10 Best Ways To Substitute for Tomato Paste

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more information.

When you don’t have tomato paste on hand, there are several substitutes you can use. Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato puree are all excellent alternatives. For every tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use three tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce. Cook the puree or sauce until it has reduced and thickened.

The thin tomato juice in canned tomatoes can also be used in place of tomato paste. Use three tablespoons of the canned juice for every tablespoon of tomato paste called for in the recipe. Fresh tomatoes can be pureed and used as a substitute for tomato paste in a 1:3 ratio.

Ketchup can also be used as a substitute, but it has a tangier and sweeter flavor, so adjust sugar and vinegar amounts if necessary. Another option is harissa, a North African chili pepper paste, which has a similar texture to tomato paste. Use half the amount of harissa as the recipe calls for tomato paste.

These alternatives will help you maintain flavor and consistency in any dish that calls for tomato paste.

So, the next time you find yourself without tomato paste, don’t worry! With these 10 best substitutes, your recipes will still turn out delicious and flavorful.

Substitutes for tomato paste

Canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato puree are all excellent alternatives to tomato paste. When you don’t have tomato paste on hand, these substitutes can rescue your recipes and deliver the desired flavor and consistency.

For every tablespoon of tomato paste needed, you can use three tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce. To achieve the desired thickness, cook the puree or sauce until it has reduced and thickened. This will ensure that the substitution seamlessly integrates into your dish.

If you have canned tomatoes, even the thin tomato juice can be used in place of tomato paste. Simply use three tablespoons of the canned juice for every tablespoon of tomato paste called for in the recipe. This way, you can maintain the flavor profile while adjusting the consistency.

Fresh tomatoes can also be pureed and used as a substitute for tomato paste. In a 1:3 ratio, puree the fresh tomatoes and use them in place of tomato paste. This option allows you to utilize the natural flavors of fresh tomatoes while still achieving the desired consistency in your recipes.

If you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile, consider using ketchup as a substitute for tomato paste. However, keep in mind that ketchup has a tangier and sweeter taste, so you may need to adjust the sugar and vinegar amounts in your recipe to maintain the balance of flavors.

Lastly, you can also experiment with harissa, a North African chili pepper paste, as a substitute for tomato paste. Harissa has a similar texture to tomato paste and can provide a unique and spicy twist to your dish. Use half the amount of harissa as the recipe calls for tomato paste, and adjust to taste if necessary.

With these versatile substitutes at your disposal, you can confidently tackle any recipe that calls for tomato paste, even when it’s not readily available in your pantry.

Source Links

• https://www.tastingtable.com/1039820/the-absolute-best-substitutes-for-tomato-paste/
• https://www.acouplecooks.com/best-tomato-paste-substitute/
• https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/tomato-paste-substitute