5 Must-Try Recipes That Showcase the Bold Flavor of Capers

Mastering the Art of Cooking with Capers: 5 Delicious Recipes to Try

Capers are often considered a small but mighty ingredient. These tiny buds pack a big punch in flavor, offering a delightful salty, tangy, and briny essence to dishes. Whether you’re already a fan of capers or just beginning to explore their culinary potential, this blog will show you how to incorporate them into a variety of mouthwatering dishes.

What Are Capers?

Capers are the unripened flower buds of the caper bush, typically found in Mediterranean regions. After being harvested, they’re usually pickled or brined to preserve their bold, zesty flavor. Though small, their impact on a dish is undeniable—adding depth and complexity to everything from salads to meats and pastas.

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1. Classic Chicken Piccata

One of the most iconic dishes featuring capers is Chicken Piccata. This classic Italian recipe is quick to prepare and perfectly balances the acidity of lemon with the brininess of capers.

Ingredients:

• 2 chicken breasts, flattened

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup white wine

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

2. Cook chicken breasts until golden on both sides.

3. Remove chicken and deglaze the pan with white wine, lemon juice, and capers.

4. Return chicken to the pan and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

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2. Caper & Olive Tapenade

A Mediterranean classic, Tapenade is a vibrant spread made with capers, olives, and olive oil. It's perfect as an appetizer or a topping for grilled meats.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup green olives

• 2 tablespoons capers

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Fresh thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine olives, capers, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processor.

2. Pulse until smooth, scraping the sides as necessary.

3. Add fresh thyme and pulse again.

4. Serve as a dip with crusty bread or alongside grilled vegetables.

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3. Caper-Infused Roasted Salmon

Crispy roasted salmon pairs perfectly with a tangy caper sauce. This dish combines a simple, healthy preparation with the bold flavors of capers.

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Drizzle salmon fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 12-15 minutes or until cooked to your liking.

4. In a small bowl, combine capers, mustard, and lemon juice.

5. Drizzle the caper sauce over the salmon fillets before serving.

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4. Caper & Tomato Pasta

For a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner, Caper & Tomato Pasta is a go-to. The briny capers add an exciting twist to the rich tomato sauce.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)

• 2 tablespoons capers, drained

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

• Fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.

3. Add tomatoes and capers, cooking until tomatoes soften.

4. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

5. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

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5. Caper & Herb Potato Salad

This vibrant Potato Salad is a perfect side dish for BBQs or family dinners. The capers add a burst of flavor that elevates the otherwise simple dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby potatoes, boiled and halved

• 3 tablespoons capers, drained

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine boiled potatoes, capers, mayonnaise, mustard, and dill.

2. Toss everything together, ensuring the potatoes are coated in the creamy dressing.

3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Pro Tip: How to Store Capers

If you find yourself with leftover capers, store them in their brine or vinegar in an airtight jar in the fridge. They can last for several weeks, and the brine helps to preserve their flavor.