Easy Substitutes for Tomato Paste
Cooking is all about flavor, and sometimes, you realize you’re missing a key ingredient. Tomato paste, with its deep, savory richness, is a staple in many recipes. But when it’s nowhere to be found, don’t worry! There are plenty of substitutes that will keep your dish bold, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you’re in a pinch or just looking to try something new, these swaps will keep your kitchen on track.
Why Tomato Paste Matters
Before we find a replacement, let’s talk about what makes tomato paste so special. It is a true kitchen hero. Tomato paste is made by cooking down tomatoes for hours, with the seeds and skins strained out. This long cooking process removes most of the water. What is left is a thick paste packed with a deep, rich tomato flavor.
This concentrated flavor is called umami. It adds a savory depth that is hard to match. A small spoonful can transform a simple soup or sauce, giving it a cooked-all-day taste. It also works as a thickener, giving stews a wonderful body and texture. When you run out, you need a substitute that brings that same richness.
Best Substitutes for Tomato Paste
1. Tomato Sauce (Thickened)
Tomato sauce is the first stop when you’re out of paste. It’s milder, but with a little simmering, it can thicken into a great replacement.
How to Use It:
For every tablespoon of tomato paste, use three tablespoons of tomato sauce. Pour it into a pan and simmer over medium heat for about 10–15 minutes until it reduces and thickens. Stir occasionally to avoid burning, and you’ll end up with a lovely, concentrated sauce.
Best For:
Soups, stews, and pasta sauces.
2. Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are another excellent choice. Whether you have diced, crushed, or whole, they can be transformed into a rich, tomato paste-like texture with some time and love.
How to Use It:
Drain the tomatoes to remove excess liquid, then cook them in a pan over medium heat until they break down and thicken. This usually takes about 10–15 minutes. For every tablespoon of tomato paste, use about three tablespoons of the reduced tomatoes.
Best For:
Chili, hearty stews, and casseroles where you want texture and deep tomato flavor.
3. Ketchup
While it may sound odd, ketchup can stand in for tomato paste in a pinch, thanks to its thick, sweet, and tangy flavor. It works well in dishes that can handle a little extra sweetness.
How to Use It:
Use ketchup in a 1:1 ratio for tomato paste. Since ketchup is sweeter, consider reducing any sugar in the recipe to balance it out.
Best For:
BBQ sauces, meatloaf glazes, and sweet-and-sour dishes.
4. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes bring an intense, concentrated tomato flavor, perfect for adding a punch to your dish. They work particularly well when blended into a paste.
How to Use It:
Place the sun-dried tomatoes in warm water and let them soak for 10 minutes until softened. Then, blend them with a bit of olive oil to create a thick paste. For every tablespoon of tomato paste, use about two tablespoons of sun-dried tomato paste.
Best For:
Rustic pasta dishes, risottos, or spreads where a bold, tangy tomato flavor shines.
5. Roasted Red Pepper Paste
If you’re feeling adventurous and want a smoky twist, roasted red pepper paste is a fantastic option. It adds richness without relying on tomatoes.
How to Use It:
Blend roasted red peppers into a smooth puree and use 2 tablespoons of it for every tablespoon of tomato paste. A teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice can help balance the flavors if needed.
Best For:
Soups, Mediterranean dishes, or any recipe where you want to add a smoky-sweet depth.
6. Fresh Tomatoes (Cooked Down)
If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can quickly make your own paste-like texture by cooking them down.
How to Make It:
Blanch, peel, and seed the tomatoes. Chop them finely, and cook them down in a pan over low heat for 15–20 minutes, until the texture thickens and the moisture reduces. You’ll need about two medium-sized tomatoes for every tablespoon of tomato paste.
Best For:
Light summer sauces, fresh pasta dishes, or when you want to bring a bright tomato flavor to your dish.
Tips for Making Substitutes Work
When using substitutes, the key is to make sure the texture and flavor match the dish you’re preparing. Here are a few tips to get your substitute just right:
- Adjust Seasoning:
Tomato paste adds both savory depth and a hint of sweetness. Substitutes like ketchup or tomato sauce might be sweeter, so taste as you go and adjust the seasoning. A pinch of salt, a splash of vinegar, or even a bit of smoked paprika can help balance things out. - Don’t Rush the Reduction:
When you’re reducing a substitute like tomato sauce or canned tomatoes, be patient. The longer you let it simmer, the more concentrated and flavorful it becomes. Don’t rush this step! - Watch the Texture:
Tomato paste is thick, so if your substitute is too watery (like tomato sauce that hasn’t reduced enough), your dish might turn out soupy. Always allow for enough simmering time to thicken the mixture. - Taste and Adjust:
The beauty of cooking is adjusting along the way. If your dish tastes a bit off, don’t hesitate to add a little more salt, vinegar, or spice. Cooking is all about finding that perfect balance.
Quick Guide to Choose the Right Substitute
| Substitute | Ratio (for 1 tbsp tomato paste) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato Sauce | 3 tbsp, reduced | Soups, stews, pasta sauces |
| Canned Tomatoes | 3 tbsp, reduced | Chili, hearty stews, casseroles |
| Ketchup | 1 tbsp | BBQ sauces, meatloaf, glazes |
| Roasted Red Pepper | 2 tbsp puree | Soups, Mediterranean dishes |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 1 tbsp paste | Pasta, risottos, rustic dishes |
| Fresh Tomatoes | 2 medium-sized tomatoes | Fresh sauces, light summer dishes |
See Also – The Best Plum Tomato Substitutes for Every Recipe
Final Thoughts
The next time you find yourself out of tomato paste, don’t panic! There are plenty of delicious substitutes hiding in your pantry or fridge, just waiting to take your dish to the next level. Whether you’re using tomato sauce for a quick fix, sun-dried tomatoes for a bold kick, or fresh tomatoes for a lively flavor, you’ve got options that won’t compromise your recipe.
Remember, cooking is all about creativity and making the most of what you have. So, next time you’re out of tomato paste, grab one of these alternatives and trust your instincts. You might just discover a new twist on a classic favorite. Happy cooking!
