Substitutes for Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 6 Best Alternatives +FAQs!

Tomatoes are a versatile vegetable in our kitchen and are frequently used as a primary element in many dishes. They occur in a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms. Tomatoes will improve your recipe whether you use them in liquid or dried form.

Homemade sun-dried tomatoes, canned tomatoes, tomato puree, fresh tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, and tamarind paste are the best sun-dried tomato substitutes.

Learn how to use these alternatives and which recipes they can be used in. On this page, you can also learn more about sun-dried tomatoes and the distinctions between canned oiled and sun-dried tomatoes. To discover more, read the article.

Substitutes for Sun-Dried Tomatoes

If you run out of dried tomatoes, wish to substitute something different, or can’t afford to buy them, don’t panic; our list will save your recipe.

In this list below, I’ve compiled the ideal alternatives. Scroll down to see which substitutions you can use to get back on track and finish your dish.

No.1 Sun-dried tomatoes cooked from scratch.

Making your sun-dried tomatoes is the finest choice that comes closest to the real thing. Prepare some fresh tomatoes by chopping them up and placing them in the oven. Prepare the oven by preheating it to 135 degrees Celsius. Place the tomatoes on a baking tray after slicing them in half and scooping out the seeds.

Cook them until they’re dehydrated and leathery. The cooking time varies depending on the size of the tomatoes, but it should take no more than 20 minutes. You must check them frequently to ensure that they do not overcook.

They can also be prepared in the microwave. Please place them on a big platter and cook for 15 minutes on high. Make sure you don’t burn them.

One ounce of sun-dried tomatoes is made from 10 medium ripe tomatoes.

No.2 Tomatoes in Cans

The best alternative is canned tomatoes, especially if you’re making a sauce. These tomatoes will have a flavor similar to that of cherry tomatoes but with a lower intensity. They’ll thin out your sauce in the same way that tomato puree does.

14 cup sundried tomatoes can be replaced with 4/3 cup canned tomatoes. Before you use them, make sure they’re dehydrated.

No.3 Pureed tomatoes

Tomato puree has a flavor similar to that of sun-dried tomatoes. When it comes to making soups or curries, this is a great replacement. Practically any cuisine that calls for tomato flavor but not the texture of whole tomatoes.

3-4 sun-dried tomatoes can be replaced with one tablespoon tomato puree.

No.4 Tomatoes (Fresh)

Fresh is usually preferable, so don’t panic if you find any dried tomatoes. Freshly harvested tomatoes can always be added. When making a salad, it’s always better to use fresh tomatoes because the dried ones don’t seem appetizing, and the flavor and texture don’t go well together.

Fresh tomatoes may always be used in salads to give extra juiciness. Add a touch of lemon or lime juice for extra acidity, and you’ve got yourself a wonderful salad.

One tablespoon tomato paste can be used in place of 3-5 dried tomatoes.

No.5 Bell Peppers, Roasted

Sun-dried tomatoes can be replaced with these peppers. If you’re creating antipasto or brochettes, bell peppers are a good choice. The flavor of this pepper is faintly sweet and roasted. It’s delicious and will give your cuisine a lovely finishing touch. On top of the crispy bruschetta, a dash of roasted bell pepper drizzled in olive oil will be the perfect topping.

No.6 Tamarind Paste

Sun-dried tomatoes in a recipe, particularly in Asian cuisine, are uncommon. If one of the recipes calls for dried tomatoes, this is a great replacement. Tarmin paste has a sweet and sour flavor that is acidic and tart.

Its sourness will take the edge off if you combine it with sweet things. You can obtain a delightful and sour flavor combined all together as a substitute.

Questions to Ponder:

Sun-dried tomatoes: what do they taste like?

They are a vital component of many cuisines worldwide, particularly in Italian cuisine. Dried tomatoes are a popular type of tomato among Italians, particularly in the south. Sun-dried tomatoes, also known as Pomodoro Secchi in Italian, were invented by Southern Italians.

They’re frequently used in spaghetti sauces, bruschetta, salads, dips, paninis, and various other dishes. They can be pricey or challenging to come by in your local marketplaces. But what if you don’t have any sun-dried tomatoes on hand, or if they’re too expensive to buy? Is there anything that can be used in their place?

On the other hand, sun-dried tomatoes are created from fresh tomatoes that have been dried in the sun or in a dehydrator. Furthermore, two different types can be found. They are available in supermarkets, either packed in oil or just dry. Both packs are equally outstanding, but they must be handled differently. In the kitchen, both oiled and dried ones are beneficial.

Sun-dried tomatoes have a very acidic, intense flavor that can mix sweet and savory flavors. Even when rehydrated, dried tomatoes have a chewy feel. Dried tomatoes can be used in salads or pasta dishes. You can also learn more about the differences between dried and oil-packed tomatoes.

Sun-dried tomatoes, dry vs. oil-packed

• The critical difference between the two is that the oil-packed dried tomatoes are more expensive due to the increased expense of the oil.
• The peel of sun-dried tomatoes is rougher and chewier than oil-packed tomatoes.
• The oil pack is usually included with the seasoning. It should be considered most of the time because it can enhance the flavor of your dish.
• By adding warm water and a tablespoon of salt to dried tomatoes, they can be made softer. You can microwave them for another 2 minutes to obtain the optimum softness for your recipe.

Is it necessary to rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes?

You can rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with fluids. The rule of thumb applies here, and the sun-dried tomatoes can be covered with warm water and soaked at room temperature for an extra 2 hours.

Another tip that will add additional flavor is to cook them in wine or broth instead of wine. It will enhance the flavor of your dish and make it even more delicious.

How many sun-dried tomatoes are in a pack, and where can I find them?

They’re easy to come by at supermarkets. They’re frequently found in the produce area near the canned vegetables. A cup of sun-dried tomatoes usually contains about 25-35 sun-dried tomatoes from a pack. Because of the size of the tomatoes, the number fluctuates.

When it comes to dried tomatoes, how do you know if they’ve gone wrong?

You can check the package to see whether it has an expiration date. Whether there are any signs of mold or contamination, you can tell if they’ve gone wrong. Most dried sun tomato packets do not have an expiration date; however, they usually last around two weeks.