Fried Capers Recipes

FRIED CAPERS

Steps:

• 1. Line a plate with several layers of paper towels. 2. Pour evoo in a small sauté pan and place over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F with a deep fry thermometer. 3. Fry capers in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until they split and are crispy. Transfer crispy capers to prepared plate. Use them to garnish your favorite meat or veggie dishes like our Chicken Piccata. Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days. Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up now for Jamie Geller's Weekly Newsletter.

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER SALAD WITH RADICCHIO, PECORINO, AND FRIED CAPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Add the cauliflower florets to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and toss. Transfer to a baking sheet and roast until the cauliflower is very brown and crispy, about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven to a large bowl and reserve.
• Coat a large saute pan generously with olive oil. The oil should be about 1/8-inch deep. Heat the pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the capers. As the capers cook they will open up and start to look like little flowers (very cute). Fry the capers until they are crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the capers from the pan, dry them on paper towels and season with salt immediately.
• Toss together the cauliflower, capers, radicchio, pecorino, and chives. Dress the salad with lemon juice, olive oil and salt, to taste. Divide between 4 serving plates or arrange on 1 big platter and serve.
• What a lovely salad!

FRIED CAPERS

Steps:

• Heat enough oil to come 1/4 inch up the sides of a small skillet. Place over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add capers; fry until opened and light-golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

DEEP-FRIED CAPERS

Steps:

• Rinse capers in a sieve and transfer to a small bowl. Add enough water to cover capers by 2 inches, then soak 30 minutes. Repeat soaking method.
• Drain and rinse capers, then pat very dry between paper towels.
• Heat oil in a 1-quart heavy saucepan over moderately high heat until it registers 375°F on thermometer. Fry capers in 2 batches until golden, 30 to 45 seconds per batch. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and return oil to 375°F between batches.
• *Available at specialty foods shops and Dean & Deluca (800-999-0306).

PAN-ROASTED FISH WITH FRIED CAPERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Soak the salt-packed capers in water for 10 minutes, drain, rinse, then thoroughly pat dry. (If using brined capers, drain them and pat dry.) Pour 1/2 inch olive oil into a small saucepan and place over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot enough to toast a bread crumb in 30 seconds, add the capers. Be careful, the oil may sputter. Fry until the capers fluff up and begin to brown on the edges, 30 to 60 seconds. Drain the capers on a paper towel.
• Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick sauté pan. Place over medium-high heat and add the garlic clove. Season the fish with salt and pepper. When the garlic bubbles on the edges, lay the fish in the pan, skin side down. Sauté until browned on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes, then put the pan in the oven and roast until the fish is just cooked through, 5 to 8 minutes.
• Set a fillet on each of 4 plates. Sprinkle the fried capers over the fillets and serve with wedges of lemon.