Looking for an alternative to Capers? You’re in the right place! Keep reading for my favourite simple Capers substitutes.
Capers are the edible flowers from the Caper Bush. While they can be eaten fresh, they are generally preserved in either salt or vinegar and eaten in their delicious pickled form. The flavour is slightly floral with a salty briney tang.
Caper Berries are the actual fruit from the caper bush. The berries are larger and have a stronger flavour in a similar manner.
While olives tend to be stronger and of course more ‘olive-y’ they will work in most cases where capers are used. Green olives are a closer match than black.
Usually sold with the stem still on, these fruits of the caper bush are somewhat starchy and seedy, and have a less-intense flavor than capers. You can eat them like olives or use them as a garnish. Any size capers are interchangeable in recipes; however, caper berries cannot be substituted.
How to Store Capers
In an airtight container in your pantry. Once a jar of pickled capers is open I keep them in the fridge.
- Anchovy & Capers
- Fish & Capers
- Olive & Capers
- Tuna & Capers
- Cream & Capers
- Dill & Capers
Substitute For Capers – Alternatives And Replacements
FAQ
Are capers the same as caper berries?
What is a caper closest to?
Can you omit capers in chicken piccata?
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 are the best substitute for capers because they share the same bitter flavor and salty profile. Green olives can replace capers in casseroles, chicken Piccata, salads, and sauces. Green olives resemble capers in color. So, you can use the green olives in slices or small pieces for garnishing salmon or use them in beef tartar. 2.
Are anchovies a good substitute for Capers?
Anchovies aren’t a perfect substitute for capers, but they work if you’re only chasing that briny zing. When chopped up and cooked, these little filets pretty much dissolve into the dish, leaving behind their rich, umami-packed flavor. The only downside is they don’t have capers’ signature tang, but good thing it’s an easy fix!