Padrón Peppers Fritos

Padrón Peppers Fritos (Fried Padrón Peppers) is a simple and delicious Spanish tapas dish that highlights the unique flavor of Padrón peppers. Here's a recipe for you to try.

Ingredients

    • 400g Padrón peppers
    • 60ml extra-virgin olive oil
    • 2g sea salt flakes
    • 1g freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped (optional)
    • 10g fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
    • 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving (optional)
    • Prep Time: 5 minutes
    • Cook Time: 5 minutes
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Serves: 4

Method

Step 01

Prepare the peppers: Give the Padrón peppers a good rinse under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.

Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Swirl the oil around to ensure the bottom of the pan is fully coated. Allow the oil to heat up until it starts to shimmer but not smoke.

Step 02

Sizzle the peppers: Carefully add the Padrón peppers to the hot pan in a single layer. You may need to work in batches if your pan is not large enough to fit all the peppers at once. Cook the peppers for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally with tongs or a spatula, until they are blistered and charred in spots.

Step 03

Season and flavour: Once the peppers are cooked, reduce the heat to low. If you're using garlic, add it now and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Remove the pan from the heat and season the peppers with sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, tossing them gently to ensure they are evenly coated.

Step 04

Serve and enjoy: Transfer the Padrón Peppers Fritos to a serving plate or platter. If you're using parsley, sprinkle it over the top. Serve the peppers hot, accompanied by lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, if desired. Enjoy this delicious Spanish tapa with your favourite cold beverage and good company!