Alternatives to Tomate Paste

The Best & Most Complete Tomato Paste Substitutes

Tomato paste is a kitchen powerhouse: concentrated, sweet, and loaded with umami. Just a tablespoon can transform a stew, soup, or braise. But if you’re out of it when your recipe calls for some, don’t worry — there are plenty of ways to recreate its flavor, texture, and depth using ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Quick & Easy Non-Tomato Substitutes

1. Skip It

If your dish has plenty of other flavorful ingredients, you can simply skip the tomato paste. You may barely notice it’s missing.

2. Extra Seasoning

Tomato paste adds both savory depth and a subtle sweetness. Sometimes a pinch of salt and a little sugar is enough to bring balance back to your dish.

3. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce can mimic the umami punch of tomato paste (though it is saltier and less sweet). Start small and taste as you go.

Ratio: 1 tablespoon tomato paste = 1 teaspoon soy sauce.

4. Olive Tapenade

Olives are packed with natural umami. Olive tapenade will shift the flavor profile but still provide depth and savoriness.

5. Miso

Miso is an unexpected but powerful tomato paste stand-in. It brings a similar rounded umami richness (though no tomato flavor). Try adding a teaspoon to soups, stews, or sauces to give them depth.

6. Oyster Sauce

Thick, salty-sweet oyster sauce can add body and savoriness to braises and stews. Expect a darker color and less acidity. (Not vegetarian-friendly.)

7. Worcestershire Sauce

This tangy, savory blend adds depth and umami. A few dashes in stews or soups can stand in for tomato paste — consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance acidity.

Tomato-Based Substitutes

1. DIY Tomato Paste

Make your own by simmering down crushed tomatoes or tomato puree until thick and reduced to about one-third of its original volume. This gives you a nearly identical replacement.

2. Tomato Passata

Passata is like un-concentrated tomato paste — smooth and flavorful but thinner. Use three times as much, or simmer it to reduce before adding.

Ratio: 1 tablespoon tomato paste = 3 tablespoons passata (or 1:1 if reduced).

3. Canned Tomatoes

Simmer canned tomatoes uncovered for 10–15 minutes until reduced by half, then strain out seeds if you like. This makes a quick homemade paste-like substitute.

4. Tomato Sauce / Marinara

Less concentrated than paste but still works well, especially in dishes that simmer for a while. If too thin, reduce over heat before using.

Ratio: 1 tablespoon tomato paste = 2 tablespoons tomato sauce.

5. Tomato Ketchup

Ketchup is sweeter and tangier, but its concentrated tomato base makes it a good emergency swap. Reduce or omit other sweeteners in your recipe.

Use 1:1 as a direct substitute.

6. Fresh Tomatoes

Chop and simmer fresh tomatoes, then puree and cook down until thick. Remove skins and seeds for a smoother texture.

Other Creative Pairings

• Avocado & Tomato
• Bacon & Tomato
• Basil & Tomato
• Cheese & Tomato
• Oregano & Tomato
• Rosemary & Tomato
• Garlic & Tomato
• Liver & Tomato

Storage Tips

Keep unopened tomato paste in the pantry. After opening, store in the refrigerator in a sealed container. If using a can, transfer leftovers to a glass jar before refrigerating.

Have fun experimenting — tomato paste might be small, but its flavor power can be replaced in creative ways!