Shishito Peppers Recipe
yuzu-shishito kewpie. sweet soy. bonito flakes.
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Ingredients
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Peppers & finish
Yuzu-shishito kewpie (yuzu-infused kewpie mayo)
Sweet soy glaze
Method
Yuzu-shishito kewpie (yuzu-infused kewpie mayo)
- 1
Make yuzu kewpie
In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup Kewpie mayonnaise, 1 tsp yuzu juice, 1/4 tsp light soy sauce, 1/2 tsp mirin, 1/4 tsp sesame oil and 1/4 tsp sugar. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust yuzu or soy to balance bright citrus and umami. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare peppers. Makes enough to drizzle.
Sweet soy glaze
- 2
Reduce glaze
In a small saucepan combine 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp mirin, 1/2 tsp sugar and 1 tbsp water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat and stir until sugar dissolves. Reduce until slightly syrupy, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly — it will thicken a bit more as it cools.
Peppers & finish
- 3
Blister peppers
Rinse and thoroughly dry 12 shishito peppers. Heat a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high until very hot (about 2–3 minutes). Add 1.5 tbs neutral oil and swirl to coat. Add the peppers in a single layer (they may overlap slightly) and let cook undisturbed for 30–45 seconds until blistered on one side. Toss or turn peppers occasionally so they blister on most sides; total cooking time 4–6 minutes until evenly blistered and slightly charred in places. If any peppers have stems that look long, leave stems on for handling.
- 4
Season and sauce
Transfer blistered peppers to a serving plate. Immediately sprinkle with 1 tsp coarse flaky sea salt so it adheres. Drizzle the sweet soy glaze sparingly over the peppers (about half to three-quarters of the glaze — reserve a little for extra service). Then using a spoon, dot or lightly streak the yuzu-kewpie over the peppers. Aim for small dollops so each pepper has a bit of mayo.
- 5
Finish with bonito
Scatter 2 tbs bonito flakes over the dressed peppers. The heat will make the flakes move and impart smoky umami aroma. Serve hot as an appetizer or snack. Provide extra kewpie and extra glaze on the side if desired.