Home > Gluten-Free Recipes > Easy, Garlicky Padron Peppers with Ginger and Lime

Easy, Garlicky Padron Peppers with Ginger and Lime

By Chef Devan

|

Updated on

Anytime I see Padron peppers lying around in the market I jump on them without hesitation.

They’re not only super tempting, but they’re also ready in minutes!

And for those days when you don’t feel like cooking, these are an easy win because you don’t even need to cut them.

Just toss em’ in a little good olive oil and you’re good to go. Too easy.

But I think most Padron lovers can agree that eating them is the most fun. Because 1 in 10 peppers can be spicy, it’s like playing a game of pepper roulette as you pass them around the table.

What are Padron Peppers?

Originating from Padrón, Spain, (who would have guessed?) these small peppers are mostly green but can also be orange, yellow and even red.

Most Padron peppers are pretty mild and sweet in flavour with the exception of a few spicy ones. The mild ones have almost no heat and are about as hot as a bell pepper.

The rare spicy Padron peppers can range from 500-2500 Scoville Units which is about half as hot as a jalapeno.

A picture of the Padron peppers we had in San Sebastian, Spain. They are not shy with the coarse sea salt!

Key Ingredients

Maldon Salt – Yeah, I know, I’m obsessed with this coarse sea salt. But it works especially well in the recipe to add an extra crunchy texture to the soft peppers. I highly recommend you use coarse sea salt instead of regular table salt because the added texture and flavour are excellent.

Olive oil – A good olive is necessary for this recipe but you won’t want to use the expensive stuff. Save your first, cold-pressed olive oils for salads and raw applications. The delicate flavour of expensive olive oil will be destroyed.

Ginger/Garlic/Lime Zest – This is the flavour bomb that you’ll add at the end to make the peppers a little more interesting but these peppers are still very delicious on their own, even with just salt.

Padron peppers in a bowl with ginger garlic and lime zest.

How to Cook Padron Peppers

Like I said earlier, these peppers are awesome because they’re done in about 5 minutes.

To cook Padron peppers:

  1. Heat them in a little bit of olive oil until the skin starts to blister.
  2. Once the skins blister, they will begin to expand like balloons. They’re ready when all sides are blistered and they’ve swollen up.
  3. Shut off the heat, wait 30 seconds and hit them with garlic/ginger/lime zest mixture and toss well.
  4. Season generally with coarse sea salt and serve right away.

The cooking process takes about 2-3 minutes total depending on their size. Taste one before serving as they should be soft with a bit of crunch.

It’s important to add the garlic and ginger at the end so it doesn’t burn.

What about Shishito Peppers?

If you can’t find Padron peppers, shishito peppers are another tasty alternative that can be prepared the same way.

For cooking shishito peppers, you can use the same recipe here. Just keep in mind that they will cook even faster.

Like padrón peppers, 1 in 10 of them are hot and spicy.

How to Eat Padron Peppers

To eat these peppers, grab them by the stem and eat everything except the stems. Don’t forget to dip them in the flavoured oil at the bottom of the bowl too!

These peppers are a perfect apéro served alongside a glass of dry white wine or as an accompaniment to pork, fish and chicken dishes.

Padron peppers in a bowl with ginger garlic and lime zest.
Print Pin
5 from 20 votes

Easy, Garlicky Padrón Peppers with Ginger and Lime

These garlicky Padron peppers are cooked in olive oil and finished with a mixture of fresh ginger, garlic and lime zest. They're quick to prepare, healthy and incredibly easy to make.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 110kcal
Cost $4/ 3€

Ingredients

  • 200 g Padrón peppers
  • ½ clove garlic
  • 1 tsp ginger
  • 20 ml olive oil
  • ½ pc lime zest
  • Maldon salt to finish or fleur de sel

Instructions

  • Rasp the garlic, ginger and lime zest into a small bowl with half of the olive oil. Mix well.
    The ginger garlic and lime olive oil.
  • Heat a saute pan over medium-low heat. Fry the peppers until they begin to blister and be careful not to burn the olive oil.
    Cook until they swell and break down slightly – about 5 minutes.
    Blistering the peppers in the pan with olive oil.
  • Once all sides of the peppers are blistered, shut off the heat and wait 30 seconds.
    Season generously with the Maldon sea salt and add 1-2 tsp of the ginger/garlic/lime zest mixture. Quickly toss everything together to prevent the garlic from burning.
    The padron peppers with the ginger garlic and lime zest mixture.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!
    Padron peppers in a bowl with ginger garlic and lime zest.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 370IU | Vitamin C: 81mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg
Liked this recipe?Follow @Bdeglazed!

Similar Recipes

This Easy and Healthy Salsa

Pico de Gallo – Taco’s Best Friend
A solid, no-fail recipe for pico de gallo. A raw tomato salsa with chilis, herbs, shallots and fresh lime juice that's ready to go for your next taco night.
Check out this recipe
Pico de gallo, tortilla chips, chili, tomato and fresh limes on the table.

This Charred Green Onion Chimichurri

Grilled Green Onion Chimichurri – A Healthy Steak Sauce
A recipe for a light, healthy, charred green onion chimichurri sauce. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and perfect with steak, pork chops, chicken or grilled veggies.
Check out this recipe
Green onion chimichurri in a bowl with green onions on the side.

The BEST TACOS EVER!

Easy Birria Tacos
These Birria tacos are cooked in a mix of cascabel, guajillo and chipotle peppers for the ultimate rich and smokey fork-tender taco filling. They're fried in the beef fat until golden brown and served with extra broth on the side for dipping.
Check out this recipe
easy birria tacos close up

Or More Keto Recipes…

About Chef Devan

With exceptional talent and passion for gastronomy, Chef Devan has over 15 years of experience across the culinary world, bringing a wealth of experience to the table, even from Michelin-starred restaurants. He's here to help you captivate the senses and delight everyone with easy recipes you could cook at home. Learn more about Braised and Deglazed's Editorial Process.

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating