Pepper comparison
Shishito vs Hatch Green Chile
Hatch Green Chile is roughly 12× hotter than Shishito.
Mild50–200 SHU
ShishitoFrom east asia
- Flavor
- Vegetal, slightly sweet, and bright — with an unpredictable ~1-in-10 chance of significantly more heat.
- Color
- Bright green ripening to red
- Best uses
- Blistered in a hot pan with oil and finished with flaky salt — the canonical Japanese izakaya preparation · Charred on a grill and squeezed with lemon · Stuffed with cheese and quickly broiled
- Pairs with
- Japanese, Tapas, Flaky salt, Lemon
Mild500–3K SHU
Hatch Green ChileFrom north america
- Flavor
- Earthy, roasted sweetness with a gentle, lingering warmth and a hint of smokiness.
- Color
- Green (unripe) or red (ripe)
- Best uses
- Green chile cheeseburgers — the New Mexico state dish · Stacked enchiladas with green or red chile sauce · Chile rellenos stuffed with cheese
- Pairs with
- New Mexican, Southwest, Pork, Beef
Quick verdict
Which one to use
- —If you want more heat: reach for Hatch Green Chile (500–3K SHU).
- —If you want manageable heat: use Shishito (50–200 SHU).
- —For Shishito-style flavor: vegetal, slightly sweet, and bright — with an unpredictable ~1-in-10 chance of significantly more heat.
- —For Hatch Green Chile-style flavor: earthy, roasted sweetness with a gentle, lingering warmth and a hint of smokiness.