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

Rice Time To Make Rice 4 Hours Or Less

Arroz Con Gandules Rice With Pigeon Peas

Experience the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico with this authentic Arroz con Gandules recipe! Passed down through generations, this comforting dish features tender pigeon peas, savory ham, and a rich sofrito base. Discover the secret ingredient, Bijol, a vibrant yellow spice that adds a unique depth of color and flavor. While sourcing the ingredients might require a trip to your local Latin market (look for Goya brand gandules!), the incredible taste is worth the effort. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this guaranteed crowd-pleaser – a true taste of the island!

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Course Saltwater Fish Low Carb Dinner Party

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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Tuna Saltwater Fish Course Preparation

Albacore Tuna And Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Craving that delicious Trader Joe's pasta salad? This copycat recipe lets you recreate the magic at home! We're using fresh albacore tuna for a truly gourmet experience (but canned works in a pinch!). This vibrant and refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch, potluck contribution, or weeknight dinner. Get ready for a burst of flavor in just 30 minutes!

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3 Steps Or Less Course Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less

Avocado Olive Salad

Creamy avocado meets briny olives in this vibrant 5-minute salad! A zesty blend of garlic, lime, balsamic, and Parmesan cheese elevates this simple dish to a flavor explosion. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or light lunch – get ready to hit that olive bar (or your pantry!) for this irresistible recipe.

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Seafood Saltwater Fish Salmon Occasion

Angel Hair Pasta With Smoked Salmon And Dill

Indulge in this elegant yet easy Angel Hair Pasta recipe! Delicate angel hair pasta is tossed in a creamy dill sauce, then combined with succulent smoked salmon for a dish that's both quick and impressive. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less Shellfish Number Of Servings

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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Cuisine Main Dish 60 Minutes Or Less Chicken

Alotizzip Chicken Romano

Escape the ordinary with Alotizzip Chicken Romano! This vibrant pasta dish bursts with sharp, unforgettable flavors. Tender chicken and creamy Romano cheese dance with perfectly cooked pasta in a symphony of taste. Customize it to your liking – add your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses for a truly personalized culinary experience. A quick, delicious, and satisfying weeknight meal!

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Fish Main Ingredient Vegetables Seafood

Anthony Sedlak Prosciutto Wrapped Halibut With Puttanesca Sauce

Experience culinary bliss with this impressive yet easy recipe for Prosciutto-Wrapped Halibut with vibrant Puttanesca Sauce! Anthony Sedlak-inspired, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes. Flaky halibut, wrapped in crispy prosciutto, is perfectly complemented by a rich and savory Puttanesca sauce. Serve alongside roasted peppers (or try Anthony's roasted fennel, lemon orzo, and melon prosciutto salad for an extra special touch!). This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes like a gourmet restaurant meal.

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Time To Make Preparation Time To Make 30 Minutes Or Less

Banff Pasta Vegetarian Canadian

Recreate the magic of a cozy Banff restaurant meal with this delicious vegetarian pasta recipe! Inspired by a memorable dish at (we think) the Coyote Cafe, this recipe features vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and a tangy goat cheese (or feta, or omit for vegan!). Perfect as a light lunch, satisfying side, or hearty entree. Use your favorite pasta shape and elevate the dish with high-quality ingredients for an unforgettable taste of the Canadian Rockies.

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Time To Make Cod Fish Low Calorie

Baked Cod With Tomato Olive Tapenade

A fast and delicious recipe for flaky baked cod topped with a vibrant tomato and olive tapenade. Ready in under 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a light weekend lunch. Impress your family with this simple yet elegant recipe!

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Time To Make Dietary Time To Make Low Carb

Baked Fish With Crispy Herbed Shrimp Topping

Impress your guests with this elegant and flavorful Baked Fish with Crispy Herbed Shrimp Topping! This make-ahead recipe is perfect for a company dinner. The fish marinates while you prep, making it a surprisingly easy yet impressive dish. Enjoy flaky, baked fish topped with a crunchy, herbed shrimp mixture – a delicious combination that's sure to be a new favorite!

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4 Hours Or Less Poultry 4 Hours Or Less Healthy

Artichoke Heart Chicken

Fall in love with this flavorful Artichoke Heart Chicken recipe! Tender chicken (or a hearty vegetarian alternative) is perfectly complemented by juicy cherry tomatoes, marinated artichoke hearts, and tangy capers, all baked to perfection. This easy-to-follow recipe is adaptable for vegetarians, simply omitting the chicken and adjusting the cooking time. The result? A delicious, vibrant dish served over fluffy rice. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this amazing meal!

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Course Pasta Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Angel Hair Pasta With Scallops And Arugula

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this exquisite Angel Hair Pasta recipe featuring succulent pan-seared scallops, peppery arugula, and bright lemon. Inspired by the Williams-Sonoma collection, this dish boasts a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Learn how to unlock the sweet, floral notes of capers packed in salt (a must-try!), and create a restaurant-quality meal in just 40 minutes!

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Eggs Dairy European

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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Served Cold Low In Something Presentation No Cook

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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Preparation Time To Make 4 Hours Or Less Preparation

Artichoke Hearts In Lemon Parsley Sauce

Elevate your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful Artichoke Hearts in Lemon Parsley Sauce recipe! Inspired by the Williams-Sonoma "Vegetable" cookbook, this side dish is a delightful complement to lemon chicken or any protein. Using either fresh or frozen artichoke hearts (we loved Trader Joe's!), this recipe creates a luxuriously tender and zesty sauce that will leave you wanting more. Get ready for a burst of fresh lemon, fragrant parsley, and perfectly cooked artichokes in every bite!

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Occasion Dietary Preparation Time To Make

Artichoke Chicken Sandra Lee Semi Homemade

Elevate your dinner party with this delicious and surprisingly easy Artichoke Chicken recipe, inspired by Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade magic! Tender chicken breasts are pan-fried to golden perfection, then simmered in a vibrant sauce with artichoke hearts, salty bacon, briny capers, and a zesty lemon finish. This show-stopping dish is perfect for impressing in-laws, dinner guests, or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. The bright lemon zest and spinach add a refreshing touch that complements the rich flavors beautifully. Get ready to wow your taste buds!

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