Nobu Shishito Peppers are a delicious, simple-to-make appetizer that combines the earthy, slightly sweet flavor of shishito peppers with savory, rich flavors from sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a side dish or snack, this dish is inspired by the famed Nobu restaurant and is ideal for impressing guests with minimal effort. The peppers are blistered in a skillet, coated in a savory sauce, and topped with toasted sesame seeds for an irresistible bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon roasted sesame oil

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 6 ounces shishito peppers

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 2 1/2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

• 3/4 teaspoon Sriracha sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon agave syrup

• Garnish: toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Rinse the shishito peppers under cold water and dry them. Finely chop the garlic and prepare your seasonings.

2. Heat the Oil:

   • In a large skillet, heat the roasted sesame oil over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot enough to create a nice sizzle when you add the garlic.

3. Sauté the Garlic:

   • Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until golden. Be careful not to burn it.

4. Cook the Shishito Peppers:

   • Add the shishito peppers to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become blistered and tender.

5. Season the Peppers:

   • Once the peppers are blistered, add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, Sriracha sauce, and agave syrup. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the peppers.

6. Serve:

   • Remove from heat, transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 104 kcal

• Fat: 8g

• Carbohydrates: 5g

• Protein: 1g

• Sodium: 250mg

Why Choose Nobu Shishito Peppers?

Shishito peppers are known for their mild heat, which makes them an excellent choice for those who want a little spice without overwhelming their taste buds. The blistering process in a hot skillet enhances the natural sweetness of the peppers, while the sauce—made from sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, Sriracha, and agave syrup—adds a savory depth with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. The toasted sesame seeds not only add a delightful crunch but also enhance the flavor with their nutty taste.

One of the reasons Nobu Shishito Peppers are so appealing is their versatility. They can be served as a standalone appetizer, a side dish to complement a main course, or even a topping for rice bowls or salads. The preparation is simple and quick, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced cooks. The balance of flavors and textures—blistered peppers, savory sauce, and crunchy sesame seeds—create a delicious bite that’s sure to impress.

The Key Ingredients in Nobu Shishito Peppers

The simplicity of the ingredients in Nobu Shishito Peppers is part of what makes this dish so exceptional. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect bite.

• Shishito Peppers: These mild peppers are the star of the dish. Their thin skin crisps up beautifully when blistered in the skillet, releasing their slightly sweet, smoky flavor. Most of the peppers are mild, but occasionally you’ll find a spicy one, which adds an element of surprise and fun to the dish.

• Roasted Sesame Oil: This oil adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the peppers beautifully. It’s essential for creating the savory base of the dish, giving it that warm, toasty undertone that makes the peppers irresistible.

• Garlic: The addition of garlic enhances the dish with its aromatic and slightly pungent flavor, providing depth to the overall taste.

• Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a classic ingredient that brings a salty, umami-rich component to the sauce. Using reduced-sodium soy sauce helps keep the salt content in check while maintaining that savory flavor.

• Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar balances out the savory and sweet elements in the sauce with a subtle tang. It cuts through the richness of the sesame oil and soy sauce, giving the dish a refreshing acidity.

• Sriracha Sauce: This chili sauce adds the perfect amount of heat and spice, but it’s adjustable based on your preference. It brings a sharp, tangy kick that elevates the flavor of the peppers without overpowering them.

• Agave Syrup: Agave syrup adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce, helping to balance the heat from the Sriracha and the saltiness from the soy sauce. It’s a mild sweetener that enhances the overall harmony of flavors.

• Toasted Sesame Seeds: The garnish of toasted sesame seeds adds a satisfying crunch and deepens the nutty flavor of the dish, giving it an extra layer of texture and flavor.

How to Adjust the Flavor Profile

One of the great things about Nobu Shishito Peppers is how easy it is to adjust the flavor to suit your taste. If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the amount of Sriracha or even add some fresh chopped chili peppers. For those who prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of Sriracha or omit it altogether. Additionally, if you’re looking for a slightly sweeter dish, you can add a bit more agave syrup or substitute it with honey for a different sweet note.

If you’re not a fan of soy sauce, you can experiment with tamari or coconut aminos as a substitute to make the dish gluten-free or to add a different flavor profile. Rice vinegar can also be swapped with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar if you prefer a different type of acidity.

Perfect for Entertaining

Nobu Shishito Peppers are an ideal appetizer for any gathering. They are quick to prepare, visually appealing, and full of flavors that will have your guests coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or a casual get-together, this dish can easily be scaled up to serve a crowd. Since the peppers cook quickly in a hot skillet, you can make them on the spot, ensuring they are served piping hot and bursting with flavor.

This dish also pairs well with other appetizers like sushi, tempura, or small bites like dumplings or spring rolls, making it a great addition to any Asian-inspired spread. Additionally, it can complement a wide range of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes, as a side that adds a pop of flavor and color.

The Benefits of Shishito Peppers

Shishito peppers are not just delicious but also packed with nutrients. They are rich in vitamins A and C, which help support a healthy immune system and maintain healthy skin. The peppers also contain fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. While shishito peppers are generally mild in heat, they also contain capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy sensation in hot peppers. Capsaicin has been linked to various health benefits, including boosting metabolism and promoting fat burning.

While the addition of sesame oil and soy sauce brings some fat and sodium to the dish, the overall nutritional profile remains balanced, especially when considering the low-calorie count of shishito peppers themselves.

Conclusion

Nobu Shishito Peppers are a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to impress anyone who tries them. The blistered peppers, combined with the savory and slightly sweet sauce, create a perfect appetizer or side dish that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that embodies the spirit of Nobu’s culinary excellence, making it a wonderful addition to any meal or gathering. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, these peppers are guaranteed to deliver bold flavors and a delightful eating experience.