Tomato Paste Substitute Ketchup: for Cooking & Baking
Find the best substitutes for tomato paste using ketchup in any recipe. Learn about ketchup with water, ketchup with tomato sauce, and other alternatives with proper ratios and cooking techniques.
Quick Answer
The best tomato paste substitutes using ketchup are ketchup with water, ketchup with tomato sauce, or ketchup with tomato puree. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes, adjusting thickness based on your recipe needs.
Best Substitutes
Ketchup + Water
1:1Ketchup thinned with water to match the consistency of tomato paste. Easy to make and customize thickness level.
Best for:
Mix ketchup with water to thin. Start with equal parts and adjust based on desired thickness. Ketchup adds sweetness and tanginess.
Ketchup + Tomato Sauce
1:1Ketchup combined with tomato sauce for a thicker consistency that works well as a tomato paste substitute in many recipes.
Best for:
Mix ketchup with tomato sauce for thicker consistency. Adjust ratio based on desired thickness and flavor profile.
Ketchup + Tomato Puree
1:1Ketchup combined with tomato puree for a thick, concentrated substitute that works well in recipes calling for tomato paste.
Best for:
Mix ketchup with tomato puree for concentrated flavor. Adjust ratio based on desired thickness and flavor profile.
Ketchup + Tomato Juice
1:1Ketchup combined with tomato juice for a thinner consistency that can work as a tomato paste substitute in some recipes.
Best for:
Mix ketchup with tomato juice for thinner consistency. May need to reduce by simmering to thicken if needed.
Ketchup + Canned Tomatoes
1:1Ketchup combined with canned tomatoes for a chunky substitute that works well in recipes calling for tomato paste.
Best for:
Mix ketchup with canned tomatoes for chunky texture. May need to blend or crush tomatoes for smoother consistency.
Ketchup + Tomato Soup
1:1Ketchup combined with tomato soup for a creamy substitute that works well in recipes calling for tomato paste.
Best for:
Mix ketchup with tomato soup for creamy texture. Adjust ratio based on desired thickness and flavor profile.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Tomato paste is more concentrated than ketchup, so adjust thickness accordingly
- 💡Ketchup adds sweetness and tanginess to dishes, so consider this when substituting
- 💡For thicker consistency, use ketchup with tomato sauce or tomato puree
- 💡For thinner consistency, use ketchup with water or tomato juice
- 💡Ketchup works well in sauces, soups, and pasta dishes as a tomato paste substitute
- 💡Store homemade tomato paste substitutes in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ketchup instead of tomato paste?
Yes, ketchup can work as a tomato paste substitute, but it's sweeter and tangier. Mix with water or tomato sauce to adjust consistency and flavor.
What's the difference between ketchup and tomato paste?
Ketchup is sweeter and tangier than tomato paste, while tomato paste is more concentrated and has a different flavor profile. Both can be used interchangeably with adjustments.
How do I make ketchup work as tomato paste?
Mix ketchup with water, tomato sauce, or tomato puree to adjust consistency. Start with equal parts and adjust based on your recipe needs.
Which ketchup substitute works best for sauces?
Ketchup with tomato sauce or tomato puree works best for sauces. They provide the right thickness and flavor profile for most sauce recipes.
Can I use ketchup in pasta dishes instead of tomato paste?
Yes, ketchup can work in pasta dishes, but it will add sweetness and tanginess. Mix with tomato sauce or tomato puree for better flavor balance.
How do I adjust the sweetness when using ketchup as tomato paste?
Mix ketchup with unsweetened tomato products like tomato sauce or tomato puree to balance the sweetness. Adjust ratio based on your taste preference.
Are there any recipes where ketchup works better than tomato paste?
Ketchup works well in sweet and sour dishes, barbecue sauces, and recipes where you want added sweetness and tanginess.