Best Tomato paste Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Tomato paste in a Recipe?
Use 300% of the called-for amount (slightly more than the original). Simmer 3 tbsp tomato sauce in a small pan until reduced to 1 tbsp. Concentrates the flavor. Works perfectly in sauces, soups, and stews.
Need to replace Tomato paste in a recipe? These 4 alternatives have you covered. From pantry staples to specialty swaps, this guide walks through every practical Tomato paste replacement you can use in cooking and baking — with the ratios you need to get it right. Ideal if you need to keep things plant-based or avoid dairy. The top pick is Tomato sauce (reduced) — it's the closest match for most recipes. Use 300% of the amount. Simmer 3 tbsp tomato sauce in a small pan until reduced to 1 tbsp. Concentrates the flavor. Works perfectly in sauces, soups, and stews.
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Get ratios for Tomato paste →All Tomato paste Substitutes (4 options)
Simmer 3 tbsp tomato sauce in a small pan until reduced to 1 tbsp. Concentrates the flavor. Works perfectly in sauces, soups, and stews.
1:1 swap. Adds sweetness and vinegar tang. Works in BBQ sauces, meatloaf, and stews where extra sweetness is acceptable.
Blend roasted red peppers to a paste. Different flavor profile but adds similar color and richness to soups and sauces.
Blend 2–3 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes into a smooth paste. Deep, concentrated tomato flavor — excellent in pasta sauces and braises.
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Tips for Substituting Tomato paste
For most recipes, Tomato sauce (reduced) is the best starting point. Simmer 3 tbsp tomato sauce in a small pan until reduced to 1 tbsp. Concentrates the flavor. Works perfectly in sauces, soups, and stews. Going plant-based? Sun-dried tomatoes (blended), Roasted red peppers (blended) are both vegan-friendly options that work well in most recipes. If you're unsure which Tomato paste substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Tomato paste Substitutes
The best substitute for Tomato paste is Tomato sauce (reduced). Use about 300% of the amount called for. Simmer 3 tbsp tomato sauce in a small pan until reduced to 1 tbsp. Concentrates the flavor. Works perfectly in sauces, soups, and stews.
This guide lists 4 Tomato paste alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Sun-dried tomatoes (blended) is a great plant-based alternative to Tomato paste. Blend 2–3 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes into a smooth paste. Deep, concentrated tomato flavor — excellent in pasta sauces and braises.
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