Ever find yourself in the middle of cooking and realize you’re fresh out of diced tomatoes?
Yeah, us too. No sweat! We’ve all been there, scrambling through the pantry, looking for that perfect swap.
Good news is, there are some killer substitutes that you might not have thought about.
From canned options to fresh picks, we’re about to spill the beans on how to keep your dish on track without missing a beat.
It’s like having a secret weapon in your kitchen arsenal.
Get ready to turn a potential cooking crisis into your next big culinary win. Trust us, your taste game is about to level up!
The 5 BEST Substitutes for Diced Tomatoes
If you cannot find fresh or canned diced tomatoes, don’t worry.
Several other substitutes can easily be used to replace them in any recipe.
Tomatoes have a distinct taste and texture that can easily overwhelm a dish.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the 5 best substitutes for diced tomatoes, along with their key characteristics and proper ratios:
| Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato Paste | Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomatoes with a thick consistency and intense flavor. | Use 2 tablespoons of tomato paste diluted with ¼ cup of water per 1 cup of diced tomatoes. |
| Crushed Tomatoes | Crushed tomatoes are made by crushing whole tomatoes, resulting in a chunky texture with some liquid. | Use an equal amount of crushed tomatoes as you would with diced tomatoes. |
| Tomato Puree | Tomato puree is made from cooked and strained tomatoes, resulting in a smooth and thick liquid. | Use an equal amount of tomato puree as you would with diced tomatoes. |
| Canned Tomatoes | Canned tomatoes are whole or chopped tomatoes that have been preserved in a can with their juices. | Use an equal amount of canned tomatoes as you would with diced tomatoes. |
| Tomato Sauce | Tomato sauce is a cooked and seasoned tomato-based sauce with a smooth consistency. | Use an equal amount of tomato sauce as you would with diced tomatoes. |
Now, let’s discuss each substitute in more detail:
1 – Tomato Paste
The simplest solution is to use tomato paste.
While it’s not as thick as diced tomatoes, this product provides the same flavor profile and can be added at your discretion.
Tomato paste is available in most supermarkets.
It can be stored in the fridge for quite some time, even if opened.
However, it’s important to note that the product is highly perishable once opened.
It’s best to add this paste in small amounts until you achieve the desired effect.
In addition, it might even be better since tomato paste will have a smaller appearance in your dishes which means your meals will look more presentable.
Please note that you should not use ketchup as an alternative since it contains a lot of additives.
2 – Crushed Tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes are another excellent replacement for diced tomatoes in your recipes.
These products usually include the skin and seeds of the tomato, but they’re purer than diced tomatoes.
All traces of juice and pulp have been removed from crushed tomatoes.
That means that this product has a strong tomato taste without the added water content of diced tomatoes.
In addition, crushed tomatoes are sometimes known as purees.
This is because they have been processed more than diced or whole tomatoes.
Crushed tomatoes include approximately 20% tomato solids and 80% liquid, though some versions may vary this amount slightly.
3 – Tomato Puree
While crushed tomatoes are very close in taste to diced tomatoes, tomato puree is an even better replacement.
Tomato puree can be especially useful if you prefer a smooth texture in your dishes.
Tomato Puree is the best alternative for consistency because it has been pulped and strained until completely smooth.
If you are interested, the skin and seeds are also removed.
That means tomato puree has an incredibly smooth texture with no chunks or seeds.
As a result, you won’t have to worry about biting into anything unpleasant in your dishes.
These products have a strong taste, but they’re not as potent as crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes.
This product is often available at your local supermarket. It is also quite simple to use.
4 – Canned Tomatoes
Though nothing beats fresh ingredients, canned tomatoes are a great substitute for diced tomatoes.
They’re usually readily available at any supermarket and can be used in various dishes.
Canned tomatoes contain the same amount of sugar as freshly picked fruit, and they also taste very similar to the original version.
Canned tomatoes often come in the complete form; however, they can also come diced or crushed.
Note that these tomatoes are packed with their juice, so you should rinse them before use if you prefer to limit the amount of liquid in your recipes.
Canned whole tomatoes are generally very easy to use.
You have to be careful not to spill the juices.
5 – Tomato Sauce
Another great substitute for diced tomatoes is tomato sauce.
Tomato sauce is very popular in many dishes, and it’s a staple ingredient worth having in your pantry.
In addition, this product is particularly useful if you prefer a smoother consistency to your foods.
Tomato Sauce is an excellent alternative to diced or crushed tomatoes.
It has been processed less than tomato puree to retain a more natural texture.
In addition, this product is extremely versatile and pairs well with many dishes.
In most parts of the world, tomato sauce is sold in a can.
However, it may also be available in a jar or a squeezable bottle.
Furthermore, according to its thickness and added ingredients, tomato sauce can be used in various dishes, from soups to homemade pizzas.
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