Shishito Pepper Salad Recipe — Quick, Crunchy Korean Side Dish
Spicy Shishito Pepper Salad — A Crunchy Side Dish You’ll Keep Coming Back For
Shishito peppers are one of my favorite summer ingredients. This simple Korean-style shishito pepper salad is crunchy, flavorful, and quick to make — perfect as a side dish for rice or a light meal. Unlike other pepper salads where chopped peppers release water and turn soggy, this recipe keeps the peppers whole, preserving their crisp texture for days.
Even if you’re busy or have low appetite, this recipe is quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious.
What is Spicy Shishito Pepper Salad
If you spot fresh shishito peppers, don’t pass them by — you need to try this! This quick and flavorful side dish is one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something simple, crunchy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect with a bowl of rice or as part of a larger Korean-style meal.
I usually make this when my appetite is low — the crisp, lightly spicy peppers are surprisingly addictive. Unlike other chili side dishes where peppers are chopped and release water, this recipe keeps the peppers whole, so they stay crisp for days in the fridge.
Ingredients
250 g shishito peppers (before trimming)
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1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
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2 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or brewed)
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1 tablespoon red chili powder (gochugaru)
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1 tablespoon sweetener (allulose, oligosaccharide, plum syrup, or corn syrup)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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2 heaping tablespoons gochujang
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A sprinkle of sesame seeds
Tips:
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Measure using tablespoons.
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Adjust seasoning after mixing to taste.
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Remove stems gently to avoid bruising the peppers.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peppers
Wash the shishito peppers thoroughly. Gently remove the stems without damaging the peppers. Let them drain in a colander, shaking off excess water.
2. Make the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine:
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minced garlic
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sesame seeds
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soy sauce
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chili powder
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sweetener
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sesame oil
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gochujang
Mix well until smooth and uniform.
3. Toss the Peppers
Add the shishito peppers to the dressing. Gently toss until each pepper is evenly coated.
4. Store and Enjoy
Transfer the salad to a container and refrigerate. These peppers stay crispy for up to a week, making them ideal for meal prep or quick side dishes.
Tips for Perfect Shishito Pepper Salad
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Keep the peppers whole to maintain crunch.
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Adjust spiciness by reducing chili powder or gochujang.
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Sweetener options: Use allulose, oligosaccharide, plum syrup, or corn syrup depending on your preference.
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Serving suggestion: Serve cold or at room temperature with rice or Korean meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy — takes under 15 minutes
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Maintains crisp texture for days
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Sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavor
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Perfect summer Korean side dish
This shishito pepper salad recipe is simple, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy days, summer meals, or anytime you want a crunchy, Korean-style side dish. Try it today and enjoy the crisp, spicy goodness!
