What can I use instead of Tomato Paste (1 Tbsp)?

Tomato Puree / Passata — 3 tbsp puree reduced per 1 tbsp paste; High-Quality Ketchup — 2 tbsp ketchup per 1 tbsp paste; Canned Crushed Tomatoes (Reduced) — 3 tbsp pureed crushed tomatoes reduced by half; Sun-Dried Tomato Paste — 1 tbsp pureed sun-dried tomatoes in oil

Substitutes Pantry

Tomato Paste Substitutes

Need just one tablespoon of tomato paste? Learn how to reduce tomato sauce, puree, or ketchup to get that concentrated umami flavor.

Starting point · check the use below

1 tbsp tomato paste = 3 tbsp tomato puree/passata (reduced) or 2 tbsp ketchup

Best substitutes

Replace with	Ratio	Best for
Tomato Puree / Passata	3 tbsp puree reduced per 1 tbsp paste	Bolognese, chili, stews, braises, tomato soup
High-Quality Ketchup	2 tbsp ketchup per 1 tbsp paste	stews, marinades, barbecue sauces
Canned Crushed Tomatoes (Reduced)	3 tbsp pureed crushed tomatoes reduced by half	pasta sauces, lasagna, curries
Sun-Dried Tomato Paste	1 tbsp pureed sun-dried tomatoes in oil	pizza sauce, pasta, Mediterranean dishes

What is Tomato Paste?

Tomato paste is essentially tomatoes that have been cooked down for hours until all the water evaporates, the seeds and skins are strained out, and the sugars caramelize into a thick, dark red, intensely concentrated paste. It is a massive umami bomb used to add depth, color, and savory richness to stews, chilis, and sauces. Because it is so concentrated, substituting it requires using thinner tomato products and reducing them on the stove.

The Best Substitute: Tomato Sauce or Puree

If you have canned tomato sauce or tomato puree, you can easily replicate tomato paste. Because these products contain a lot of water, you need to use significantly more of them and cook them down.

For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste required, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce. Add it to your pot early and let it simmer and reduce until the water evaporates and it thickens into a paste-like consistency.

Canned Diced or Crushed Tomatoes

If you only have whole or diced canned tomatoes, you can use them, but it takes more work. Blend 1/2 cup of the canned tomatoes until completely smooth. Pour the liquid into a small saucepan and simmer it over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until it reduces by more than half, becoming a thick, dark paste. This will yield about 2 tablespoons of homemade tomato paste.

The Quick Fix: Ketchup

If you are in a pinch and making a dish like chili, sloppy joes, or meatloaf, ketchup can actually work as a 1:1 substitute. Ketchup is already concentrated and thick. Warning: Ketchup is loaded with sugar and vinegar. It will make your dish noticeably sweeter and tangier. Only use this swap in recipes that already lean sweet/sour, and definitely do not use it in an authentic Italian ragù.