Introduction
Shishito peppers are a delightful Japanese appetizer, offering a mild, smoky flavor with an occasional spicy bite. Grilling them on the Arteflame grill enhances their taste with a perfect, blistered char. The addition of bonito flakes brings umami depth, making this dish a simple yet flavorful snack or side. Ready in minutes, these Japanese-style grilled shishito peppers will impress your guests with their smoky aroma and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 oz shishito peppers
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup bonito flakes
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill
- Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
- Place the soaked napkins in the center of the grill.
- Stack firewood over the paper.
- Light the napkins and allow the fire to develop. The grill will be ready in about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat the Cooktop
- Once the fire is established, allow the flat cooktop to reach medium-high heat.
- Place the shishito peppers near the center where it's hottest but not directly over an open flame.
Step 3: Grill the Shishito Peppers
- Spread the shishito peppers in a single layer on the griddle.
- Add the unsalted butter to the peppers and allow it to melt.
- Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over the peppers.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the peppers are blistered and slightly charred.
Step 4: Finish with Bonito Flakes
- Drizzle the soy sauce and optional toasted sesame oil over the grilled shishito peppers.
- Remove the peppers from the grill and place them on a serving plate.
- Sprinkle with bonito flakes. The heat from the peppers will slightly curl the flakes, enhancing their flavor.
- Garnish with sesame seeds, if using.
Tips
- For best results, use fresh shishito peppers; they should be firm and bright green.
- Keep an eye on them as they cook quickly and can burn if not turned frequently.
- For extra heat, add a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes or spice-infused soy sauce.
- Pair them with a cold Japanese beer for the ultimate experience.
- Always remove your meat or vegetables from the grill slightly before your desired doneness, as they continue cooking after removal.
Variations
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Garlic Butter Shishito Peppers: Add minced garlic to the butter for an aromatic twist.
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Spicy Sriracha Peppers: Toss in a drizzle of Sriracha sauce before serving for extra heat.
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Miso Glazed Peppers: Mix miso paste with soy sauce for extra umami flavor.
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Citrus Soy Shishito: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a fresh, zesty contrast.
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Sesame Tamari Peppers: Replace soy sauce with tamari and top with roasted sesame seeds.
Best Pairings
- Chilled Japanese Sapporo or Asahi beer
- A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied sake
- Grilled teriyaki chicken or salmon
- Steamed white rice with furikake seasoning
Conclusion
Grilling shishito peppers on the Arteflame grill brings out their natural smokiness and creates a delicious umami-packed dish. Whether served as a snack or a side, this easy recipe will become a favorite at your cookouts. Try the variations for different flavor profiles!