Tomato paste is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can be used in various recipes, from pasta sauces to soups and stews.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find fresh tomato paste. Don’t worry – there are plenty of best Substitutes for tomato paste to give your recipes a delicious new twist!
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at different substitutes for tomato paste that will keep your recipes fresh and flavorful.
1. Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is the first on our list of best Substitutes for Tomato Paste. It is a great substitute for tomato paste, especially if you don’t have the time or energy to make your own. It’s usually thicker than regular tomato sauce and has more of a concentrated flavor.
It can also be used in dishes that call for a tomato-based sauce, like chili or pasta dishes. You may want to adjust the amount you use depending on how thick you like your sauce.
Tomato sauce is an easy and convenient substitute for tomato paste, and it will work in most recipes that call for it.
2. Tomato Purée
Tomato purée is one of the best Substitutes for tomato paste. It is made from cooked, strained tomatoes and can be used in various dishes. It has a thicker consistency than tomato sauce but a less concentrated flavor than tomato paste.
When using tomato purée as the Substitute for tomato paste, it’s important to remember that the ratio should be twice as much.
For example, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of tomato paste, you should use two tablespoons of tomato purée.
Additionally, you may want to add a bit more water to the dish to achieve the desired consistency.
Tomato purée can be used in soups, stews, sauces, casseroles, and other dishes. It can also be used as a base for pizza sauce or as a thickening agent for chili.
The great thing about these best Substitutes for Tomato Paste is that it’s very versatile and can be used in many different recipes.
3. Sambal Oelek
Sambal oelek is also one of the best Substitutes for Tomato Paste. It is an Indonesian condiment made from fresh red chilies, garlic, and vinegar.
It has a spicy, acidic flavor that is similar to tomato paste, making it an ideal substitute in recipes. You can find sambal oelek in most grocery stores near other international condiments or Asian foods.
When using sambal oelek as the best substitute for tomato paste, remember that it may have a stronger flavor than tomato paste.
As such, you may want to use slightly less sambal oelek than the amount of tomato paste your recipe calls for.
Additionally, suppose your recipe calls for the cooked-down consistency of tomato paste. In that case, you may want to simmer sambal oelek with some water or oil until it has reduced in volume.
Overall, sambal oelek is an excellent option if you need a substitute for tomato paste. Its unique flavor and heat will give your dish a new dimension of flavor and make your recipes stand out.
4. Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes are next on the list of best Substitutes for tomato paste in recipes. Not only are they versatile, but they are also readily available and usually less expensive than tomato paste.
To use canned tomatoes as the best Substitutes for tomato paste, it’s best to cook them down first. This will reduce the amount of liquid in the mixture and give you a thicker consistency that is similar to tomato paste.
Start by heating a saucepan over medium heat and adding a little bit of oil or butter. Once the oil is hot, add a can of diced tomatoes, including the juice.
Simmer the tomatoes until they have softened and the liquid has reduced. This should take about 10 minutes.
Once the tomatoes have cooked down, use a spoon to mash them into a paste. You can also use an immersion blender or food processor if you prefer.
Add additional seasonings if desired, then let the tomato paste cool before using it as a substitute in your recipe.
Using canned tomatoes as a substitute for tomato paste can save time and money while giving you the same flavors you’d expect from tomato paste.
Keep this option in mind the next time you’re in a pinch and don’t have any tomato paste on hand!
5. Hot Sauce
If you’re looking for the best Substitutes for tomato paste that add a bit of heat, look no further than hot sauce! Hot sauces like sriracha, tabasco, or harissa can be used to replace tomato paste in most recipes.
It won’t provide the same thickness as tomato paste, but it will bring some flavor and spice to the dish.
You may need to experiment with how much hot sauce you use to get the desired level of heat and flavor.
Additionally, if you want to replicate the thickness of tomato paste, try combining a small amount of cornstarch or all-purpose flour with your hot sauce to thicken it up.
6. Salsa
If you’re looking for the best substitutes for tomato paste that will bring some flavor and heat to your dish, consider salsa.
This is one of the more versatile and best substitutes for tomato paste and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes.
It can be used as a chip dip or a condiment for tacos, burgers, and sandwiches. It can also be used in recipes like pizza, casseroles, stews, and chili.
Salsa is made from a blend of tomatoes, onions, garlic, jalapeno peppers, lime juice, and seasonings. Depending on the type of salsa you choose, it can be spicy or mild.
When substituting salsa for tomato paste, you may need to adjust the number of other ingredients in your recipe, as salsa typically has more moisture than tomato paste.
For best results, choose a thick variety of salsa for the most similar texture and flavor to tomato paste.
7. BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce is one of the best Substitutes for Tomato Paste. It is a great alternative to tomato paste because it’s already quite thick and has a similar flavor.
All you have to do is reduce the BBQ sauce until it’s nice, thick, and ready to go!
These best Substitutes are especially great for making BBQ pizzas, chicken sandwiches, and other recipes requiring a thicker sauce.
If you’re using this as the best substitute for tomato paste, remember that BBQ sauce tends to be sweeter than tomato paste, so adjust your seasonings accordingly.
You can also use other sauces, such as Worcestershire or teriyaki, to give your dishes an interesting twist.
8. Ketchup
When it comes to finding the best Substitutes for tomato paste, one of the most popular options is ketchup. Ketchup is a condiment made from tomatoes and other spices and has a unique tangy and sweet flavor.
While it doesn’t have the same thickness or intense flavor as tomato paste, it can be a great substitute in many recipes.
Ketchup is great for sauces, stews, soups, and chili. It can also be used in place of tomato paste in dishes like pizza sauce, marinades, and bbq sauce. Ketchup is also an easy and convenient ingredient to keep on hand in your pantry.
Just remember that ketchup usually has more sugar than tomato paste, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar or other sweeteners used in your recipe.
You may also want to adjust other seasonings since ketchup contains spices like garlic powder and onion powder that tomato paste does not.
Overall, ketchup can be the best substitutes for tomato paste when you’re in a pinch. Just make sure you adjust the flavors accordingly!
9. Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is one of the most popular and best substitutes for tomato paste. It’s a condiment made from a combination of anchovies, molasses, vinegar, sugar, and spices, and it adds a savory umami flavor to recipes.
Worcestershire sauce has an intense flavor, so use it sparingly when substituting for tomato paste—about 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can replace 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
If you’re concerned about sodium levels in your recipe, you can opt for low-sodium Worcestershire sauce instead. The flavor won’t be as robust, but it will still work as a replacement for tomato paste.
10. Olive Tapenade
Olive tapenade might be the perfect option if you’re looking for the best substitutes for tomato paste that still packs a flavor punch.
This is an excellent and best substitutes for tomato paste because it has a similarly intense flavor but with a unique twist. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it healthier than tomato paste.
One great thing about using olive tapenade instead of tomato paste is that it adds a unique flavor to your dishes. For example, it can be used to make an incredibly flavorful pesto sauce or as an addition to a vegetable dish.
You can also use it to add a burst of flavor to soups, stews, and sauces. So if you’re looking for a way to add some complexity to your cooking, try using olive tapenade as the best Substitute for tomato paste!
11. Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is next on the list. If you’re looking for the best substitutes for tomato paste that’s a little more versatile and complex in flavor, then soy sauce could be a great option.
This popular Asian condiment has a slightly sweet and salty flavor that can add depth to your recipes.
To use soy sauce as a tomato paste substitute, simply mix two parts soy sauce with one part water and use it as you would tomato paste.
It’s important to remember that you’ll need to adjust the amount of salt in your recipe since soy sauce is quite salty.
You can also use soy sauce to add umami to a dish. It’s the perfect way to bring out the natural sweetness of tomatoes and other vegetables, making them even more enjoyable to eat.
Plus, it won’t overpower the flavor of your dish, so you can get all of the complexity of flavor without any of the sourness or bitterness from tomato paste.
12. Harissa
Harissa is also one of the best Substitutes for Tomato Paste. Tomato paste is a great ingredient to use in your recipes, but sometimes you may not have it on hand or you may be looking for a different flavor.
If that’s the case, don’t worry – there are plenty of alternatives you can use instead! One of the best Substitutes for tomato paste is harissa.
Harissa is a spicy North African condiment made from chili peppers, garlic, and spices. It has a unique flavor that can add depth and complexity to many dishes.
Harissa is also very versatile – you can use it as a marinade for meats or add it to soups, stews, and sauces. It’s also great for adding a kick of heat to sandwiches, salads, and other dishes.
When using harissa as the one of best Substitutes for tomato paste, the general rule of thumb is to start with 1 tablespoon of harissa for every 2 tablespoons of tomato paste called for in the recipe.
This will give your dish a nice spicy kick without overpowering it. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, you can start with less harissa and add more to taste.
Harissa is widely available at most grocery stores, specialty food stores, and online retailers. When choosing a harissa, look for one that is made with all-natural ingredients.
Some brands contain added preservatives, so it’s best to read the label to ensure you get a high-quality product.
So next time you’re out of tomato paste or want to switch up the flavor in your dish, try using harissa as one of the best Substitutes for tomato paste! It’s sure to add a delicious and unique flavor that will keep your recipes fresh and exciting.
13. Tomato Soup
Nothing beats the flavor of tomato paste when it comes to making a classic tomato soup. But what if you don’t have any tomato paste on hand?
Don’t worry, there are plenty of delicious substitutes that will give your soup a flavor boost and keep your recipe fresh!
To start off, why not try using sun-dried tomatoes? Soak them in hot water for 10 minutes and blend them into a paste.
This will provide a delicious and intense tomato flavor that is perfect for adding to soups or sauces.
14. Marinara Sauce
If you’re out of tomato paste but still need a little something to give your recipes that signature marinara sauce flavor, there are plenty of other ingredients you can use as a substitute.
Enjoy these best substitutes for tomato paste that will keep your recipes fresh and flavorful without the hassle of having to buy tomato paste.
15. Salsa Verde
Salsa Verde is next on our list of best Substitutes for tomato paste. If you’re looking for a substitute for tomato paste, why not try salsa verde? It’s full of flavor and has a great fresh taste.
Salsa verde is made from tomatillos, jalapenos, garlic, cilantro, and onion, and it adds a unique twist to any dish. Use it to replace tomato paste in soups, stews, or casseroles.
You can even mix it with sour cream or cream cheese to create a delicious dip. With salsa verde as your substitute for tomato paste, your recipes will never be boring again!
16. Miso Paste
Lastly, Miso paste is also one of the best Substitutes for tomato paste, adding an extra flavor to your recipes.
While tomato paste has a mild, slightly sweet flavor, miso paste has a savory, umami taste. It can be used in dishes such as soups, sauces, and marinades or even added to pizzas, portions of pasta, and casseroles.
To substitute tomato paste with miso paste, you will need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe since miso paste is naturally salty.
To substitute one tablespoon of tomato paste with miso paste, use two tablespoons of miso paste. Miso paste can be found in most grocery stores and health food stores.
The most common type is white miso paste, which is made from fermented soybeans and has a mellow, salty flavor.
Also, find red or brown miso paste, which is made from barley, rice, and other grains and has a stronger flavor.
You may need to adjust the dish’s flavors to balance out the umami taste when using miso paste as substitute for tomato paste.
You can do this by adding additional herbs and spices to the dish or adding more acidity with ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar.
Overall, miso paste is a great substitute for tomato paste, adding an extra layer of flavor to your recipes. Just make sure to reduce the amount of salt and adjust the flavors as needed to balance out the umami taste.
Conclusion
Tomato paste is a staple ingredient in many dishes, from pasta sauces to casseroles and stews.
However, sometimes you don’t have any tomato paste on hand. Luckily, plenty of best substitutes for Tomato Paste can take place in a pinch.
From tomatoes to miso paste, plenty of items can add the umami flavor and texture of tomato paste without compromising the flavor of your dish.
While the texture may not be exactly the same, these best substitutes for Tomato Paste are great options that will keep your recipes fresh and flavorful.
If you ever find yourself in a pinch and need a substitute for tomato paste, try one of these options. We’re confident that you will love the results. Enjoy!
