Non-pareil capers are small capers known for their tender texture and bright briny flavor. They are usually smaller than other common caper grades, which makes them easy to use in sauces, salads, fish dishes, chicken piccata, pasta, eggs, and dressings.
What Non-Pareil Means
Non-pareil generally refers to a small size grade of capers. Smaller capers are often more delicate and easier to scatter through a dish. Larger capers can still taste good, but they may be firmer and more noticeable.
How They Taste
| Quality | Description | How it affects dishes |
|---|---|---|
| Briny | Salty and pickled | Reduces the need for extra salt |
| Tangy | Light vinegar-like brightness | Balances butter, oil, fish, and rich sauces |
| Floral | Subtle caper aroma | Adds complexity without much volume |
| Tender | Small and easy to bite | Works well as a garnish or sauce ingredient |
How to Use Them
- Stir into lemon butter sauce for fish or chicken.
- Add to pasta, tuna salad, egg salad, potato salad, or grain bowls.
- Chop into vinaigrettes, tartar sauce, remoulade, or salsa verde.
- Scatter over smoked salmon, deviled eggs, roasted vegetables, or pizza.
Should You Rinse Capers?
Rinse capers if the dish is already salty or if you want a cleaner flavor. Do not rinse if you want more briny punch. Taste one caper before adding a large amount to a sauce or salad.
Substitutes
If you do not have non-pareil capers, use larger capers, chopped green olives, chopped cornichons, pickled onions, or a small amount of relish. The substitute will not taste identical, but it can replace salt, tang, and briny contrast.
Storage
Follow the jar label after opening. Keep brined capers covered in brine and refrigerated if the label says to refrigerate. Discard capers that smell off, look moldy, or have been stored without enough brine.
FAQ
Are non-pareil capers better?
They are often preferred when you want small, tender capers. Larger capers can still be useful in bold dishes.
What do non-pareil capers taste like?
They taste salty, briny, tangy, and slightly floral.
Do you rinse non-pareil capers?
Rinse them if the dish is already salty. Leave them unrinsed if you want stronger briny flavor.
What can replace non-pareil capers?
Larger capers, chopped green olives, cornichons, pickled onions, or a little relish can work.
Do capers need refrigeration?
Follow the jar label. Many opened brined capers should be kept covered and refrigerated.