Spicy Shishito Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick stir-fried shishito peppers tossed with garlic and soy sauce for a smoky, mildly spicy appetizer or side. This Asian Fusion-inspired recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, turns shishito peppers, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 110 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb whole shishito peppers and cook, stirring frequently, for 5-6 minutes until blistered and slightly charred on the edges.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, tossing peppers to evenly coat and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until sauce reduces slightly and glazes the peppers.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 sliced green onions over the top for a nutty crunch and fresh bite.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately as a flavorful snack or side dish with grilled meats or rice bowls.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Shishito Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Shishito Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Shishito Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Shishito Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Shishito Pepper Stir-Fry with Garlic and Soy?

Asian Fusion snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes