Tomatillo Substitute Australia - Available Down Under
Find the best tomatillo substitutes available in Australia. Learn which alternatives work best for Australian cooks when tomatillos are hard to find or expensive.
Quick Answer
In Australia, green tomatoes with lime juice are the best tomatillo substitute. Gooseberries, canned tomatillos from specialty stores, or green bell peppers with lime also work well for Australian cooks.
Best Substitutes
Green Tomatoes + Lime Juice
1:1 + 2 tbsp lime juice per cupGreen tomatoes are readily available in Australian supermarkets and provide the best base for tomatillo substitutes when combined with lime juice for authentic tart, citrusy flavor.
Best for:
Best Australian substitute - green tomatoes are widely available in Australian supermarkets
Gooseberries
1:1 + 1 tbsp lime juice per cupGooseberries are available in Australian specialty stores and some supermarkets, making them an excellent tomatillo substitute with natural tartness that works well in Mexican-inspired Australian cooking.
Best for:
Excellent Australian substitute - gooseberries are available in specialty stores and some supermarkets
Canned Tomatillos
1:1Canned tomatillos can be found in Australian specialty stores, online retailers, and some larger supermarkets, providing the most authentic substitute for Australian cooks.
Best for:
Available in Australian specialty stores and online - most authentic option
Green Bell Peppers + Lime + Vinegar
1:1 + 3 tbsp lime juice + 1 tbsp white vinegar per cupGreen bell peppers are widely available in Australian supermarkets and can work as a tomatillo substitute when combined with sufficient acid and proper Mexican seasonings.
Best for:
Widely available in Australia - needs significant seasoning adjustment
Unripe Plums + Lime
1:1 + 2 tbsp lime juice per cupUnripe plums, available in Australian gardens and some stores, have natural tartness that can work as a creative tomatillo substitute in Australian Mexican fusion cooking.
Best for:
Creative Australian substitute - unripe plums have natural tartness
Cooking Tips
- 💡Green tomatoes are your best bet in Australia - they're widely available in supermarkets year-round
- 💡Gooseberries are available in Australian specialty stores and some supermarkets, making them an excellent tomatillo substitute
- 💡Look for canned tomatillos in Australian specialty stores, online retailers, or larger supermarkets
- 💡Check Australian online retailers like Woolworths Online, Coles Online, or specialty Mexican food stores
- 💡Green bell peppers are widely available but need extra lime juice and Mexican seasonings
- 💡Consider growing your own tomatillos in Australian gardens during warm months
- 💡Use Australian-grown gooseberries in season for the most authentic tart flavor
- 💡Store substitutes in the refrigerator and use within a week for best results
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find tomatillos in Australia?
Tomatillos can be found in Australian specialty stores, online retailers, and some larger supermarkets. Canned tomatillos are more readily available than fresh ones.
What's the best tomatillo substitute available in Australia?
Green tomatoes with lime juice are the best tomatillo substitute in Australia, as green tomatoes are widely available in Australian supermarkets year-round.
Are gooseberries a good tomatillo substitute in Australia?
Yes, gooseberries are an excellent tomatillo substitute in Australia because they're available in specialty stores and some supermarkets, with natural tartness similar to tomatillos.
Can I grow tomatillos in Australia?
Yes, tomatillos can be grown in Australia in warm, sunny spots during the growing season. They need warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight, making them suitable for most Australian climates.
Where can I buy canned tomatillos in Australia?
Canned tomatillos can be found in Australian specialty stores, online retailers like Woolworths Online, Coles Online, and some larger supermarkets with international food sections.
Summary
Find the best tomatillo substitutes available in Australia including green tomatoes with lime, gooseberries, and canned tomatillos. Learn where to buy alternatives for Australian cooks.