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Padrón Peppers Recipe

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4.2 from 57 reviews

This simple and classic Padrón Peppers recipe features blistered Spanish peppers sautéed in olive oil and finished with coarse sea salt and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or tapas dish, these mildly spicy peppers are quick to prepare and showcase the vibrant taste and crisp char of this beloved Spanish snack.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 9 ounces padrón peppers
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Coarse sea salt, to taste
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Peppers: Rinse and thoroughly dry the padrón peppers with a kitchen towel to ensure they sauté properly and blister rather than steam.
  2. Heat the Oil: Place a skillet over high heat and add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Heat the oil until it is hot but not smoking, which is essential for blistering the peppers effectively.
  3. Cook the Peppers: Add the peppers to the skillet. If using a cast iron skillet, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning. Let the peppers cook undisturbed until blistered on one side, then use kitchen tongs to check their color. Once they develop a brownish hue, turn them over to blister the other side.
  4. Manage Cooking Speed: Some peppers cook faster than others. Remove individual peppers as they reach a desirable blistered level to avoid any becoming too dark or bitter.
  5. Season and Serve: Transfer the blistered peppers to a plate, sprinkle generously with coarse sea salt, and serve warm.
  6. Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Just before serving, optionally add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to enhance the flavor with a bright, acidic note.

Notes

  • Ensure peppers are dry before cooking to achieve proper blistering rather than steaming.
  • Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Coarse sea salt adds texture and balances the slight bitterness of the peppers.
  • Padrón peppers typically have a mild heat, but occasionally a spicy one can appear, adding an element of surprise.
  • The dish is best served immediately while warm for optimal texture and flavor.