Simple Japanese finger food: Blistered Shishito Peppers

FOUR-INGREDIENT BLISTERED SHISHITO PEPPERS, simply fried (or grilled), are popular appetizers in Japanese izakaya, casual after-work bars that also feature small plates menus. The slender, pleated green peppers have a delicate peppery flavor. Mostly mild, one in ten randomly packs a tiny bit of heat.

Of the four ingredients, the peppers are the most exotic. The other three are olive oil, lemon juice and flaky sea salt. And the peppers are available at most Asian markets—and even at Trader Joe’s. Or in your own garden, if you choose to grow one of these low-maintenance, prolific plants.

Cooking is crazy easy too. Sauté the peppers in olive oil until they blister and soften, then toss them with sea salt and lemon juice. You’ll find a little more back story and the recipe here.