Preserved Lemons vs Capers

A side-by-side guide to substituting Capers for Preserved Lemons (or vice versa).

Quick answer

Use 0.5 tbsp of Capers for every 1 tbsp of Preserved Lemons.

Side-by-side

Preserved Lemons

Base unit: tbsp

Read the full guide: Preserved Lemons

Capers

Conversion: Use 50% as much (0.5 tbsp per 1 tbsp)

Tags: common

Notes: Delivers salty, briny, slightly citrusy notes though entirely different texture. Works as accent in Mediterranean dishes; use half the amount due to intensity.

Read the full guide: Capers

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When to use Capers instead of Preserved Lemons

Delivers salty, briny, slightly citrusy notes though entirely different texture. Works as accent in Mediterranean dishes; use half the amount due to intensity. The conversion is use 50% as much (0.5 tbsp per 1 tbsp).

Common questions

Can I substitute Capers for Preserved Lemons?

Yes — Delivers salty, briny, slightly citrusy notes though entirely different texture. Works as accent in Mediterranean dishes; use half the amount due to intensity. Ratio: Use 50% as much (0.5 tbsp per 1 tbsp).

What's the conversion ratio for Preserved Lemons to Capers?

Use 50% as much (0.5 tbsp per 1 tbsp). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Preserved Lemons and Capers interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Delivers salty, briny, slightly citrusy notes though entirely different texture..

Is Capers a better substitute than other options for Preserved Lemons?

Capers is one of the options SubSwap lists for Preserved Lemons. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Preserved Lemons substitutes.

Looking for more Preserved Lemons substitutes beyond Capers?

See all Preserved Lemons swaps →

Related ingredients

Preserved Lemons Capers Butter Egg Buttermilk Milk Flour Sugar Baking powder Baking soda Olives