6 Best Substitutes for Capers
on Jun 24, 2022
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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.
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 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 is an edible flower that has a peppery taste. The seeds can be pickled and used in place of capers in recipes.
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
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 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
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.
How to Substitute Capers
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.