The flavor of capers is hard to replicate, but there are a few options if you’re all out! Here’s the best substitute for capers in recipes.
Making a recipe that calls for capers and don’t have them? Capers are a berry of the caper bush that’s native to the Mediterranean. You’ll find them in Mediterranean-style recipes, most well known in chicken piccata. They’re served pickled, and you’ll find them in jars near the olives. They’re round and dark green gray, about the size of a peppercorn. Want to know the best substitute for capers if you can’t find them? Keep reading.
What do capers taste like? They’re briny and lemony, and add a tangy bite to recipes. They’re essential in Pasta Puttanesca. Because the flavor of capers is so unique, we recommend that you run to the store and buy some if at all possible!
What are caper berries vs non-pareil capers? “Non-pareil” refers to the smallest size of capers. Translated from French, non-pareil means “has no equal”: meaning these are the best size of capers in terms of flavor.
Caper berries are about the size of an olive, and come with the stem attached. They are the ripened fruit of the caper plant, whereas the non-pareil capers are the buds. Caper berries are tougher and starchier, and don’t have nearly as much flavor as non-pareil capers. So they’re not recommended as a substitute for capers in recipes. Go to Quick Guide to Caper Berries.
Caper berries are what you get if you let those Mediterranean flower buds grow instead of turning them into capers prematurely. They’re bigger in size and milder in taste, but they’re a decent replacement. Since these are similar to olives in size, we’d suggest substituting one caper berry for every few capers.
Best substitute for capers
Note that how these options work depend on the type of recipe and how the capers are used!
Chopped green olives
The best substitute for capers? Chopped green olives! Use large green olives packed in water if you can find them — and don’t get the filled kind! They can mimic the briny flavor of capers. Roughly chop them, then you can use 1 tablespoon chopped olives in place of 1 tablespoon capers.
Substitute For Capers – Alternatives And Replacements
FAQ
Can I use caperberries instead of capers?
Do caper berries taste like capers?
What can you use instead of capers?
Do capers and caper berries come from the same plant?
Are caper berries a substitute for Capers?
Caper berries are about the size of an olive, and come with the stem attached. They are the ripened fruit of the caper plant, whereas the non-pareil capers are the buds. Caper berries are tougher and starchier, and don’t have nearly as much flavor as non-pareil capers. So they’re not recommended as a substitute for capers in recipes.
What can I substitute for Capers?
Common substitutes for capers include green olives, kalamata olives, lemon, pickles, lime, green peppercorns, thyme, artichoke hearts, anchovies, nasturtium seeds, vinegar, red or white wine. Let’s learn more about each substitute below! Use the following substitutes for capers according to the recipe you make.
Are green olives a good substitute for Capers?
Green olives have a bitter, sour, and salty taste, which can serve as an excellent substitute for capers. They are similar in color and flavor, although the olives are milder. Olives are larger than capers, so it’s good to use half a measure compared to capers. You can also cut olives and add them to the dish.
Are caper berries a good substitute for olives?
Caper berries Caper berries are what you get if you let those Mediterranean flower buds grow instead of turning them into capers prematurely. They’re bigger in size and milder in taste, but they’re a decent replacement. Since these are similar to olives in size, we’d suggest substituting one caper berry for every few capers.