Shishito
100 SHU · Capsicum annuum
SweetHeat range
50 to 200 SHU. Typical: 100 SHU.
Individual peppers vary within this range based on growing conditions, ripeness, and genetic variation. See the Scoville scale guide for why the range matters.
Flavor and character
Shishito has flavors of mild, slightly sweet, grassy, occasional surprise heat.
Shishito peppers are small, thin-walled Japanese peppers that have become one of the most popular appetizer items in American restaurants over the past decade. They are almost always mild — but roughly one in ten shishitos is noticeably hot, which gives eating them a mild element of surprise that diners enjoy. The standard preparation is simple: blister in a very hot skillet or on a grill with oil and finish with flaky salt. The flavor is grassy and slightly sweet when mild, with a clean vegetal character. Shishitos are closely related to the Spanish padrón pepper, which has a similar one-in-ten heat lottery. Both are at their best when cooked quickly at high heat until the skin chars and blisters.
How it’s used
Shishito is commonly used in blistered appetizer, tempura, grilled, stuffed.
What to use instead
These substitutions match heat, not flavor. Flavor character changes substantially between peppers. For custom quantities, use the substitution calculator.
Compare with another pepper
Other peppers to explore
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Shishito compared to a jalapeño?
Shishito and jalapeños are in a similar heat range. Shishito at 100 SHU is roughly comparable to a jalapeño at 5,000 SHU.
What does Shishito taste like?
Shishito has flavors of mild, slightly sweet, grassy, occasional surprise heat. Beyond the heat, these flavor notes distinguish it from other peppers at similar Scoville ratings.
Can I grow Shishito at home?
Yes. Shishito grows well in USDA zones 7+ and can be grown in containers in cooler zones. Start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost. Full sun, moderate water, and well-drained soil produce the best results.
Is Shishito hotter than Banana Pepper?
No. Banana Pepper at 250 SHU typical is hotter than Shishito at 100 SHU. Compare them side by side on the comparison tool.
What's a good substitute for Shishito?
The closest substitutes are Bell Pepper and Banana Pepper. These share similar heat ranges and compatible flavor profiles. For exact quantity ratios, use the substitution calculator.
What is Shishito's Scoville rating?
Shishito ranges from 50 to 200 SHU, with a typical measurement of 100 SHU. This range reflects natural variation in capsaicin production due to growing conditions, ripeness, and genetics.