6 Best Substitutes for Capers

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Capers add a flavor to dishes that’s salty, briney with a touch of lemon. They have a distinctive taste that packs a lot of punch.

If your recipe calls for capers and you don’t have any on hand or they’re not your favorite, there are some tasty substitutes you can use instead. Today we’re sharing 6 of the best substitutes for capers. 

Capers
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What are Capers?

Capers are berries that come from the Mediterranean Capparis spinosa shrub. They are hand-picked when unripe and are pickled in a salt or vinegar brine. They have a strong and distinct flavor that has a hint of lemon. Capers are often used in sauces, and to garnish salads, main courses, and meat dishes. 

Best Substitutes for Capers

Green Olives

Green Olives

Green olives have an acidic, slightly bitter, and salty flavor. They’re a good substitute for capers and can be used in salads, sauces, and casseroles. Note that because green olives are considerably larger than capers, it’s best to use them at a ratio of 1:2 and cut them into smaller pieces. 

Nasturtium Seeds (or Buds)

Nasturtium Seeds (or Buds)

Nasturtium is an edible flower that has a peppery taste. The seeds can be pickled and used in place of capers in recipes.  

Black Olives

Black Olives

Similar to green olives, it’s best to cut black olives into smaller pieces to replace capers. Use them at a ratio of 1:2. 

Thyme

Thyme

Fresh thyme has a strong and bitter taste that’s similar to capers. It also has subtle notes of lemon. To replace the capers in a dish with fresh thyme, you can use both the stems and the leaves at a ratio of 1:1. 

Caperberries

Caperberries

Caperberries are close cousins to capers. They’re Mediterranean flower buds that were allowed to grow instead of being picked young as capers. They’re larger in size and milder in flavor. Use them at a ratio of 1:2. 

Pickles

Pickles

Dill pickles have a delicious sweet and sour flavor that works in many recipes calling for capers. Just cut them into smaller pieces and use at a ratio of 1:1. Pickled red onions are also a good substitute for capers.

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Capers add a flavor to dishes that’s salty, briney with a touch of lemon. They have a distinctive taste that packs a lot of punch.

How to Substitute Capers

By: Izzy
Capers add a flavor to dishes that’s salty, briney with a touch of lemon. They have a distinctive taste that packs a lot of punch.
Servings: 1 tablespoon

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon green olives, chopped
  • optional other capers substitutes

Instructions 

  • Use green olives or other substitutes to replace capers in recipes according to the recipe.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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