Charred Shishito Peppers with Lime and Cotija Cheese: A Zesty Side Dish Delight

Introduction

Shishito peppers, a mild variety often found in East Asian cuisine, are quickly becoming a culinary favorite across the globe. With their thin skin and sweet, subtle heat, these peppers offer an excellent base for a range of flavors. Our Charred Shishito Peppers recipe brings together the smoky essence of char-grilled peppers with the bright zest of lime and the salty tang of Cotija cheese to create a side dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for your next outdoor barbecue or as a unique addition to a tapas night, these peppers are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

For this simple yet scrumptious dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• Shishito Peppers: 1 pound, fresh and whole
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin is preferred
• Sea Salt: To taste
• Lime: Zest and juice of 1 lime
• Cotija Cheese: 1/4 cup, crumbled
• Cilantro: A handful, freshly chopped (optional for garnish)
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing Your Peppers

1. Wash your shishito peppers thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt and pat them dry with a paper towel.
2. In a bowl, toss the peppers with olive oil until they are evenly coated. This will help them char nicely and prevent sticking to the grill.

Step 2: Grilling the Peppers

1. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, place the shishito peppers on the grill in a single layer. Grill the peppers, turning occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes, or until they blister and char in spots. The smoky flavor will infuse into the peppers, giving them a deliciously crisp exterior.

Step 3: Adding the Flavor

1. Transfer the hot grilled peppers to a serving plate.
2. Sprinkle immediately with sea salt; this will help the salt stick to the peppers and enhance their flavor.
3. Drizzle the lime juice evenly over the peppers for a citrusy kick.
4. Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Final Touches

1. Generously crumble Cotija cheese over the warm peppers, allowing it to slightly melt from the heat.
2. Zest the lime directly over the plated peppers for an aromatic burst of flavor.
3. If desired, garnish with chopped cilantro for an added fresh note.

Tips and Tricks

• Heat Level: Shishito peppers are generally mild, but about 1 in 10 peppers could be spicy. This adds a fun and unpredictable element to the dish!
• Cheese Alternatives: If Cotija cheese is hard to find, you can substitute with feta cheese for a similar salty profile.
• Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately as the heat from the peppers will soften the cheese and meld the flavors together beautifully.

Conclusion

Shishito peppers are an incredibly versatile ingredient that works well with the bright acidity of lime and the rich saltiness of Cotija cheese. This dish presents a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking to spice up your side dish repertoire or aiming to impress with a new appetizer, Charred Shishito Peppers with Lime and Cotija Cheese is a must-try recipe that’s both effortless to prepare and a treat for the senses. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a complement to your favorite main course.