Shishito peppers are small, delicious pepper that is popular in Japanese cuisine. They have a sweet and mild taste and are commonly eaten whole.
Have you ever cooked with shishito peppers before? What do you do if you can’t find them at your grocery store?
Don’t worry, and You’ll be surprised at how many different options there are to substitute for shishito peppers!
In this blog, we will discuss many different substitutes for shishito peppers like Bell pepper, Pimento, Banana pepper, Poblano pepper, Anaheim, Siling haba, Ají Dulce, etc. can use in your favorite recipes.
If you want to find all information in a single place, then stay with me; here, I also share my all-time best list.
So, Let’s get started with your favorite balcony coffee.
What are shishito peppers?
Shishito peppers are a type of chili pepper that is typically quite mild in terms of heat. Nevertheless, there’s always the chance that you will encounter a “hot” shishito pepper, which can add some spice to your dish.
These peppers are popular in Japanese cuisine and are often used as an appetizer.
They can be grilled, roasted, or fried and are typically served with a soy-based dipping sauce. Shishito peppers can also be used in other dishes, such as stir-fries or rice bowls.
If you’re looking for something different, then give shishito peppers a try!
What can I use instead of shishito peppers?
You can use Padrón peppers, Bell pepper, Pimento, Banana pepper, Poblano pepper, Anaheim, Siling haba, Ají Dulce, Piquante pepper, Korean chili, Friggitelli, Cherry, Jalapeno peppers, etc. instead of shishito peppers.
What is a good substitute for shishito pepper?
1. Padrón peppers, a similarly used pepper in Spain
Padrón peppers are a type of chili pepper that originates from the municipality of Padrón in the province of A Coruña, northwestern Spain.
Padrón peppers are typically small and green, but they can also be red or yellow.
The peppers have a mild flavor when eaten raw, but they can become quite spicy if they are cooked or roasted.
The peppers are commonly used in dishes such as Spanish omelet (tortilla de patatas), stir-fried dishes, and as a pizza topping.
In this recipe, we will be substituting Padrón peppers for shishito peppers. These peppers are similar in that they are both small, thin-skinned, and have a mild flavor.
However, the Padrón pepper is slightly sweeter and milder than the shishito pepper.
When choosing your Padrón peppers, look for ones that are bright green and firm to the touch. Avoid peppers that are starting to wrinkle or turn red, as these will be past their prime.
To prepare the peppers, simply wash them under cool water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, cut off the stem end and slice the peppers into thin strips.
Now, it’s time to cook the peppers! Heat a big skillet over a medium-high flame and add oil. Once the oil is hot, next add the peppers and cook for 3-5 minutes, occasionally stirring, until they are blistered and slightly charred.
Serve the peppers immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
2. Bell pepper
Bell peppers are a popular vegetable that comes in various colors, including green, red, yellow, and orange.
It can be taken raw, as well as in cooked dishes such as stews and stir-fries, or pickled. They’re usually applied as a garnish or added to salads. Bell peppers can also be stuffed with meat, rice, or other vegetables.
Bell peppers can be long and slender or short and squat. They are typically bright in color and have smooth, glossy skin.
They are typically mild in flavor, so the dish may not be as spicy if you use bell peppers instead of shishito peppers.
Bell peppers can be substituted for shishito peppers in most recipes. When substituting bell peppers for shishito peppers, it is important to note that the heat level of the dish may be affected.
Additionally, the dish’s flavor may differ since bell peppers have a sweeter flavor than shishito peppers.
If you’re searching to replicate the taste of shishito peppers, you may want to consider using a combination of bell peppers and other types of peppers, such as jalapeños or serrano peppers.
Overall, bell peppers are a good substitution for shishito peppers in most recipes.
Just be sure to take into account the different flavors and heat levels when substituting so that you can adjust the recipe accordingly.
3. Pimento – Milder Alternative to Shishito peppers
Pimento peppers are one of the milder varieties of chili pepper. Pimentos are native to South America but are now grown in many countries around the world. The majority of commercial pimentos are grown in California.
Pimentos are small red peppers that have a sweet, slightly spicy flavor. They are often used in cooking as a flavoring agent or as a decoration.
Pimento peppers are a variety of chili pepper that is typically used as a spice or seasoning. It is sometimes referred to as the “allspice berry.”
Pimento peppers can be substituted for shishito peppers in a variety of dishes, including stuffed olives, antipasto salads, and pimento cheese spread.
They can also be utilized as a garnish or added to soups and stews for flavor.
When cooking, it is important to keep in mind that pimento peppers are more pungent than shishito peppers, so you may want to use fewer of them or adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Additionally, pimento peppers are redder in color than shishito peppers, so your dish may have a slightly different appearance.
Overall, substituting pimento peppers for shishito peppers is a simple way to change up the flavor of a dish without having to make major changes.
4. Use Banana pepper in place of shishito peppers
Banana peppers are a kind of chili pepper that obtains their name from their shape, which is similar to that of a banana.
They are particularly popular in the United States, where they are often used as pickled vegetables.
They are relatively mild in terms of heat, but they can still pack a bit of a punch.
One of the most popular uses for banana peppers is in dishes like pizzas and salads, where their sweetness can help to offset the spiciness of other ingredients.
In terms of appearance, banana peppers can vary quite a bit, depending on the variety; some are short and stubby, but others are long and thin.
They can be yellow, green, or even red when they are ripe.
If you’re looking for a bit of sweetness in your dishes, banana peppers are a great option. Just be cautious not to exaggerate it, as they can still pack some heat!
If you want to make a more traditional shishito pepper dish, then you should stick with using the shishito peppers.
Finally, making shishito pepper dishes, you can substitute banana peppers for the shishito peppers. This will alter the dish’s flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.
5. Poblano pepper
They are named after the city of Puebla, Mexico, where they were first grown. Poblano peppers are typically dark green in color but can also be red or brown.
Poblano peppers are an excellent substitute for shishito peppers. Poblano peppers are one of the most popular types of chili peppers.
They have a similar flavor and can be used in many of the same dishes.
The flesh of poblano peppers is thick and crunchy, with a slightly sweet flavor. When dried, poblano peppers are known as ancho peppers.
Poblano peppers are popular in dishes such as chili con carne, enchiladas, and stuffed peppers. They can also be used to make spicy salsa or pesto.
Poblano peppers are usually milder than shishito peppers, so you may want to adjust the amount of spice in your dish accordingly.
Try using poblano peppers in stir-fries, fajitas, or even as a topping for pizza. If you can’t find poblano peppers, another good substitute is Anaheim peppers.
6. Try Anaheim instead of shishito peppers
Anaheim peppers are a variety of chili pepper that originated in the city of Anaheim, California.
They’re one of the most famous chili peppers in the United States and are often used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
They are famous for their mild flavor and versatility in cooking and can be used both fresh and cooked.
Anaheim peppers can be used in different dishes, including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, salsa, and chili.
While they are often used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, they can also be used in other dishes such as stir-fries, pasta dishes, and pizzas.
Anaheim peppers have a thin skin that is easy to remove and a flesh that is mild and slightly sweet.
Anaheim peppers are a variety of chili pepper commonly used as a substitute for shishito peppers. When substituting Anaheim peppers for shishito peppers, it is important to adjust the amount of pepper used to taste.
You may also use fresh green Anaheim chile peppers to grill or blister in hot olive oil. Anaheims are larger and a little hotter.
7. Siling Haba– Good Shishito peppers Alternative
Suppose you can’t find shishito peppers, no worries! Siling Haba peppers make a great substitute.
These peppers are identical in size and shape to shishito peppers and have a slightly sweet flavor with just a touch of heat.
Siling Haba peppers are a type of chili pepper that is popular in East and Southeast Asia.
The peppers are small and slender, and they have a very high level of heat. They are often used in stir-fries, soups, and other dishes where a lot of flavors are desired.
Siling Haba peppers are mostly found in China, Taiwan, and Thailand. In Thailand, they are also known as “bird’s eye chili peppers” due to their small size.
These peppers are popular for their intense flavor, but they can also be quite spicy.
They’re perfect for grilling or roasting and will be sure to impress your guests.
So next time you’re in the mood for something a little bit different, give siling haba peppers a try. You won’t be disappointed!
8. Ají Dulce – A great replacement for shishito peppers
Ají dulce peppers are a type of chili pepper that is native to the Caribbean. These peppers are often used in Puerto Rican and Dominican cuisine.
The peppers are mostly found in Puerto Rico, where they are popular for their use in sofrito and other sauces.
When cooked, Ají dulce peppers can take on a range of flavors, from sweet to spicy.
They can be used in place of shishito peppers in many recipes.
When substituting these peppers for shishito peppers, you may need to adjust the amount of heat in the recipe.
9. Piquante pepper
While piquante peppers are most commonly found in Latin American cuisine, they are also popular in Asian and Indian dishes.
Piquante peppers are a type of chili pepper that is typically used in Cajun and Creole cuisine.
These peppers can be used fresh, dried, or pickled.
These peppers can be used in place of shishito peppers in any recipe because piquante peppers have a similar flavor to shishito peppers, but they are slightly spicier.
When substituting piquante peppers for shishito peppers, you may want to reduce the number of other spices in the recipe to balance out the heat.
When using fresh piquante peppers, it is important to remove the seeds and ribs before cooking, as these parts of the pepper contain the majority of the heat.
10. Korean chili
Korean chili peppers are a great substitute for shishito peppers. These peppers have a bright red color and a slightly fruity flavor.
Korean chili peppers are one of the most popular peppers in Korea for their unique flavor and heat level and are mostly found in powder form.
They are also known as gochugaru and are typically used to add heat and spice to dishes like kimchi and bulgogi, and can also be used to make a variety of sauces and condiments. You can try my best to substitute the list on Gochujang.
When cooking with Korean chili peppers, it is important to use them sparingly, as they can easily overpower a dish.
Korean chili peppers are a little spicier than shishito peppers, so you may want to modify the amount of pepper you use per your preference.
When substituting Korean chili peppers for shishito peppers, be sure to remove the seeds and ribs before cooking to avoid making the dish too spicy.
11. Why not try Friggitelli! In place of shishito peppers
Friggitelli peppers are a type of chili pepper that originated in Italy. They are also known as sweet Italian frying peppers.
Friggitelli peppers are mild in terms of heat, and they are often used in dishes where a little bit of spice is desired.
These peppers can be found fresh or jarred, and they are popular for their sweet taste.
They typically range in color from green to red. When cooked, these peppers will soften and become slightly sweeter in flavor.
Friggitelli peppers can be used in place of shishito peppers in recipes.
When substituting, keep in mind that Friggitelli peppers may be hotter than shishito peppers, so adjust the amount used accordingly.
12. Cherry- A Good Subs for Shishito Peppers
Cherry peppers are native to Central and South America, but they are also grown in the United States, Europe, and Asia.
In the United States, they’re most typically found in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Cherry peppers are tiny, round chili peppers with a bright red color.
When ripe, cherry peppers turn red or orange. Some varieties of cherry peppers are hot, while others are mild.
The most popular varieties of cherry peppers include the Hungarian wax pepper, the Italian sweet pepper, and the Spanish piquillo pepper.
Cherry peppers can be eaten fresh, pickled, or roasted. They are also a common ingredient in hot sauces and other condiments.
Cherry peppers can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, salsa, pasta sauce, and pizzas. They are popular for their sweetness and crunchy texture.
If you’re looking for a little more spice in your life, try substituting cherry peppers for shishito peppers.
These little peppers pack a big punch, and they’ll definitely give your dish a flavor boost.
Just be cautious not to overdo it – a few cherry peppers can go a long way!
13. Jalapeno peppers – For extra Kick
Jalapeño peppers are a type of chili pepper that is typically used in Mexican cuisine. They can be used in place of shishito peppers in any recipe.
They are usually milder than shishito peppers, but some may be quite spicy.
When substituting jalapeños for shishito peppers, it is important to take into account the different levels of heat that they offer.
It is best to taste a few before adding them to your dish so you can gauge the level of heat.
If you want your dish to be milder, you may want to remove the seeds and veins from the jalapeños before cooking with them.
This will help to reduce the spiciness.
If you like your dish to be spicier, you can leave the seeds and veins in or add additional jalapeños to the recipe.
If you’re looking for a dish with a more traditional shishito pepper flavor, you may want to consider using another type of chili pepper.
However, if you are searching for a dish with a more bold and spicy flavor, substituting jalapeños is a great option.
FAQS related to shishito peppers & their substitute
Q1. What is another name for shishito peppers?
Another name for shishito peppers is kkwari-gochu, which is popular in Korea.
Q2. What does a shishito pepper taste like?
Shishito peppers have a fresh peppery, grassy citrus flavor that is similar to green peppers but sweeter.
Q3. What to do with shishito peppers?
There’re many things that you can do with shishito peppers. You can stuff them, fry them, or even pickle them.
Q4. How to cook shishito peppers?
1. Firstly, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Cut the peppers in half length-wise and remove the seeds and stems.
3. Place the pepper halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
4. Next, bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are slightly blistered and charred around the edges.
5. Drag from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with soy sauce, vinegar, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Q5. What sauce goes with shishito peppers?
There are a few different types of sauces that can go well with shishito peppers. Some examples include soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and sweet and sour sauce.
You can also try dipping the peppers in ranch dressing or BBQ sauce. Experiment to see what you like best!
Q6. What to put on shishito peppers?
There’re a few different ways that you can cook shishito peppers, but one of the most popular methods is to simply grill them. This allows the peppers to retain their crunchy texture and also brings out their natural sweetness.
To grill shishito peppers, simply skewer them with metal skewers or wooden toothpicks and then place them over medium-high heat on a grill. Next, grill for about 2 minutes on each side or until they’re a little charred. Once they are done, remove them from the grill and enjoy!
Another way to prepare shishito peppers is to stir-fry them. This method is fast and simple, and it results in peppers that are slightly softer than if they were grilled.
To stir-fry shishito peppers, simply heat up some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil gets hot, add the peppers and cook for about three minutes, stirring occasionally. Once they’re cooked to your taste, remove them from the heat and enjoy!
Q7. Where to buy shishito peppers?
There’re a few different ways that you can buy shishito peppers. You can find them at some Asian markets, or you can order them online from a number of different sources.
Additionally, many grocery stores now carry shishito peppers, so that they may be available there as well. However, the best way to get fresh shishito peppers is to grow them yourself!
Q8. How to make shishito peppers not spicy?
There’re a few ways that you can make shishito peppers not spicy. One way is to remove the seeds from the peppers. Another way is to cook the peppers longer so that they become softer and less spicy. Yet, you can add some sugar or honey to the peppers to help offset the spiciness.
Q9. Do you have to cook shishito peppers?
No, you don’t have to cook shishito peppers. You can be taken them raw, grilled, roasted, or fried.
Q10. Are shishito peppers like jalapenos?
Jalapeno peppers are typically much hotter than shishito peppers, so if you’re looking for something with a little less heat, shishito peppers might be a good option for you.
That said, every pepper is different, so it’s always possible to encounter a particularly spicy shishito pepper. When cooked, shishito peppers tend to be sweet and slightly smoky in flavor.
Q11. Is Sweet Pepper the same as shishito?
No, sweet pepper and shishito are not the same. Shishito is a type of chili pepper, while sweet pepper is a bell pepper. Sweet peppers are mild, while shishito peppers can range from mild to spicy.
Q12. Are Anaheim peppers the same as shishito?
No. Anaheim peppers are a type of chili pepper, while shishito peppers are a type of sweet pepper. Anaheim peppers are typically used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, while shishito peppers are popular in Japanese cuisine. But both are interchangeable.
Q13. What does shishito mean in Japanese?
The name “Shishito” is a combination of the Japanese terms “shishi,” which means “lion,” and “togarashi,” which means “chili pepper.” As a result, it is also called the “Lion Head pepper” in Japan.
Q14. Can you roast shishito peppers?
Yes, you can roast shishito peppers. To do so, first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, line a baking sheet with foil and place the peppers on the sheet. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or till the peppers are blistered. Remove from the oven and enjoy!
