Pan Fried Padron or Shishito Peppers

Next time you want a snack, do what they do in Spain. Prepare these simple tasty Pan Fried Padron or Shishito peppers. Better than chips..

Pan Fried Padron or Shishito Peppers

The story behind Pan Fried Padron or Shishito Peppers

A printer-friendly recipe card can be found at the bottom of this post

Padron peppers have been used in Spanish tapas for years.  But now there’s a new kid in town.  The Shishito.  Are they the same pepper?  No, not really.  But they are darn close and I think they can be used interchangeably. Especially for this preparation.

Cooking Pardon or Shishito peppers is simple and delicious.

What’s the difference between a Padron and a Shishito?

Both peppers are long, slender, and thin-skinned.  Both of them are generally mild, with Padron having a bit more spiciness throughout a batch, but still, neither one is overly hot.  As a matter of fact, I can safely say I have not had a “hot” one in any of the batches of peppers I have consumed, either at home or in a restaurant. Padron, the Spanish version shows heat in about 1 in 20, with Shishito, the Japanese version claims heat in 1 in 10. I’ve probably eaten at least 200 and haven’t gone, “Wow, that was hot.”

Yet.

But they are tasty!

The hardest part of this recipe is going to be finding the pepper, be it Padron or Shishito.  Many farmer’s markets carry them, at least here in Sonoma County, during the summer months.  Some smaller or fine food markets with good produce sections will carry them when they are in season, but they are so easy to grow yourself that there is no reason not too.  They grow very well in containers and a couple of plants will give you enough peppers to satisfy your pepper cravings.  While some purists might insist they can tell the difference between them, I grew both this past summer and mixed and matched them as they became ripe noticing little difference in taste or texture.

 Everything you need to prepare Pan Fried Padron or Shishito Peppers

Cooking the peppers

Cooking Padron or Shishito peppers is simple.  Heat a pan over medium-high heat (this is a great time to use that cast iron skillet); add some olive oil, then add the peppers.  Step back as they will sizzle and splatter.  That’s what happens when you add something that contains water to hot oil, old rule of thumb, we all know it…oil and water don’t mix.  But they do fry, so add the peppers carefully, and toss them using some tongs or by tossing them in the pan like a pro, then when they are nice and blistered and browned and collapsed, turn off the heat and squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top then sprinkle them generously with salt, preferably kosher or fleur del sel.

Grab an end and eat them right up to that end cap and stem, seeds and all.

Delish.

So next time you crave a snack, put down the chips and have a bowl of Pan Fried Padron or Shishito peppers instead.

Yield: 2 servings

Pan Fried Padron or Shishito Peppers

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Next time you want a snack, do what they do in Spain. Prepare these simple tasty Pan Fried Padron or Shishito peppers

Prep Time 2 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 7 minutes

Ingredients

• Fresh Padron or Shishito peppers (as many as you like or can get)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, as needed
• 1 lime
• Kosher or Fleur de Sel salt

Instructions

Step 1

Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, when the oil is hot, step back and add the peppers ( there will be splatter, you can try and use a splatter guard here, but I don't find them all that effective and just plan to have to wipe my stove afterward ). Toss the peppers using tongs until well browned, blistered and soft. Remove from the heat and squeeze the lime juice over the top, give them a good toss. Sprinkle them generously with salt. Serve warm.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 70Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 537mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 2gProtein: 2g

Nutritional values may not be 100% accurate