This Shishito Pepper and Mushroom Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that highlights the mild sweetness of shishito peppers and the umami-packed mushrooms. With only 5 ingredients, it’s a perfect addition to any meal, whether served alongside rice, quinoa, or noodles. The shishito peppers are blistered and cooked with soy sauce and vegetarian oyster sauce, adding a smoky, savory depth to this dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound shishito peppers, washed and stems removed

• 8 ounces mushrooms (1 package), sliced

• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon vegetarian/vegan oyster sauce

Directions

1. Sauté the mushrooms: In a large non-stick skillet, sauté the sliced mushrooms without oil for about 3 minutes, until the mushrooms release water and begin to cook. Once the water evaporates, remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Blister the peppers: In the same skillet, heat the oil and add the shishito peppers. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peppers begin to blister.

3. Add the sauces: Stir in the soy sauce and vegetarian oyster sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring frequently.

4. Combine and serve: Add the sautéed mushrooms back into the skillet and stir for another 1-2 minutes. Serve with rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 120

• Fat: 8g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Carbohydrates: 13g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

• Protein: 4g

The Charm of Shishito Peppers

Shishito peppers are the unsung heroes of many dishes. These small, vibrant green peppers are often mild, offering a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. However, every so often, one of these peppers can surprise you with a bit of heat, making them an interesting addition to any meal. This unpredictability adds an element of excitement to the dish, as you never quite know if you’ll get a mild bite or one with a little extra kick.

When sautéed and blistered, the peppers take on a smoky, charred flavor that enhances their natural sweetness. This makes them the perfect companion for the mushrooms, which provide a more hearty and earthy base flavor. The combination of the smoky, slightly charred peppers and the umami-rich mushrooms creates a dish with layers of complex flavor and satisfying textures.

The Richness of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are the ideal complement to the delicate shishito peppers in this stir fry. They bring a hearty, earthy component to the dish, which balances out the lightness of the peppers. Mushrooms, especially varieties like cremini, button, or shiitake, have a high natural umami content, which makes them an excellent base for stir-fries and other savory dishes. In this recipe, the mushrooms are sautéed without oil at first, allowing them to release their moisture and intensify their natural flavor.

Once the water evaporates, the mushrooms begin to caramelize, creating a rich, savory foundation for the stir fry. This method of sautéing ensures that the mushrooms retain their deep, savory taste and develop a satisfying, meaty texture, which contrasts nicely with the crisp and tender shishito peppers. The result is a dish that offers a wonderful balance between the soft, juicy mushrooms and the crisp, lightly charred peppers.

Creating the Savory Sauce

The magic of this dish lies in the sauce that coats the vegetables, bringing them together with a savory depth of flavor. The combination of soy sauce and vegetarian oyster sauce creates a rich, umami-packed base that perfectly complements the sweetness of the shishito peppers and the earthiness of the mushrooms. Soy sauce provides the saltiness and depth, while the vegetarian oyster sauce, made from mushrooms, adds a subtle sweetness and richness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the stir fry.

The two sauces come together to create a savory liquid that coats the vegetables perfectly, providing a slight gloss to the stir fry. The sweet and salty balance of the sauce is further enhanced by the natural flavors of the vegetables, creating a dish that’s both savory and slightly sweet without being overwhelming. This sauce ensures that every bite of vegetables is flavorful and satisfying.

A Quick and Easy Cooking Process

One of the best aspects of this Shishito Pepper and Mushroom Stir Fry is how fast and easy it is to prepare. From start to finish, the entire dish can be made in under 15 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick, healthy meal after a long day. The cooking process is simple yet effective—start by sautéing the mushrooms in a dry skillet to release their moisture, then blister the shishito peppers in the same skillet to add a smoky char.

Once the mushrooms and peppers are cooked, you simply add the soy and vegetarian oyster sauce and cook the mixture for a few minutes to combine the flavors. The entire dish comes together in just a few quick steps, making it a perfect one-pan wonder that’s both flavorful and easy to clean up afterward. The simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible to cooks of all experience levels, whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen.

Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Dish

Shishito Pepper and Mushroom Stir Fry is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal. It can be served over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles, making it suitable for a wide range of diets and preferences. The soft rice or noodles absorb the savory sauce, complementing the crisp, blistered peppers and tender mushrooms, creating a balanced and satisfying bite.

For a heartier meal, consider adding some plant-based protein, such as tofu, tempeh, or edamame, on top of the stir fry. Alternatively, you can serve the stir fry alongside a protein such as grilled chicken, fish, or beef, depending on your dietary preferences. The versatility of the dish means it can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs, whether you are following a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb lifestyle.

Nutritional Benefits of the Dish

Not only is this dish delicious, but it is also nutritious, making it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. At just 120 calories per serving, this stir fry is light yet satisfying. The 8g of fat come primarily from the grapeseed oil used for sautéing, which is a heart-healthy fat. The dish also provides 3g of fiber, helping to support digestion, and 4g of protein, which makes it a well-rounded meal, especially for vegetarians or those looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.

With only 13g of carbohydrates, this stir fry is low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or Mediterranean-style diet. The vegetables used in this dish—shishito peppers and mushrooms—are nutrient-dense and low in calories, providing essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. The use of plant-based ingredients and heart-healthy fats further enhances the nutritional profile of this dish.

Perfect for Vegetarians, Vegans, and Plant-Based Diets

Shishito Pepper and Mushroom Stir Fry is already vegetarian, and with the use of vegan-friendly vegetarian oyster sauce, it can be easily made vegan. The rich umami flavor provided by the mushroom-based oyster sauce gives the stir fry a depth of flavor that would traditionally come from animal products, making it an excellent choice for those following a plant-based diet. The natural umami flavor from the mushrooms, combined with the richness of the soy sauce and the sweetness of the peppers, ensures that this dish is every bit as flavorful and satisfying as its meat-based counterparts.

This stir fry is a great example of how plant-based cooking can be both easy and full of flavor, offering a nutritious, satisfying meal that requires minimal effort. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to eat more plant-based meals, this dish is a great option for anyone who loves delicious food without the need for animal products.

Conclusion

Shishito Pepper and Mushroom Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a light meal or as a side to complement your favorite proteins. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish offers an incredible balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, making it both satisfying and healthy. The blistered shishito peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and savory sauce create a combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this stir fry is sure to impress with its delicious taste and simple preparation. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light, healthy, and flavorful dish that can be made in under 15 minutes.