The unique Shishito Pepper isn’t just for gourmet restaurant menus. Now that Pure Flavor® has brought this savory, versatile ingredient into homes across the country as a part of the Craft House Collection, we thought we would explore how easy it is for anyone and everyone to cook Shishito Peppers at home using the all-new BBQ & Oven Grill Pack. With the help of Andrea from Loubies and Lulu, let’s look at some simple recipes you can make tonight that will bring out the Chef in You.
In restaurants across the country, there’s been one ingredient that has captured the imaginations of chefs and foodies alike: Shishito Peppers. At first, this mystifying pepper drew the attention of only the most savvy, expert chefs who were looking for new and exciting specialty ingredients to include in their menus. Today, the Pure Flavor® Craft House Collection allows you to create your own five-star menu without leaving your kitchen.
The Shishito Pepper is a mysterious little bite-sized pepper that leaves a big impression. It gets its name from the Japanese words for lion (獅子 shishi) and chili peppers (唐辛子 tōgarashi). And it’s no wonder – 1 in 10 have an elusive spark of heat, meaning shishitos can roar like a mighty lion without any warning!
On the Scoville scale, which chili heads use to measure the heat of a pepper, Shishitos are typically about 50 to 200 Scovilles. In other words, they’re normally not much hotter than a Bell Pepper. However, you never know when you’re going to bite into one that’s a bit spicier at 2,500 Scovilles – about as hot as a Jalapeño.
Busy moms like our friend Andrea from Loubies and Lulu love Shishito Peppers for their incredible versatility (in addition to their enticing, savory flavor). Just like in the culinary world where shishitos are used for a full range of styles and cuisines.
From gourmet appetizers like Crab Rangoon Stuffed Shishito Peppers, to hip Japanese dishes like Tempura, to Mexican cantina Chicken Tacos Al Pastor, there is no limit to how you can incorporate them into your everyday at-home menu.
Grilled, pan-fried, baked, battered, broiled, sautéed, stuffed – you name it, Shishito Peppers will always bring the flavor.
One of our favorite ways to enjoy their unique flavor is super simple: toss in olive oil with a little bit of salt and pepper, maybe some freshly squeezed lemon juice, and then pan fry or broil until they’re slightly charred. Pick them by the stem and enjoy in one bite!
With the all new BBQ & Oven Grill Pack, it’s even easier to make this restaurant-quality finger food at home. Simply preheat your oven at 400ºF, mix in your oil, salt, pepper and lemon, and broil for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking every now and then to make sure they char evenly.
When Andrea makes this for her family between school and dinner time, she prepares three of her favorite dipping sauces in advance. Each of her kids likes a different one of course, but they all love how it complements the zesty flavor of her shishito recipe!
Her first dip is a homemade, classic American ranch that is so simple to make that you’ll question why you’ve ever bought store-bought ranch dressing in the first place. It’s a three-step process with only a few ingredients like coconut milk, egg, red wine vinegar, lemon juice and fresh cilantro.
Her second recipe is a rich Mediterranean-style aioli made with Kalamata olives, roasted garlic, mayo and lemon juice. It’s equal parts zesty and creamy, but it doesn’t overpower the incredible flavor of the charred shishito peppers.
Finally, Andrea’s third recipe is an umami Asian-style dipping sauce that harkens to the pepper’s Japanese origins. Her Tangy Sesame sauce is made with tahini, coconut aminos – a low sodium and slightly sweeter alternative to soy sauce – garlic, sesame seeds and parsley.
Now, more than ever, busy families want to enjoy gourmet restaurant fare from the comfort of their own home. They want to take charge of their kitchen and experiment, but without the hassle and without the mess.
Craft House Collection Shishito Peppers are here in a convenient all-in-one pack to help you discover the Chef in You. With the easy clean up BBQ & Bake Grill Pack, you’re only two steps away from enjoying delicious homecooked appetizers your whole family will enjoy.
To view, download or print the full recipe, click here.
