Padron Peppers are my all-time favourite tapas! They're super simple to prepare, and have the additional benefit of always being vegan, and are pretty much on most tapas menus across Spain, which is an absolute life saver when on holiday! Once you find out how easy this Pimientos de Padron recipe is, you'll want to make them for yourself so you can recreate that sunny Spanish holiday feeling.
Pimientos de Padrón are a small green, thin-skinned pepper from a town called Padrón in Galicia in North West Spain. They're mild and sweet, but every now and then you get a fiery spicy one, which just adds to the fun when eating them.
If you love tapas (and who doesn't) you can have fun making your own at home with this simple Baked Patatas Bravas recipe. Add some really good olives, some Sangria or wine and maybe these Vegan Chorizo Croquettas, and you'll have an at-home vegan tapas feast to share with friends.
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🌶Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make the best Padron Peppers Tapas!
- Padron Peppers- Also called Pimientos de Padron. These are green, thin-skinned and range between 2cm - 10cm in length. They're pretty similar to Shishito peppers, so use those if you can't find Padron peppers.
- Good Olive Oil- You want good extra virgin olive oil. Don't be tempted to try this without it!
- Flakey Sea Salt or kosher salt is essential for a subtle salty tang that is just 'chef's kiss' with the tender slightly charred peppers.
👩🍳Instructions
Making this Pimientos de Padron recipe really couldn't be easier...
Heat the olive oil in a wok and add the padron pepers.
Toss over the heat until the outer skin is blistered. Sprinkle over sea salt and serve.
You can also make these peppers in the air fryer. Just quickly spritz with olive oil and pop in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 200C / 390F or until blistered
Hint: make sure your pan is super hot so the peppers blister and pop quickly.
🌱Substitutions and Variations
Try these other easy variations to make this easy tapas recipe.
- Air Fryer: You can also make these peppers in the air fryer. Just quickly spritz with olive oil and pop in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 200C / 390F or until blistered - i
- Flavoured Salt: Some fancy herb salt can elevate the padron peppers to another taste dimension
- Spicy: Padron peppers tend to be not hot and spicy, although you might find the occasional hot one. Why not add some chili flakes or hot sauce for a hot and spicy version!
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan!
🔪Equipment
You'll need a good frying pan or wok for this recipe. Alternatively, you can also make it in the air fryer. I love my Ninja Foodie Grill and Air fryer, so can personally recommend that!
🥫Storage
This recipe is best made and eaten immediately. You can re-heat the peppers if you don't eat them all, or eat them cold if you have leftovers. Store in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 5 days.
Top tip
For a really cute Spanish Tapas-type experience, be sure to serve in a lovely terracotta bowl and sprinkle over plenty of sea salt!.
❓FAQ
Padron Peppers have a mild, fresh green pepper flavour that is both sweet and slightly smokey. Every now and then one has a spicy kick, which makes eating them sometimes a bit of a surprise!
Padron Peppers are mostly not spicy, however every now and then there will be a spicy one, which makes eating them a little bit more fun!
Yes, this padron peppers recipe is keto! They make a delicious snack that is gluten-free, low carb, and keto.
They are very similar peppers, however come from different regions. Padron Peppers are from Padrón in Spain, and can be a little spicy. Shishito peppers are Japanese and milder. They can be used pretty interchangeably in dishes as both are mild green peppers.
Snacks and Canapes...
Love entertaining? Try these easy snacky style recipes and wow your guests.
Tapas, Vegan Style
Why not go all out and make a tapas feast!
📖 Recipe
Padron Peppers Tapas (Pimientos de Padrón)
Equipment
Ingredients Note:
For accuracy, I measure all ingredients in metric as standard, then convert and test the recipe for American cup measurements etc.
(Heads up Aussie and UK readers- your measurements in cups are sometimes different, so please use metric or check you have the correct cup and spoon type!!)
Ingredients
- 500 g (1.1 lb) Padron Peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon flakey sea salt
Instructions
- Make sure your peppers are clean and dry.500 g Padron Peppers
- Heat the oil in your frying pan or wok until it's nice and hot.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add the peppers and quickly pan fry until blistered and slightly blackened.
- Sprinkle over sea salt and serve.1 teaspoon flakey sea salt
Notes
- Air Fry. Toss with a tiny bit of oil, then air fry for up to 5 minutes at 180c/350F (Check after 3 minutes)
- Oven Bake: Toss with a tiny bit of oil, then bake for 10 minutes in a hot oven.
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