Crispy capers are little bites of salty, golden crunch that take any dish from good to unforgettable. With just a handful of capers and a splash of oil, you’ve got a quick, addictive garnish that adds serious flavour. Try them on your next salad, or seared fish dish, for a total game-changer.
¼cupsmall capersdrained, the tiny kind work best for extra crunch
Neutral oillike canola, vegetable, or light olive oil – enough to shallow fry
Instructions
Rinse the capers under cold water to remove excess brine. Pat them completely dry using paper towels. (They should be as dry as possible to avoid splatter when frying.)
Pour about ¼ inch of oil into a small skillet or saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. (You can test by dropping in a caper, it should sizzle right away.)
Carefully add the capers to the hot oil. Fry for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they puff up and turn golden and crisp.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the capers to a paper towel-lined plate. Let them cool for a minute or two. (They’ll continue to crisp up as they cool.)
Notes
Dry is key: Moisture causes oil to splatter and prevents crisping. Blot those capers well.
Watch closely: They go from golden to burnt in seconds. Don’t walk away!
Batch size matters: Don’t overcrowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop.