Substitute for Capers: 10 Commonly Asked Questions

1. What can I use as a substitute for capers?

If you don’t have capers on hand or simply don’t enjoy their unique flavor, there are several alternatives you can use in your recipes. Here are some common substitutes for capers:

1. Green Olives: Green olives have a similar briny and tangy flavor to capers, making them a great substitute. Chop them up and use them in the same quantity as capers.
2. Pickles: Pickles, especially dill pickles, can provide a similar tanginess to capers. Finely chop the pickles and use them as a substitute.
3. Green Peppercorns: Green peppercorns have a mild heat and tanginess that can mimic the flavor of capers. Use them in the same quantity as capers.
4. Chopped Celery: If you’re looking for a milder substitute, chopped celery can work well. It adds a slight crunch and a subtle flavor to your dishes.
5. Chopped Shallots: Shallots have a mild onion-like flavor that can complement many dishes. Finely chop them and use them as a substitute for capers.
6. Chopped Cucumbers: Cucumbers can provide a refreshing and crunchy substitute for capers. Use them in the same quantity as capers.
7. Chopped Anchovies: Anchovies have a strong and salty flavor that can be a good substitute for capers. Use them sparingly as they can overpower the dish.
8. Lemon Zest: If you’re looking for a citrusy substitute, lemon zest can add a bright and tangy flavor to your recipes.
9. White Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a similar tanginess to capers. Use it in small quantities to avoid overpowering the dish.
10. Mustard Seeds: Mustard seeds can add a mild tanginess and a slight crunch to your dishes. Use them in the same quantity as capers.

Experiment with these substitutes to find the one that best suits your taste preferences and the specific recipe you’re working on.

2. Can I omit capers from a recipe?

Yes, you can omit capers from a recipe if you don’t have them or if you simply don’t enjoy their flavor. Capers add a unique tanginess and brininess to dishes, but they are not essential ingredients in most recipes. If a recipe calls for capers, you can simply leave them out or replace them with one of the substitutes mentioned above.

Keep in mind that omitting capers may slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish, but it should still be delicious. Feel free to experiment with other ingredients to enhance the flavors in the absence of capers.

3. Are capers and caper berries the same thing?

No, capers and caper berries are not the same thing, although they come from the same plant. Capers are the flower buds of the caper bush (Capparis spinosa), while caper berries are the fruit that develops after the flower blooms.

Capers are small, dark green buds that are usually pickled in vinegar or salted. They have a strong, tangy flavor and are commonly used as a condiment or ingredient in various Mediterranean dishes.

Caper berries, on the other hand, are larger and rounder than capers. They are usually pickled and have a milder flavor compared to capers. Caper berries are often used as a garnish or served alongside other ingredients in salads, antipasti, or cocktails.

Both capers and caper berries can be used in cooking, but they have slightly different flavors and textures.

4. How do I substitute capers in pasta dishes?

If you’re making a pasta dish that calls for capers but you don’t have any on hand, there are several substitutes you can use:

• Green Olives: Chop up some green olives and use them in the same quantity as capers. They will provide a similar tangy and briny flavor to your pasta dish.
• Pickles: Finely chop some pickles, especially dill pickles, and use them as a substitute for capers. They will add a tangy kick to your pasta.
• Chopped Celery: For a milder flavor, chop up some celery and add it to your pasta dish. It will provide a subtle crunch and a fresh taste.
• Chopped Shallots: Shallots have a mild onion-like flavor that can complement pasta dishes. Finely chop them and use them as a substitute for capers.
• Lemon Zest: If you’re looking for a citrusy substitute, grate some lemon zest and sprinkle it over your pasta. It will add a bright and tangy flavor.

These substitutes will help you achieve a similar flavor profile to capers in your pasta dishes.

5. Can I use caper brine as a substitute for capers?

Yes, you can use caper brine as a substitute for capers in some recipes. Caper brine refers to the liquid that capers are packed in, usually vinegar or saltwater. It contains the tangy and briny flavors of capers, so using it can help replicate the taste.

If a recipe calls for capers, but you don’t have any, you can use an equal amount of caper brine instead. Keep in mind that the texture and visual appearance of capers will be missing, but the flavor should still be present.

However, it’s important to note that caper brine can be quite strong, so you may want to dilute it with water or other liquids in the recipe to avoid overpowering the dish. Taste as you go and adjust the amount of caper brine accordingly.

6. Are there any low-sodium substitutes for capers?

If you’re looking for low-sodium substitutes for capers, there are a few options you can consider:

• Pickled Cucumbers: Opt for low-sodium or homemade pickles to reduce the sodium content. Finely chop them and use them as a substitute for capers.
• Chopped Celery: Celery is naturally low in sodium and can provide a mild substitute for capers in terms of flavor and texture.
• Chopped Shallots: Shallots are low in sodium and can add a mild onion-like flavor to your dishes. Finely chop them and use them as a substitute.
• Lemon Zest: Grated lemon zest is a sodium-free option that can add a bright and tangy flavor to your recipes.

These low-sodium substitutes will help you reduce the sodium content in your dishes while still adding flavor and depth.

7. Can I substitute capers in fish recipes?

Yes, you can substitute capers in fish recipes with other ingredients that provide a similar tangy and briny flavor. Here are some options:

• Green Olives: Chop up some green olives and use them in the same quantity as capers. They will complement the flavors of fish dishes.
• Pickles: Finely chop some pickles, especially dill pickles, and use them as a substitute for capers. They will add a tangy kick to your fish recipes.
• Chopped Celery: For a milder flavor, chop up some celery and add it to your fish dishes. It will provide a subtle crunch and a fresh taste.
• Chopped Shallots: Shallots have a mild onion-like flavor that pairs well with fish. Finely chop them and use them as a substitute for capers.
• Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest and sprinkle it over your fish dishes. It will add a bright and tangy flavor.

These substitutes will help you achieve a similar flavor profile to capers in your fish recipes.

8. Can I substitute capers in salad dressings?

Absolutely! If you’re making a salad dressing that calls for capers but you don’t have any, you can use these substitutes:

• Green Olives: Chop up some green olives and use them in the same quantity as capers. They will provide a tangy and briny flavor to your dressing.
• Pickles: Finely chop some pickles, especially dill pickles, and use them as a substitute. They will add a tangy kick to your salad dressing.
• Chopped Shallots: Shallots have a mild onion-like flavor that can complement salad dressings. Finely chop them and use them as a substitute for capers.
• Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest and add it to your dressing. It will add a bright and tangy flavor.
• White Wine Vinegar