Spicy Roasted Shishito Peppers with Ponzu Drizzle
This vibrant appetizer brings the perfect balance of flavor and excitement to your table. Inspired by a dining experience at the Cheesecake Factory, I decided to transform a rather bland dish into a bold flavor explosion. These roasted shishito peppers are infused with the umami richness of ponzu sauce, a hint of heat from habanero sauce, and an invigorating kick from a blend of Nanami Togarashi and ground Szechuan peppercorns. The peppers become slightly charred in the oven, creating a delightful smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with their sweet, tender flesh. Perfect for gatherings or as a unique side dish, these spicy roasted shishito peppers are sure to impress your guests and elevate your appetizer game!
N/A
Servings
38
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shishito Peppers
1/2 lb (Rinsed and patted dry)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Ponzu Sauce
1 tablespoon (None)
Nanami Togarashi
1 tablespoon (None)
Habanero Sauce
1 teaspoon (None)
Ground Szechuan Peppercorns
1/8 teaspoon (Used sparingly to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Rinse the shishito peppers under cool water and pat dry with a paper towel.
3
In a small bowl, combine Nanami togarashi and ground Szechuan peppercorns. Use caution when adding the Szechuan peppercorns as they have a potent flavor; add a pinch and taste to avoid overwhelming the dish.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, ponzu sauce, nanami togarashi, habanero sauce, and the prepared Szechuan peppercorn blend until well combined.
5
Add the cleaned shishito peppers to the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the spicy oil mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to toss them gently.
6
Spread the coated peppers evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
7
Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even roasting. Keep an eye on them; you want a slight char without burning.
8
Remove from the oven once they are blistered and slightly blackened. Serve immediately, drizzling with a bit more ponzu sauce if desired and an extra shake of Nanami togarashi for an added kick.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Carbs
0.5g
Protein
0.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spicy Roasted Shishito Peppers with Ponzu Drizzle?
This is a vibrant appetizer featuring shishito peppers roasted until charred and seasoned with a blend of ponzu sauce, habanero sauce, and Nanami Togarashi.
How long does it take to roast the peppers?
The shishito peppers should be roasted in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 20 minutes.
What is the spice level of this recipe?
This recipe has a significant kick due to the combination of habanero sauce, Nanami Togarashi, and ground Szechuan peppercorns.
Are all shishito peppers spicy?
Generally, shishito peppers are mild, but about one in every ten peppers can be surprisingly spicy.
What is Nanami Togarashi?
Nanami Togarashi is a Japanese chili pepper spice blend that typically includes chili pepper, orange peel, sesame seeds, ginger, and seaweed.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian, and as long as your ponzu sauce does not contain fish products (like dashi), it is vegan-friendly.
What is Ponzu sauce?
Ponzu is a citrus-based Japanese sauce with a tart, tangy flavor that provides an umami richness to the dish.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 38 calories per serving of these roasted shishito peppers.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, each serving contains only about 1.5g of carbohydrates, making it a great low-carb snack.
How do I prepare the peppers before roasting?
Rinse the peppers under cool water and ensure they are patted completely dry with a paper towel before coating them in oil.
Why should I use Szechuan peppercorns sparingly?
Ground Szechuan peppercorns have a very potent, numbing flavor that can easily overwhelm the dish if too much is added.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for optimal roasting and charring.
Do I need to stir the peppers while roasting?
Yes, you should stir the peppers halfway through the 20-minute roasting time to ensure they roast evenly on all sides.
Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?
While the recipe specifies an oven, you can use an air fryer at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Should the peppers be blackened?
You want the peppers to be blistered and slightly blackened or charred, but not completely burned.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for one tablespoon of olive oil to coat the peppers.
Is there a lot of protein in this dish?
No, this is a light appetizer with approximately 0.5g of protein per serving.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served immediately while the peppers are hot and blistered for the best texture and flavor.
How do I serve these peppers?
Serve them immediately on a platter, optionally drizzled with extra ponzu and a shake of togarashi.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a dish at the Cheesecake Factory that the creator felt needed a bolder, more explosive flavor profile.
What if I can't find shishito peppers?
You can substitute with Padron peppers, which have a similar size and flavor profile when roasted.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on your ponzu sauce; many contain soy sauce with wheat, so use a certified gluten-free ponzu if necessary.
How many ingredients are required?
This recipe requires 6 main ingredients: shishito peppers, olive oil, ponzu sauce, Nanami Togarashi, habanero sauce, and Szechuan peppercorns.
Do I need to remove the stems?
No, shishito peppers are typically roasted and served with the stems attached; you simply hold the stem while eating the pepper.
What kind of baking sheet should I use?
Any standard baking sheet will work, but lining it with parchment paper is recommended for easy cleanup.
Is this considered a healthy snack?
Yes, it is a healthy, low-calorie, and fiber-containing vegetable-based appetizer.
What does 'blistered' mean in this context?
Blistered refers to the skin of the pepper puffing up and browning due to high heat, which creates a smoky flavor.
Can I omit the habanero sauce?
Yes, if you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce or omit the habanero sauce entirely.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
There is approximately 0.5g of fiber per serving.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
No, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe contains zero cholesterol.