Shishito peppers are popular in many cultures for their mild taste and tender texture.
However, suppose you want to change your typical meal rotation without sacrificing the mild-tasting vegetables.
In that case, it’s helpful to look for a substitute for shishito peppers that provide a similar flavor and nutrition profile.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some possible replacements for shishito peppers.
Let’s dig into finding the perfect substitute for your next meal!
What Are Shishito Peppers?
Shishito peppers are a small, slender variety of Japanese pepper often used in cooking.
They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and mild heat.
Shishito peppers can be grilled, roasted or sautéed – they are especially popular when served as an appetizer, typically fried until the skin blisters and char.
They can also be added to salads, soups, stir-fries or as a side dish.
Additionally, shishito peppers are sometimes pickled for use in various dishes.
Their mild heat makes them perfect for adding flavor and a kick of spice without overpowering the other ingredients.
When cooked correctly, shishito peppers have a delicate texture and excellent accompaniment to any dish.
Substitutes For Shishito Peppers
If shishito peppers are unavailable or you’d like to add some variety to your recipes, a few suitable alternatives can be used.
Anaheim Peppers
Anaheim peppers (Capsicum annuum) are mild, slightly sweet pepper commonly used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.
The Anaheim pepper is often mislabeled as the “New Mexico chile” or “California chili pepper” due to its popularity in these regions.
It has a heat level between 500 – 2,500 Scoville heat units, significantly milder than many other chili peppers such as the jalapeno or cayenne.
Anaheim peppers are typically used for roasting, stuffing, and in salsas.
They can also be diced and added to salads, soups, omelets, burritos and tacos.
Roasted Anaheim peppers are often diced and combined with other ingredients to make a flavorful topping for dishes such as enchiladas, tamales, burritos, tacos, or quesadillas.
When stuffed with cheese or other fillings and fried, Anaheim chiles become popular Mexican appetizers known as “chile rellenos.”
Banana Peppers
Banana peppers can be a substitute for shishito peppers. They are a variety of sweet chili pepper, usually 3-5 inches long.
They range in color from green to bright yellow and have a mild-to-medium heat level similar to bell peppers.
The banana pepper is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and other dishes for adding flavor and heat.
They can be eaten raw, pickled, or cooked.
Pickled banana peppers are a popular condiment often served alongside burgers and sandwiches.
When cooked, they can be used in sauces, salsas, and marinades for grilling meats or vegetables.
Banana peppers are also commonly stuffed with cheese or other fillings and baked.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers, also known as sweet peppers or capsicum, are a type of chili pepper that comes in various colors, including red, yellow, orange and green.
They are crunchy and have a mild to medium-intensity flavor that is almost fruity.
Bell peppers can be used in many different ways when cooking.
When making stir-fries, sautéed vegetables or salads, bell peppers can be cut into small pieces or strips and added to the dish.
They make a great addition to pasta dishes as well.
Bell peppers are also commonly stuffed with ground meat, cheese, rice and other ingredients for an easy dinner.
Cubanelle Peppers
Cubanelle peppers, or Italian frying peppers, are a mild variety commonly used in Italian and Latin American cooking.
They have a sweet, slightly spicy flavor and measure 2-4 inches long.
Their thin walls make them ideal for sautéing or roasting while maintaining their distinctive shape.
Cubanelles can be added to various dishes, from salads and omelets to stir-fries, pasta, grilled meats, and stews.
They can also be roasted or fried for a tasty snack.
Cubanelle peppers are typically milder in the heat than some other pepper varieties, making them a great choice for those who prefer less spice in their food.
When buying fresh Cubanelle peppers, look for ones that are firm and bright in color.
Keep them refrigerated and consume them within a few days.
If you cannot find fresh Cubanelle peppers, they can also be available in canned or jarred form.
Fresno Peppers
Fresno is a variety of chili pepper that originated in Fresno, California.
They have a mild to medium heat level despite their bright red color and are commonly used in Mexican and Central American cuisine.
Fresh Fresno peppers can also be pickled for longer shelf life or dried and ground into powder form.
Fresno peppers are commonly used as a topping for tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas and other Mexican dishes.
They can be diced and added to soups or stews for flavor and heat.
These peppers can also be charred on the grill and made into salsa or hot sauce.
Fresno peppers pair well with many proteins, including beef, chicken, and fish.
They are also an ideal ingredient for marinades and rubs that can add flavor and spice to dishes.
Friggitello Peppers
Friggitello peppers are a type of sweet pepper commonly used in Italian cuisine.
They are usually harvested when they’re still green, but as they mature and ripen, their color turns yellow or orange.
Friggitellos has a mild flavor with just a hint of heat, making them versatile enough for use in various dishes.
They can be used in salads, sautéed with other vegetables, or eaten raw as a snack.
Friggitellos are also commonly dried to make chili pepper flakes for seasoning dishes like pizza and pasta sauces.
Jalapeno Peppers
Jalapeno peppers are a type of chili pepper that is commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
Depending on their ripeness and variety, they range from mild to very hot.
The jalapeno has a deep green color when fresh but can turn red as it matures on the plant.
It is usually sold canned or jarred, pickled, or fresh.
Jalapeno peppers can be added as a flavorful punch to sandwiches, burgers, tacos, burritos, nachos, soups and stews.
They can also be sliced into rings, cooked on pizza, or sprinkled over salads for extra flavor.
Pickled jalapeno peppers can be used as a topping for tacos, nachos and burgers.
Padron Peppers
Another option to substitute for Shishito peppers is Padron peppers.
They are a variety of small, mild green chili peppers originally from Padrón, Spain.
They have a characteristic smoky flavor and range in heat from barely spicy to hot.
Most peppers are mild, but about 1 in 10 can be hotter than expected.
Padron peppers are often served whole as tapas in Spain, typically pan-fried and seasoned with sea salt.
They can also be used in recipes such as stews, soups, salads, sandwiches, and pizzas.
The peppers are versatile and can be enjoyed raw or cooked, depending on the desired heat level.
Additionally, they can be stuffed with various ingredients for added flavor.
FAQs
Can Jalapeños Replace Shishito Peppers?
While jalapeños and shishito peppers are members of the Capsicum family, they can be used interchangeably.
Can Bell Peppers Replace Shishito Peppers?
Yes, bell peppers can be an adequate alternative to shishito peppers.
Bell peppers generally have a milder flavor and lack the same level of heat that is present in shishito peppers.
Can Korean Peppers Replace Shishito Peppers?
No, Korean peppers are not a suitable replacement for shishito peppers.
While they may look similar, Korean peppers are spicier and have thicker walls than shishito peppers.
Additionally, the flavor of Korean peppers is more intense and smokier than the milder taste of shishito peppers.
Conclusion
Shishito peppers are a popular type of sweet pepper with a mild, slightly smoky flavor.
While they may not be as widely available as other peppers, there are plenty of other options to substitute for shishito peppers that can be flavorful.
The following peppers have similar flavors to Shishito peppers: Banana Peppers, Bell Peppers, Cubanelle Peppers, Fresno Peppers, Friggitello Peppers, Jalapeno Peppers, And Padron Peppers.
These varieties can be used in various dishes, from salads and soups to stir-fries and pizza toppings.
Whichever pepper you choose, wear gloves when handling fresh chili peppers to protect yourself from their heat.
