Seared Shishito Peppers on Creamy Garlicky Lemon Goat Cheese

Shishito peppers are so fun and delicious to eat! They’re mild (unless otherwise noted by variety), so it’s a great snack or side dish for anyone. In this recipe, you’ll sear up the peppers and plate them with a tangy, cool, and creamy goat cheese sauce that’s so light and refreshing. This dish is perfect for any warm weather side dish and if you needed another reason to give this recipe a try: it’s ready to eat in 15 minutes! Grilling? Perfect! Throw these on over direct heat instead of using the stovetop instructions. You won’t regret it!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Level: Easy

Ingredients - serves 2-4

  • 6-8oz of shishito peppers

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil

  • 4oz goat cheese

  • 5 tbsp. milk

  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice

  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder, plus extra for peppers

  • Salt and pepper

 

  1. Since the peppers are quick and easy to make, you should make the whipped goat cheese first! In a small mixer or a food processor, combine the goat cheese, the milk, the lemon juice, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, and a little salt and pepper. Blend until really smooth and creamy! Place in the refrigerator until serving time.

  2. To cook the peppers: heat up a skillet over heat that is JUST a tick below the highest setting. Add 2 tbsp olive oil and let that get hot for a minute before adding the peppers. If you recently washed your peppers, be sure they’re dried off before adding, otherwise they will splatter oil.

  3. Stir immediately to coat the peppers, and lightly season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Stir again to combine and get the peppers nice and flat on the skillet in ONE layer. Let them sear on one side (no touching them!) until dark brown and blistered. Flip to another side and blister once more for about a minute. If you want to sear on another give it one more minute on that side, then remove from the heat.

  4. To serve: cover the bottom of a plate or serving platter with the creamy goat cheese. Arrange peppers right on top and serve like that! Folks can grab them like finger food or serve to a plate with a spoon.

  5. To eat shishito peppers (no shame if you’ve never had them!): hold them by the stem and eat the pepper all the way up to the seedy part and toss the stem and seeds. Repeat until you run out of delicious, goat cheese sauced up peppers!