Pimientos de Padrón – The Iconic Spanish Tapas with a Spicy Twist

What Are Pimientos de Padrón?

Pimientos de Padrón are small green peppers from the municipality of Padrón in Galicia, northern Spain. These peppers are typically served blistered in olive oil and sprinkled with flaky sea salt.

Their most interesting feature? Most are mild, but every now and then you get a spicy one—it’s like a tapas version of Russian roulette!

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🍽️ Why Pimientos de Padrón Are Loved in Spain

• ✅ Super quick to prepare – ready in 5 minutes
• ✅ Perfect for tapas or appetizers
• ✅ Naturally vegan and gluten-free
• ✅ Fun to eat because of the occasional spicy surprise!

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🧾 Ingredients

To make authentic Spanish-style Padrón peppers, you only need 3 ingredients:

• 200g (7 oz) fresh Pimientos de Padrón
• 1–2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Flaky sea salt (like Maldon)

Optional: squeeze of lemon for a fresh twist

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🍳 How to Cook Pimientos de Padrón (Step-by-Step)

🔥 Pan-Fried Method:

1. Heat a skillet (cast iron works great) on high heat.
2. Add olive oil and wait until it’s shimmering hot.
3. Toss in the peppers. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
4. Sauté for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally until blistered.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
6. Serve immediately—best enjoyed hot!

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🧠 FAQs About Pimientos de Padrón

Q: Are Padrón peppers spicy?
A: Most are mild, but about 1 in 10 can be surprisingly hot!

Q: Can I roast them instead of frying?
A: Yes, roasting at 220°C (425°F) for 8–10 minutes works well.

Q: Where can I find Pimientos de Padrón?
A: Look for them in Spanish grocery stores or farmers’ markets—or grow them at home!

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🇪🇸 Cultural Note

In Spain, Pimientos de Padrón are a common tapa found in bars across the country, especially during summer. They’re traditionally served with a cold beer or Albariño wine from Galicia.

A popular Galician saying goes:

“Os pementos de Padrón, uns pican e outros non.”
(“Padrón peppers, some are hot and some are not.”)

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📌 Final Thoughts

Pimientos de Padrón are a must-try for any lover of Spanish cuisine. With their blistered skins, sea salt crunch, and that unpredictable kick, they are a fun, flavorful, and traditional addition to your Spanish table.

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