Substitutes for capers in cooking include caperberries, artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, anchovies, green olives, dill pickles, lemon zest, pickled nasturtium seeds, brined green peppercorns, and alcaparrado. Each offers a unique twist to mimic capers' briny, tangy flavor in various dishes.
Caperberries, the fruit of the caper bush, are larger than capers and can be used when a milder taste is preferred. Use them chopped in a 1:1 ratio. They are available from brands like Delallo and Roland.
Marinated artichoke hearts can provide a similar texture and tangy flavor in meat dishes. Chop them finely and use in a 1:1 ratio to capers. Popular brands include Reese and Cento.
Kalamata olives provide a similar salty and tangy profile. Chop finely and use in a 1:1 ratio with capers. Keep in mind that olives are larger and may affect the texture of the dish. Brands like Krinos and Divina are popular.
Anchovies can be used for their salty, umami flavor, especially in pasta sauces. They disintegrate when cooked and should be used sparingly. A small anchovy fillet can replace a teaspoon of capers. Ortiz and Agostino Recca are premium brands.
Chopped green olives can mimic the briny, salty flavor of capers. They are best used when a similar texture is desired. Use them in a 1:1 ratio, but you may want to adjust for saltiness. Popular brands include Lindsay and Mezzetta.
Finely diced dill pickles offer a tangy flavor that can substitute for capers in dressings and salads. Use a 1:1 ratio, and consider the additional liquid content. Claussen and Vlasic are well-known brands.
Lemon zest offers a bright, citrusy flavor that can replace capers' tanginess in seafood dishes. Use fresh zest in a 1:1 ratio or to taste. Organic brands like McCormick are recommended for the best flavor.
Pickled nasturtium seeds, known as 'poor man's capers,' are a fantastic alternative, mimicking the caper's peppery taste. Use them in a 1:1 ratio, adjusting to your taste preference. They are less common but can be found in specialty stores or homemade.
Brined green peppercorns can bring a similar briny and spicy note to vegetarian dishes. Use sparingly, as they are more intense. Adjust to taste. Brands like Moulin and Schwartz offer these peppercorns.
Alcaparrado, a mixture of olives, pimientos, and capers, can be used without the capers to achieve a similar flavor profile in vegan and vegetarian dishes. Use in a 1:1 ratio, omitting capers from the mix. Goya is a common brand for alcaparrado.
| Recipe Category | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Meat Dishes | Caperberries, Artichoke Hearts |
| Pasta and Sauces | Kalamata Olives, Anchovies |
| Salads and Dressings | Green Olives, Dill Pickles |
| Fish and Seafood Dishes | Lemon Zest, Nasturtium Seeds |
| Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes | Green Peppercorns, Alcaparrado |
While capers have a unique flavor that's hard to replicate exactly, these substitutes can bring a similar briny, tangy quality to your dishes. Each substitute has its distinctive characteristics, enabling you to create delightful flavors in line with our approach to intuitive cooking. Consider the texture, saltiness, and overall flavor profile of these alternatives when experimenting with your recipes.
