Grilled Shishito Peppers

Shishito peppers are the Japanese cousin to Spain’s famed Padrón peppers. Delicately sweet and usually mild, they are an easy snack to throw on the grill. Simply toss with olive oil, cook on a hot grill, and sprinkle with togarashi (a Japanese spice mix) and coarse salt. These peppers are excellent beside a grilled protein such as BBQ beef ribs.

What to buy: Togarashi powder, a Japanese mixture of spices that always contains chiles, can be found in ethnic markets. (It may also be labeled shichimi togarashi.) Or you can make your own.

Sprinkling coarse sea salt over the grilled peppers gives them a nice crunch and burst of flavor. Try some fleur de sel or Maldon salt. Both can be found at gourmet grocery stores.