Substitutes for Tomato Paste: 9 Best Alternatives!

If you’re creating pasta, a savory dish, or a dipping sauce, tomato paste is what you’ll need. Tomato paste adds a lovely touch and the perfect texture to your food once it’s been applied.

Tomato paste is a concentrated version of tomato sauce commonly used in numerous recipes. It’s a common element in soups, sauces, and almost all pasta recipes.

In your local market, you can usually purchase tomato paste that has already been cooked and is packaged in 6-ounce cans. It has a thick texture, but you may thin it out with water if it’s too thick.

You may also create tomato paste at home, which is a terrific choice with many advantages for cooking.

It truly brings out the flavors in your dish and adds texture to it. To caramelize and develop the tomato paste, add it earlier in the cooking process. Is there another method to replace tomato paste if you don’t have any or want to avoid it?

Yes, you can use tomato passata, tomato sauce, tomato puree, tomato ketchup, and canned and fresh tomatoes also as an alternative.

We have non-tomato-based subsites like additional seasoning, oil, and soy sauce if you want to use tomato-based choices. We also have the most straightforward recipe for homemade tomato paste.

To learn more, continue reading.

Tomato paste substitutes

Tomato paste isn’t something you can’t live without. There are a few tomato-based alternatives that can help you save your recipe. Six alternatives have been chosen. All you have to do now is pick the best fit for your needs and recipe.

And for those who prefer not to use tomato-based alternatives, we’ve got three more suggestions to help you make the correct substitution and enjoy your meal.

No. 1 Tomato passata is the first ingredient in this recipe

The tomato passata is the first item on our list. It’s similar to tomato paste, except it’s not as concentrated. It is considered an excellent and adequate substitute for tomato paste.

Alternatively, you can alter the formula to suit your needs. For every tablespoon of tomato paste, substitute three tablespoons of tomato passata. The passata will be more watery because of the texture difference. Allow the passata to simmer for a few more minutes if it needs to be thicker.

No. 2 Tomato-based sauce

Tomato sauce is one of the first things that spring to mind, and it’s something you almost always have on hand. The texture is the only change; therefore, the tomato sauce won’t be as thick as the tomato paste.

It’s a versatile ingredient that may be used in practically any recipe. However, depending on your recipe, it might make a difference. For every spoonful of tomato paste, use three tablespoons of tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper if desired.

No. 3 Pureed tomatoes

Tomato puree is another tomato-based option. Tomato puree has a similar texture to paste but is less concentrated. In most recipes, it can be used as a stand-in.

For each spoonful of tomato paste, use 2 to 3 teaspoons of pureed tomatoes. You can use it in any recipe. If you want it thicker, cook it for a few minutes longer.

No. 4 Ketchup made with tomatoes

Tomato ketchup is another option for replacing tomato paste. It’s simple to switch because we usually have tomato ketchup in the fridge.

Keep in mind that the ketchup differs from the paste in that it is more concentrated, sweeter, and contains more herbs.

Use a 1:1 ratio or adjust according to the recipe. However, due to the added flavors, the recipe may be affected, but it will be a minor difference.

No. 5 Tomatoes in cans

Although canned tomatoes are a little more liquid than tomato paste, You can use them in place of tomato paste. All you have to do is let them simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.

Filter off the juice and utilize only the tomato’s solid portions. Because they’re not as concentrated, it’ll be okay to use twice as much to acquire the flavors that you want.

No. 6 Tomatoes in season

When seeking a different way to substitute tomato paste, one of the most incredible possibilities is to use fresh tomatoes. They are much less sanctified, and you have the option of removing the seeds and skin or leaving it alone.

Fresh tomatoes are always available, even if cooking them can be difficult. Simmer the fresh tomatoes until they thicken, and you’ll achieve the desired texture. For every tablespoon of tomato paste in your recipe, use one large tomato.

Substitutes for non-tomato-related cooking

If you don’t want to use tomato paste or anything tomato-related in your cooking, there are a few alternatives. We’ve chosen three non-tomato alternatives for you.

No. 7 Seasoning to taste

To avoid the tomato flavor, add more seasoning, such as more salt or even sugar, to balance the flavors. If you have a favorite seasoning, you can add that too.

No. 8 Olive

Despite its distinct flavor, You can use the olive to substitute for tomato paste. The olives can give an umami flavor, and you can change it up depending on what else you have on hand.

No. 9 Soy sauce

You can use soy sauce to replace the savory umami flavor of tomato paste if you don’t want to use it in your cuisine. To make a tablespoon of tomato paste, add a teaspoon of soy sauce. If you think it’s required, increase the amount, but don’t go overboard. Use the correct proportions because it is less sweet and saltier.

How to make tomato paste at home?

Ingredients:

• 2 kilograms of tomatoes, fresh
• One teaspoon of salt
• 1 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

• It would be best if you first cleaned the fresh tomatoes. Chop them up finely and carefully, being careful not to squeeze out too much liquid.
• After that, please put them in a pot over high heat and cook the tomatoes. Stir them until they’re soft, then break them up till they’re in liquid consistency. Add the olive oil and season with salt. Boil them until the texture changes to a pastier consistency.
• Stir until the texture thickens, and then place it on a baking sheet to finish reducing in the oven after you’ve reached the proper tomato paste. Please put it in a jar and keep it in the refrigerator.

Associated Issues

Is there a way to thicken the sauce without using tomato paste?

You may thicken the tomato paste in a few different ways. You can add more tomato paste, cornstarch, roux, egg yolk, or arrowroot. Also, the best way is to boil the material a little longer to achieve the desired texture.

What can I do if I don’t have 6 oz of tomato paste?

You can use 3 ounces of tomato paste that has been condensed. In this scenario, ketchup is not suggested because it is concentrated and contains sugar.