char that enhances their natural sweetness. With just a touch of lemon and sea salt, these peppers are a simple yet delicious treat.

Ingredients

• 1 pound shishito peppers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt or flaky salt
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Preheat your Arteflame grill to medium-high heat. The flat cooktop is ideal for grilling shishito peppers, allowing them to char beautifully without falling through the grates.

2. Prepare the Shishito Peppers

In a large bowl, toss the shishito peppers with olive oil until they are evenly coated. This will help them char nicely on the grill and prevent sticking.

3. Grill the Peppers

Place the shishito peppers directly on the hot cooktop of the Arteflame grill. Grill the peppers for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs, until they are blistered and slightly charred on all sides. The peppers should be tender but still have a slight crunch.

4. Season and Serve

Once the peppers are grilled to perfection, remove them from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with sea salt or flaky salt and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top.

For an extra touch of flavor, you can garnish the peppers with sesame seeds or drizzle them with a bit of soy sauce.

Serve the grilled shishito peppers hot as an appetizer or side dish.

Tips for the Best Grilled Shishito Peppers

• Even Charring: Turn the peppers frequently on the grill to ensure they blister evenly on all sides.
• Serving Size: Shishito peppers are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, so grill them in small batches if you're serving a crowd.
• Spicy Surprise: Most shishito peppers are mild, but occasionally, you'll get one with a bit of heat. It's part of the fun of eating them!

Variations

1. Garlic Shishito Peppers: Toss the peppers with minced garlic before grilling for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Spicy Shishito Peppers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
3. Soy-Ginger Shishito Peppers: After grilling, toss the peppers with a mixture of soy sauce and grated fresh ginger for an Asian-inspired twist.
4. Cheesy Shishito Peppers: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese over the grilled peppers for a savory, cheesy finish.
5. Shishito Pepper Skewers: Thread the peppers onto skewers before grilling for a fun, easy-to-serve appetizer.

Best Pairings

• Drink: Pair with a light, crisp beer or a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a larger spread of appetizers.
• Dessert: Finish the meal with a light, fruity dessert like sorbet or fresh berries.

Conclusion

Grilled shishito peppers with lemon and sea salt are a simple, flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of smoky, charred peppers with the bright zing of lemon and the crunch of sea salt makes these peppers irresistible. Serve them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, and watch them disappear in no time.