Cups & Temps

Tomato paste substitute: what to use instead

Use 3 tablespoons tomato sauce for each tablespoon of tomato paste, simmering it a few minutes to thicken. Tomato puree works at 2 tablespoons per tablespoon of paste.

Ratios from university extension services and King Arthur Baking. Checked .

How much tomato paste does the recipe call for?

We scale every substitute below to your amount.

Showing amounts for 1 Tbsp tomato paste.

Tomato paste substitutes, best first

  1. For 1 Tbsp tomato paste3 Tbsp tomato sauce, simmered to thickenBest for: sauces, soups, stews

    Red Gold; consistent with Colorado State's 3/4 cup paste + 1 cup water = 2 cups sauce. Reduce other liquid if not simmering.

  2. For 1 Tbsp tomato paste2 Tbsp tomato pureeBest for: sauces, chili

    Red Gold.

  3. For 1 Tbsp tomato paste3 Tbsp passata (strained tomatoes)Best for: sauces

    Red Gold.

  4. For 1 Tbsp tomato paste1/4 cup canned crushed tomatoes, simmered downBest for: stews, braises

    Red Gold.

  5. For 1 Tbsp tomato paste1 Tbsp ketchup; cut recipe sugarBest for: chili, meatloaf, glazes

    Red Gold; ketchup adds sugar and vinegar.

Why the swaps work

Tomato paste is tomatoes cooked down to remove most of their water, concentrating flavor; thinner tomato products need more volume or reduction to match.

Questions people ask

Can I use ketchup instead of tomato paste?

Yes, about 1:1, but reduce sugar since ketchup is sweet and tangy.

How do I make tomato sauce from paste?

Mix 3/4 cup paste with 1 cup water for about 2 cups sauce (Colorado State).

Sources