You can use canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, or even ketchup when you don’t have tomato paste at home. Here’s how.
Tomato paste usually comes in a small can or tube, but it adds a rich and bold flavor to recipes like chili and beef stew. It’s one of the key ingredients that helps build deep flavor in many dishes. It’s always a good idea to keep a can in your kitchen. Once opened, any extra tomato paste can easily be frozen. Just place it into an ice cube tray, freeze it, then transfer the cubes into a resealable freezer bag for later use. But if you suddenly run out of tomato paste, don’t skip it completely because your dish may lose that rich tomato umami flavor. Luckily, there are several tomato-based substitutes you probably already have at home.
How to Substitute Tomato Sauce or Puree for Tomato Paste
There’s no need to rush to the grocery store if you’re out of tomato paste. Tomato sauce and tomato puree both work very well as substitutes.
For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste required in a recipe, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or tomato sauce instead. Add the puree or sauce at the same step where the recipe asks for tomato paste. Then cook it while stirring continuously until the mixture reduces and becomes thicker. This will help create a similar deep and savory tomato flavor.
How to Substitute Canned Tomatoes for Tomato Paste
The liquid from canned tomatoes, whether they are diced, crushed, or whole, can also replace tomato paste in recipes.
For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste mentioned in the recipe, use 3 tablespoons of canned tomato juice. Add it in place of the tomato paste and continue cooking while stirring constantly until the juice thickens and reduces properly.
How to Substitute Fresh Tomatoes for Tomato Paste
Fresh tomatoes can also be used instead of tomato paste. Blend the tomatoes until smooth and fully liquified, then follow the same ratio.
For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, use 3 tablespoons of fresh tomato juice. Add it to the dish when the recipe calls for tomato paste. You can also add a small pinch of salt for better flavor. Cook the mixture while stirring regularly until the fresh tomato juice reduces and thickens.
How to Substitute Ketchup for Tomato Paste
Sometimes simple condiments can save the day. Ketchup can also work as a substitute for tomato paste with a few small adjustments.
Keep in mind that ketchup contains more sugar than tomato paste and has a tangier taste. If your recipe already includes sugar or vinegar, you may need to reduce those amounts because ketchup already adds sweetness and acidity.
Use equal amounts of ketchup in place of tomato paste and cook it while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and dries out properly.