Sun-Dried Tomato Substitutes: Complete Guide
Find the best substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes including tomato paste, fresh tomatoes, tomato puree, and more. Learn proper ratios, conversions, and when to use each substitute for perfect results.
Quick Answer
The best sun-dried tomato substitutes are tomato paste (1:2 ratio), fresh tomatoes (1:3 ratio), tomato puree (1:2 ratio), or ketchup (1:1 ratio). For intense flavor, use tomato paste. For fresh flavor, use fresh tomatoes. Each works differently depending on your recipe needs.
Best Substitutes
Tomato Paste
1:2 (1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes = 2 tbsp tomato paste)Concentrated tomato product that provides intense tomato flavor similar to sun-dried tomatoes. Thick consistency and rich flavor make it a good substitute for concentrated tomato taste.
Best for:
Tomato paste is more concentrated than sun-dried tomatoes. Use half the amount and adjust liquid in recipe. Provides similar intense tomato flavor.
Fresh Tomatoes
1:3 (1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes = 3 tbsp fresh tomatoes)Fresh tomatoes that provide the most authentic flavor. Best choice when you have access to good quality fresh tomatoes. Requires more preparation but offers the most natural taste.
Best for:
Use ripe, firm tomatoes. Peel, seed, and dice before using. May need to reduce to achieve concentrated flavor. Provides the most authentic tomato taste.
Tomato Puree
1:2 (1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes = 2 tbsp tomato puree)Smooth, thick tomato product that provides similar flavor with smooth consistency. Made from pureed tomatoes without added seasonings. Good for sauces and soups.
Best for:
Tomato puree is thicker than sauce but thinner than paste. May need to reduce to achieve concentrated flavor. Provides similar tomato flavor.
Ketchup
1:1Sweetened tomato condiment that provides tomato flavor with added sweetness and tang. Contains vinegar, sugar, and spices that can enhance or change the flavor profile.
Best for:
Ketchup adds sweetness and tang to dishes. Reduce sugar in recipe if using ketchup. Works well in barbecue sauces and sweet-sour dishes.
Crushed Tomatoes
1:2 (1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes = 2 tbsp crushed tomatoes)Chunky tomato product that provides similar flavor with more texture. Made from crushed tomatoes, often with added seasonings. Good for recipes where texture isn't critical.
Best for:
Crushed tomatoes have more texture than sun-dried tomatoes. May need to puree or cook longer to achieve smooth consistency. Often more affordable.
Diced Tomatoes
1:2 (1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes = 2 tbsp diced tomatoes)Chunky tomato product that provides similar flavor with more texture. Made from diced tomatoes, often with added seasonings. Good for recipes where texture isn't critical.
Best for:
Diced tomatoes have more texture than sun-dried tomatoes. May need to puree or cook longer to achieve smooth consistency. Often more affordable.
Tomato Sauce
1:2 (1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes = 2 tbsp tomato sauce)Smooth, liquid tomato product that works well when you need similar flavor but don't need the thick consistency. Made from pureed tomatoes, often with added seasonings.
Best for:
Tomato sauce is thinner than sun-dried tomatoes. May need to reduce to achieve concentrated flavor. Provides similar tomato flavor.
Marinara Sauce
1:2 (1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes = 2 tbsp marinara sauce)Seasoned tomato sauce that provides similar flavor with added herbs and spices. Often contains basil, oregano, and garlic. Good for Italian-style dishes.
Best for:
Marinara sauce contains added seasonings. Adjust other herbs and spices in recipe accordingly. Often more flavorful than plain tomato products.
Stewed Tomatoes
1:2 (1 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes = 2 tbsp stewed tomatoes)Canned tomatoes that have been cooked with seasonings. Similar to sun-dried tomatoes but often with added herbs and spices. May need to drain excess liquid.
Best for:
Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings like basil and oregano. Drain excess liquid before using. May need to adjust other seasonings in recipe.
Cooking Tips
- 💡For 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, use 1/2 cup tomato paste or 3/4 cup fresh tomatoes
- 💡For 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, use 1 cup tomato paste or 1.5 cups fresh tomatoes
- 💡When using tomato paste as substitute, use half the amount and adjust liquid in recipe
- 💡For concentrated flavor, use tomato paste (1:2 ratio) or reduce fresh tomatoes by half
- 💡Fresh tomatoes need to be peeled and seeded - blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then peel
- 💡If using crushed or diced tomatoes, puree them first for smooth consistency
- 💡For emergency situations, use ketchup (1:1 ratio) though this adds sweetness and tang
- 💡When substituting with tomato sauce or puree, you may need to reduce to achieve concentrated flavor
- 💡For Italian-style dishes, marinara sauce works well and adds authentic flavor
- 💡Stewed tomatoes often contain added seasonings - taste before adding other herbs and spices
- 💡For best results, taste and adjust seasonings after substituting
- 💡Sun-dried tomatoes are very concentrated - a little goes a long way in most recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in pasta?
Tomato paste or fresh tomatoes work best in pasta. Use tomato paste at a 1:2 ratio (half the amount) or fresh tomatoes at a 1:3 ratio. Tomato paste provides intense flavor, while fresh tomatoes offer authentic taste.
Can I substitute tomato paste for sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but use half the amount. If a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, use 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Adjust liquid in the recipe as tomato paste is more concentrated.
How much fresh tomatoes equal 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes?
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes equals about 3/4 cup fresh tomatoes. Use ripe, firm tomatoes, peel and seed them, then dice. You may need to reduce them to achieve concentrated flavor.
What's the best substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in salad?
Fresh tomatoes or tomato paste work best in salad. Use fresh tomatoes at a 1:3 ratio for authentic flavor, or use tomato paste at a 1:2 ratio for intense flavor. Adjust other ingredients accordingly.
Can I substitute ketchup for sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, ketchup can substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in a 1:1 ratio. However, ketchup adds sweetness and tang, so reduce sugar in your recipe by 1-2 tablespoons. It works well in sauces and marinades.
What's the best substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in pizza?
Tomato paste or fresh tomatoes work best for pizza. Use tomato paste at a 1:2 ratio for intense flavor, or fresh tomatoes at a 1:3 ratio for authentic taste. Both enhance the flavor of the pizza.
Can I substitute crushed tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, crushed tomatoes can substitute for sun-dried tomatoes at a 1:2 ratio. Puree them first for smooth consistency, or use as-is for chunky texture. They provide similar flavor and are often more affordable.
What's the best substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in pesto?
Tomato paste or fresh tomatoes work best in pesto. Use tomato paste at a 1:2 ratio for intense flavor, or fresh tomatoes at a 1:3 ratio for authentic taste. Both enhance the flavor of the pesto.
Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes for tomato paste?
Yes, but use twice the amount. If a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon tomato paste, use 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes. Soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes first, then chop finely.
What's the best substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in soup?
Tomato paste or tomato puree work best in soup. Use tomato paste at a 1:2 ratio for intense flavor, or tomato puree at a 1:2 ratio for similar consistency. Both enhance the flavor of the soup.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for sun-dried tomatoes including tomato paste, fresh tomatoes, tomato puree, and more. Learn proper ratios, conversions, and when to use each substitute for perfect results.