Out of Tomatillo, one case
Tomatillo substitute UK - available in Britain
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Green tomatoes + lime juice
Same amount as the tomatillo
Plus 2 tbsp lime juice per cup
In the UK, 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 British cooks.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- salsas
One casethe full tomatillo card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tomatillo | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green tomatoes + lime juicesalsas | Same amountPlus 2 tbsp lime juice per cupWorks | Works |
| 2 | Gooseberriessalsas | Same amountPlus 1 tbsp lime juice per cupWorks | Works |
| 3 | Canned tomatillossalsas | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Green bell peppers + lime + vinegarsalsas | Same amountPlus 3 tbsp lime juice + 1 tbsp white vinegar per cupYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 5 | Unripe plums + limesalsas | Same amountPlus 2 tbsp lime juice per cupYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Green tomatoes + lime juice
similar taste and texture
Green tomatoes are readily available in UK supermarkets and provide the best base for tomatillo substitutes when combined with lime juice for authentic tart, citrusy flavor.
- Best for
- salsas, sauces, Mexican cooking, British Mexican fusion
Best UK substitute - green tomatoes are widely available in British supermarkets.
Gooseberries
similar taste and texture
Gooseberries are native to the UK and widely available, making them an excellent tomatillo substitute with natural tartness that works well in Mexican-inspired British cooking.
- Best for
- salsas, sauces, Mexican cooking, British cooking
Excellent UK substitute - gooseberries are native to Britain and widely available.
Canned tomatillos
similar taste and texture
Canned tomatillos can be found in UK specialty stores, online retailers, and some larger supermarkets, providing the most authentic substitute for British cooks.
- Best for
- salsas, sauces, Mexican cooking, authentic recipes
Available in UK specialty stores and online - most authentic option.
Green bell peppers + lime + vinegar
different taste and texture
Green bell peppers are widely available in UK supermarkets and can work as a tomatillo substitute when combined with sufficient acid and proper Mexican seasonings.
- Best for
- salsas, sauces, cooking, emergency substitute
Widely available in UK - needs significant seasoning adjustment.
Unripe plums + lime
different taste and texture
Unripe plums, available in UK gardens and some stores, have natural tartness that can work as a creative tomatillo substitute in British Mexican fusion cooking.
- Best for
- salsas, sauces, experimental cooking, British fusion
Creative UK substitute - unripe plums have natural tartness.
How it behaves in this recipe
In the UK, tomatillos are not commonly available in regular supermarkets, making substitutes essential for British cooks wanting to try Mexican recipes. Green tomatoes are the most accessible substitute, widely available year-round in British supermarkets. Gooseberries, being native to Britain, offer an excellent alternative with natural tartness. The key is finding substitutes that provide the tart, citrusy flavor essential to Mexican cooking while being readily available to UK consumers.
Tips for substituting tomatillo
8 tips- Green tomatoes are your best bet in the UK - they're widely available in supermarkets year-round
- Gooseberries are native to Britain and make an excellent tomatillo substitute with natural tartness
- Look for canned tomatillos in UK specialty stores, online retailers, or larger supermarkets
- Check British online retailers like Ocado, Amazon UK, 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 UK greenhouses or polytunnels during summer
- Use British-grown gooseberries in season for the most authentic tart flavor
- Store substitutes in the refrigerator and use within a week for best results
Notes on tomatillo
- Check UK online retailers like Amazon UK, Ocado, or specialty Mexican food stores for canned tomatillos
- Look for tomatillo paste or concentrate in UK specialty stores
- Consider growing your own tomatillos in UK greenhouses or polytunnels during summer
- Try British-grown gooseberries in season for the most authentic tart flavor
- Use a combination of green tomatoes and gooseberries for balanced flavor
Questions
5 questionsWhere can I find tomatillos in the UK?
Tomatillos can be found in UK 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 the UK?
Green tomatoes with lime juice are the best tomatillo substitute in the UK, as green tomatoes are widely available in British supermarkets year-round.
Are gooseberries a good tomatillo substitute in the UK?
Yes, gooseberries are an excellent tomatillo substitute in the UK because they're native to Britain, widely available, and have natural tartness similar to tomatillos.
Can I grow tomatillos in the UK?
Yes, tomatillos can be grown in the UK in greenhouses, polytunnels, or warm, sheltered spots during summer. They need warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight.
Where can I buy canned tomatillos in the UK?
Canned tomatillos can be found in UK specialty stores, online retailers like Amazon UK, Ocado, and some larger supermarkets with international food sections.