Imagine a dish that's simultaneously mysterious, delicious, and impossibly easy to make - welcome to the world of Shishito Peppers with Goat Cheese Chili Sauce! These little green peppers are like culinary Russian roulette, with most being mild and delightful, but occasionally hiding a surprisingly spicy surprise. Perfect for adventurous food lovers and those looking to impress guests with minimal cooking skills, this Japanese-inspired appetizer transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy sensation that will have everyone asking, "What is this magical dish?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Japanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound shishito peppers
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by washing the shishito peppers under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan, but not so much that the peppers are swimming in it.
- Once the oil is hot, add the shishito peppers to the skillet. Sauté the peppers for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are blistered and charred in spots. The skin should be slightly wrinkled and tender.
- While the peppers are cooking, prepare the goat cheese chili sauce. In a small bowl, combine the goat cheese and chili sauce. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Adjust the ratio of goat cheese to chili sauce according to your taste preference, adding more chili sauce for extra heat if desired.
- Once the shishito peppers are cooked, remove them from the heat. Season them with salt to taste while they are still hot, allowing the salt to adhere to the surface.
- To serve, arrange the blistered shishito peppers on a serving platter. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for added flavor and shine.
- Serve the goat cheese chili sauce on the side for dipping or drizzle it directly over the peppers, depending on your preference. Enjoy your delicious shishito peppers with goat cheese chili sauce as an appetizer or side dish!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Peppers: Look for bright green, firm shishito peppers without blemishes or soft spots.
- High Heat is Key: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to get those perfect charred spots.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook peppers in a single layer to ensure even blistering.
- Watch Carefully: Peppers can go from perfectly charred to burnt quickly, so stay attentive.
- Customize Your Sauce: Adjust the goat cheese to chili sauce ratio to match your heat tolerance.
- Serve Immediately: These peppers are best enjoyed hot and fresh off the skillet.
- Optional Garnish: Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
