Caper

Capparis spinosa Condiment/Herb

Caper Condiment/Herb

At a Glance

  • Category Condiment/Herb

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of Mediterranean cuisine: capers are concentrated flavor bombs, capable of brightening any dish."

Definition

The edible flower bud of the caper bush, usually pickled in brine or salt, offering a tangy, salty, and slightly pungent flavor.

Culinary Role Used as a seasoning or garnish to add a pungent, piquant flavor.
Origin Derived from the unopened flower buds of the *Capparis spinosa* shrub.
Sizes Available Nonpareils (smallest, most prized) to caperberries (larger, fruit-like).

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Caper are:

Tangy Salty Pungent Briny Floral

Chef’s Secret

For a delightful crispy texture and intense flavor, fry capers briefly in hot oil until they bloom and become crunchy.

Best Substitutes

Chopped Green Olives

for saltiness
Ratio 1:1

Pickled Gherkins

for tang
Ratio 1:1

Cornichons

Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Select capers that are uniformly sized and firm, with a clean, briny aroma. For salt-packed, ensure they are dry.

Recipes Using Caper

American Main Ingredient North American Snacks

4 Delicious French Fry Toppers

Elevate your simple french fries into gourmet masterpieces with these 4 incredible topping combinations! Inspired by Good Housekeeping, these recipes are quick, easy, and perfect for a fun weeknight meal or a satisfying game-day snack. Get ready to discover your new favorite fry topping!

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15 Minutes Or Less American Savory Sauces North American

Alaskan Smoked Salmon Sauce

Impress your guests with this quick, easy, and elegant Alaskan Smoked Salmon Sauce! Adapted from a popular hors d'oeuvre recipe, this creamy and flavorful sauce is perfect for parties or a special weeknight dinner. Ready in just 10 minutes, it's surprisingly sophisticated and best served chilled for a truly memorable taste experience.

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Tomatoes African 30 Minutes Or Less Low Calorie

Algerian Poached Eggs Chakchouka

Dive into the vibrant flavors of North Africa with this Algerian Poached Eggs Chakchouka! This hearty and flavorful dish features eggs gently poached in a rich, spicy pepper ragout. A popular breakfast (or any-time meal!) in Algeria and Tunisia, this chakchouka is easily customizable. Enjoy it as is, add fresh shrimp or spicy merguez sausage for a protein boost, or leave out the eggs entirely for a delicious vegetarian option. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight dinner. Get ready to savor the sun-drenched tastes of the Mediterranean!

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Main Ingredient Low Sodium Salmon Main Dish

Almond Crusted Salmon With Capers And Lemon

Flaky, pan-seared salmon gets a crunchy almond crust and is finished with a bright, zesty lemon-caper sauce. This elegant yet easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Easily adaptable to other firm white fish like tilapia, halibut, grouper, orange roughy, or sole!

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Beginner Cook 15 Minutes Or Less Presentation Low Carb

Anchovy And Caper Dressing

Elevate your salads with this vibrant and flavorful anchovy and caper dressing, a Jamie Oliver inspired recipe! This zesty dressing is perfect for hearty salads, warm potato salads, or even as a marinade. The salty anchovies and briny capers create a delicious umami punch that will leave you wanting more. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor – perfect for weeknight dinners!

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Dietary Low Carb Presentation Condiments Etc

Anchovy Free Black Olive Tapenade

This vibrant and flavorful black olive tapenade is a quick and easy recipe perfect for your next appetizer spread! Inspired by the Australian Women's Weekly, this anchovy-free version is perfect for those who want to avoid the strong fish flavor, without sacrificing any of the delicious Mediterranean taste. Whip up this simple tapenade in minutes – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Saltwater Fish Low Sodium Pasta Rice And Grains Tomatoes

Angel Hair Pasta With Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes Lemon And Tuna

A quick and easy weeknight dinner recipe featuring bright, burst cherry tomatoes, succulent tuna, and a zesty lemon dressing! This vibrant pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Leftover tuna makes for an even faster second night meal! Inspired by Fine Cooking Magazine.

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Easy Main Dish Main Ingredient Easy

Angel Hair Pasta With Shrimp And Creamy Lemon Caper Sauce

Indulge in this heavenly Angel Hair Pasta dish, tossed in a luscious creamy lemon caper sauce and succulent shrimp. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress! This recipe boasts bright lemon flavors, briny capers, and tender shrimp, all perfectly coating delicate angel hair pasta. Get ready for a taste of culinary heaven!

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Main Dish Caribbean Central American Time To Make

Arroz Con Salchichas Vienna Sausages

A vibrant Puerto Rican recipe! This Arroz con Salchichas Vienesas is a flavorful rice dish cooked with savory Vienna sausages, creating a comforting and delicious meal. Served alongside tender red beans and sweet plantains for a complete and authentic Caribbean experience. Get ready for a taste of elboricua.com!

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Comfort Food Poultry Long Grain Rice Cuisine

Asopao De Pollo Caribbean Chicken And Rice

Escape to the Caribbean with this vibrant Asopao de Pollo! This one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of savory spices, stewed tomatoes, capers, olives, ham, garlic, and peas for a truly unforgettable flavor explosion. A hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it as a complete one-dish meal or alongside a refreshing salad. Inspired by a Betty Crocker international recipe, this Asopao de Pollo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less Asparagus Vegetarian

Asparagus With Lemon Caper Dipping Sauce

Impress your guests with this elegant yet easy Asparagus with Lemon Caper Dipping Sauce recipe! Perfectly roasted asparagus spears are complemented by a bright, tangy dipping sauce that's equally delicious with sweet potato fries. This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Eggs Dietary Course Time To Make

Avga Gemista Or Greek Stuffed Eggs

Experience a taste of Greece with this vibrant Avga Gemista recipe! These delightful stuffed eggs are a surprisingly easy appetizer or light meal, perfect for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner. This recipe elevates the classic stuffed egg with bright flavors and a touch of elegance. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Salmon Salmon Healthy Occasion

Bagels With Smoked Salmon

Indulge in a luxurious breakfast or brunch with this elegant Smoked Salmon Bagel recipe! Warm, toasted bagels are topped with creamy cream cheese, delicate smoked salmon, and a vibrant array of fresh toppings. Perfect for a special occasion or a weekend treat.

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Poultry Time To Make Chicken Breasts Chicken

Baked Chicken With Lime Scallions Mushrooms Capers

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this elegant baked chicken recipe! Adapted from the best of Food & Wine, this dish is perfect for company, special occasions, or a family treat. The bright lime, savory mushrooms, and salty capers create a flavor explosion that's simply irresistible. Double the sauce for extra deliciousness to serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes – or for delightful crusty bread dipping! Serve with your favorite side and a crisp salad for a complete and unforgettable meal. Prep ahead for a surprisingly easy and impressive dinner.

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Occasion North American Fish Low In Something

Baked Salmon With Caper Sauce

Experience the epitome of English cuisine with this exquisite Baked Salmon recipe, inspired by culinary legend James Beard! Flaky salmon fillets are baked to perfection, then drizzled with a vibrant caper sauce bursting with bright lemon and fresh herbs. A simple yet elegant dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Cuisine Italian Fish Seafood

Baked Tilapia With Tomatoes Olives

Flaky tilapia fillets bake to juicy perfection in a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired sauce of burst tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fragrant herbs. This easy, 35-minute recipe is budget-friendly and bursting with fresh flavors – perfect for a weeknight dinner!

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Number Of Servings European Cuisine Seafood

Battered Queenies With Tartar Sauce Manx Scallops

Dive into a delicious culinary adventure with this recipe for Battered Queenies (Manx scallops)! These incredibly small, sweet scallops (40-80 per pound) are battered to perfection and served with a zesty homemade tartar sauce. A quick and easy recipe perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. Get ready for a burst of flavor in just 15 minutes!

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Shrimp Healthy Shrimp Low In Something

Shrimp With Feta Over Couscous

This vibrant Shrimp with Feta Over Couscous recipe is a summer sensation! Enjoy succulent shrimp in a bright, lemony sauce, perfectly complemented by fluffy couscous and salty feta. Ready in under an hour, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a delightful weekend gathering. Prep time is minimal if you buy pre-cleaned shrimp!

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