🌶 Blistered But Not Bitter

The snack that sizzles—with a cool ranch comeback

There’s something about a plate of blistered shishito peppers that just feels grown-up fun. They’re the classy cousin to jalapeño poppers—less heat, more “ooh, I wasn’t expecting that kick!”

Crispy, smoky, kissed with salt and spice, and served with the creamiest little ramekin of ranch on the side? Yes, please. So here’s my take—blistered shishitos with a homemade ranch dip that’s cool, tangy, and secretly full of good-for-you ingredients. Perfect as an appetizer, cocktail-hour snack, or a “yes I’m eating this whole plate for dinner” moment.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Blistered Shishito Peppers:

• 1 lb fresh shishito peppers

• 2 - 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1 - 2 tsp sesame seeds (for flair and crunch)

• A squeeze of lemon or lime for brightness

For the Homemade Ranch:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1/4 cup buttermilk (or nut milk + splash of lemon)

• 2 tbsp mayo

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp dried dill

• 1/2 tsp dried parsley

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• Pinch of red pepper flakes

🔥 Directions

1. Blister the Peppers:

Heat a cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high. Once it’s hot, add both oils and toss in the dry shishitos. Let them char on each side without over-stirring—they like a little stillness to get their crisp on. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side (8 minutes total).

2. Season the Sizzle:

Once blistered, toss with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and sesame seeds. Add that citrus splash. Transfer to a plate while they’re still warm.

3. Whip Up the Ranch:

In a small bowl, whisk all ranch ingredients until smooth. Taste and tweak if you like—it’s your ranch, Honey. Chill for 15–30 minutes if you have time to let the flavors come together.

4. Dip, Crunch, Repeat:

Serve the peppers with the ranch on the side, pick them up by the stem, and go to town.

🍋 Honey Note:

Shishitos are like life—mostly mild, but every now and then one sneaks up with some heat. Don’t let it scare you. That’s what the ranch is for.

🐝 From My Kitchen to Yours:

This is the kind of dish that makes a regular weeknight feel like a little celebration. Especially if you serve it up with something bubbly (mocktail, sparkling water, or your fancy of choice) and a favorite playlist humming in the background.

Keeping life spicy! Enjoy! 💕

Love,

Honey – Lively By Honey

PS: Life’s too short to skip the dipping sauce.