Capers are the pickled flower buds of a Mediterranean shrub known as the Capparis spinosa. They are normally preserved in a salt and water brine or packed in a mixture of brine and vinegar. Some expensive capers are cured in salt. Capers are slightly vegetal and sweet, acidic, tangy, sour, or bitter as well as salty. They can brighten up everything from eggs to antipasti as well as other dishes. they are known to add complexity and a lip-smacking punch to tons of chicken, as well as fish dishes. They also work well with salad dressings, sauces, vegetables and pastas as well. One of the reasons many people love capers is that they can be kept for as long as they stay submerged in their own brine. However, if you do not have them in your kitchen below are some of the best capers’ substitutes you can consider for your dishes.
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Green Olives
One of the best capers’ substitutes are green olives. Raw olives are very bitter to eat, and are best enjoyed after they are processed, usually by curing or pickling them. Most olives are processed into olive oil, whilst some are preserved to be added in meals, especially when it comes to Mediterranean cuisines. Green olives can be salty, acidic, savoury plus it is not surprising that you will find them buried somewhere in your fridge. They are a variety of green olives including black or kalamata olives which can bring a pop of brine, but with a less caper-like bitterness. It is important to note that due to the difference in size, it is best to substitute one green olive for every two capers.
Lemon
Another good substitute when it comes to finding an alternative to capers is a lemon. A squeeze of fresh lemon can make a huge difference. You will get a similar acidity and zip if you use lemons as substitutes for capers. Lemons can be used in a lot of dishes. Simply add a bit of freshly-ground black pepper to the lemon juice for some bite and bitterness. Lemon is intensely sour and acidic so you will need to substitute lemons for capers by using your taste as a guide.
Pickles
Also on our list of substitutes for capers are pickles especially dill pickles. Dill pickles are worth a swap, even though their signature crunch can be a little more intense. If you do not mind moving away from the dark green colour scheme, pickled red onions can give you the same vinegary flavour in a pretty pink package. Simply cut your pickles into caper-sized pieces and divide them into equal amounts. Also, pickles can add a nice flavour to your dishes and are one of the best substitutes for capers.
Green Peppercorns
Green peppercorns are also a good substitute for capers. Visually green peppercorns, also look almost the same way as capers. They are less spicy and intense than their alternative, black peppercorns, so you can use them without worrying about your dish getting thrown off. You can also use green peppercorns straight from a jar, or pickle your own green peppercorns in water, salt and lemon. You can substitute green peppercorns for capers in equal amounts or use as a garnish. Green peppercorns can be added in any dish that you add capers.
Thyme
Thyme can be one of your best substitutes for capers. Thyme is a herb from the mint family that is easily recognizable from your spice set. It is so much more than an after-thought ingredient. The herb has a distinct pungency and provides a caper-like bitterness plus notes of lemon. All you need to do is to add thyme early on and use less of dried or ground thyme than you would fresh thyme in place of capers. That way you can taste the thyme flavour. Also, the aroma will not be too shabby, either. The best way to use thyme in place of capers is in slow-cooked dishes and sauces but not in dishes where you want a specific taste of capers.
Caper Berries
Also on our list of perfect substitutes for capers are caper berries. Caper berries are what you obtain if you let the Mediterranean flower buds grow instead of turning them into capers prematurely. They are much bigger in size and have a milder taste, but they make a decent replacement. Since caper berries are similar to olives in size it is best to substitute one caper berry for every few capers. You can add you caper berries in any dish that would require capers.
Artichoke Hearts
Artichoke hearts can be bought pickled or marinated. They make good substitutes for capers. Apart from brininess, there is an earthy quality to artichokes that will add additional complexity to whatever dish you make. It is important to drain and quarter your artichoke hearts before adding them to your chicken, fish or pasta dishes, and make sure that you measure your artichoke hearts properly to taste.
Anchovies
Also a good substitute for capers are anchovies. Anchovies are a small, common saltwater forage fish which are loaded with salt and umami. They can be what you need especially with a spritz of lemon to round it out. Make sure that you are moderate on the anchovies, unless you want a strong fishy flavour. A little bit of anchovies can go a long way. You can add anchovies to almost any dish that you can add capers to but make sure that you do not put too much in your dishes.
Nasturtium Seeds
Lastly, you can substitute nasturtium seeds for capers in your meals. However, If you do not have capers it’s highly unlikely that you will have nasturtium seeds. But if you do have them somewhere in your kitchen, the peppery seeds are one of the best substitutes for capers. You can pickle the seeds yourself in a small jar with vinegar, garlic and dill, leave them in the fridge until you need them and add them into your meals. The best way to replace capers with nasturtium seeds is in equal amounts.