Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Green Peppercorns

Green peppercorns pack a punch in many dishes, but we’ve all been in that pinch where they’re nowhere to be found in the pantry. No sweat!

There’s always a workaround to keep our cooking game strong.

Sure, green peppercorns have that unique zing, yet there are other stars ready to step in and save the day.

These substitutes aren’t just stand-ins; they bring their own flavors and vibes to the table.

Think of them as your pinch hitters, ready to swing and hit a flavor home run. And guess what?

You may discover a new favorite along the way. Time to unveil these kitchen MVPs and keep our dishes singing.

What is Green Peppercorn?

As the name suggests, green peppercorn is the unripe berry of the pepper plant – Piper nigrum.

The berries are picked before they ripen and then either dried or pickled.

Once the berries have ripened, they blacken and become pungent, much like an unripe grape falling off the vine.

When ripe, green peppercorns can range in color from green to red.

Green peppercorn is best preserved in vinegar, brine, or freeze-dried.

It can also be added to the oil to make a pepper sauce.

It is one of the most widely used spices in European cuisine and can be found in dishes including steak au poivre, green peppercorn casserole, and stuffed grape leaves.

The distinctive flavor comes from the compound piperine, making up black peppercorn’s spiciness.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Green Peppercorns

Green peppercorns are a popular spice known for their mild heat and fresh, fruity flavor. They are commonly used in various dishes to add a unique twist.

However, if you don’t have green peppercorns on hand or want to explore alternative options, there are several substitutes that can provide a similar flavor profile.

In this guide, we will compare the top 5 substitutes for green peppercorns, discussing their key characteristics and suggesting proper ratios to ensure excellent results in your culinary creations.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Black Peppercorns	Bold and pungent with a sharper heat compared to green peppercorns	Use an equal amount of black peppercorns as a substitute for green peppercorns
White Peppercorns	Mild and earthy with a slightly fermented flavor	Use an equal amount of white peppercorns as a substitute for green peppercorns
Dried Pink Peppercorns	Mild and floral with a sweeter taste compared to green peppercorns	Use an equal amount of dried pink peppercorns as a substitute for green peppercorns
Brined Peppercorns	Tangy and salty with a softer texture compared to green peppercorns	Use an equal amount of brined peppercorns as a substitute for green peppercorns
Capers	Tangy and slightly briny, providing a unique flavor dimension that complements various dishes	Use an equal amount of capers as a substitute for green peppercorns

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Black Peppercorns

If you don’t have green peppercorns on hand, you can always use black peppercorns as a substitute.

These aren’t as spicy as their fully-ripened counterparts.

Black pepper is also slightly spicy and features a fresh and peppery flavor.

It’s important to remember that black pepper has a more mellow flavor, which makes it a good substitute in dishes that feature a stronger flavor.

The best way to prepare black pepper is to add it to a dish pre-cooking.

If you do this, be careful not to let it burn in the pan.

Otherwise, you will have a bitter flavor on your hands.

You can also add it post-cooking but only add a small amount.

Otherwise, it will be too spicy and add an overwhelming flavor to your dish.

• Key Characteristics: Black peppercorns are known for their bold and pungent flavor, offering a sharper heat compared to green peppercorns. They are widely available and can be easily substituted.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of black peppercorns as a substitute for green peppercorns. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.

2 – White Peppercorns

White peppercorns are closely related to the green variety, but they are ripened before being picked.

The color difference is due to processing.

The white variety undergoes a bleaching process while still on the vine.

Whatever loss of nutrients occurs during this procedure is minimal because white pepper isn’t left on the vine very long.

White pepper has a slightly spicy, peppery flavor than a green peppercorn.

It’s also important to remember that white pepper is incredibly hot.

Because of this, it works well on seafood and other dishes featuring fish or shellfish.

While not as flavorful as black pepper, it can be substituted in nearly any dish and add a spicy and pungent flavor.

• Key Characteristics: White peppercorns have a mild and earthy taste with a slightly fermented flavor. They lack the fruity notes found in green peppercorns but can still provide a similar level of heat.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of white peppercorns as a substitute for green peppercorns. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

3 – Dried Pink Peppercorns

Pink peppercorns are not related to black or white pepper, though they are closely related to trees that produce nutmeg and mace.

They’re often referred to as the “forgotten pepper” because they aren’t used as often as others.

This is although they have an aromatic sweet fragrance that is rather appealing.

This unique flavor gives it a spicy and sweet taste that pairs perfectly with fish.

The best thing about pink peppercorn is that it can be used as an all-purpose substitute for nearly any dish.

However, some still think of this pepper as a novelty item because few people use it regularly.

• Key Characteristics: Dried pink peppercorns offer a mild and floral flavor that is sweeter compared to green peppercorns. They can bring a unique taste to your dishes and work well in both savory and sweet recipes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of dried pink peppercorns as a substitute for green peppercorns. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

4 – Brined Peppercorns

Another interesting substitute is brined peppercorns.

These come in the form of green and pink, and they’re preserved by immersing them in a salt solution while still on the vine.

This preservation method enhances the flavor and converts some bitter compounds into zesty, sweet notes.

As such, this works well with salads and other dishes.

It also pairs well with fish, especially salmon, scallops, tuna, and tofu.

It’s important to keep in mind that brined peppercorns are pungent enough to overpower the flavor of many foods.

Because of this, it’s best used sparingly or as a substitute for white and black pepper.

• Key Characteristics: Brined peppercorns are preserved in a tangy and salty solution, providing a softer texture compared to green peppercorns. They can add a burst of flavor to dishes and work well in marinades and sauces.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of brined peppercorns as a substitute for green peppercorns. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

5 – Capers

There are several types of capers to use to substitute for green peppercorns, including the common caper.

This variety is known for its size and mild flavor.

However, the bud caper offers more flavor without being overbearing, making it an excellent substitution in most dishes.

The best part about these two varieties of capers is that you can use them in almost any dish.

Depending on the variety you use, they can add a spicy or slightly sweet flavor to any dish.

• Key Characteristics: Capers are small flower buds preserved in a brine or vinegar solution. They have a tangy and slightly briny taste, offering a unique flavor dimension that can complement various dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of capers as a substitute for green peppercorns. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

Conclusion

Green peppercorns can be used in various dishes to add a punch of flavor.

However, several interesting substitutes feature an entirely different set of flavors and characteristics.

Each one is unique and can add a little something extra to almost any dish.

Some substitutes have more flavor, while others have a more mellow taste.

In either case, you can use these unusual alternatives as replacements for green peppercorns in any recipe that calls for it.