Tomatillo Substitute UK - Available in Britain Guide
Find the best tomatillo substitutes available in the UK. Learn which alternatives work best for British cooks when tomatillos are hard to find or expensive.
Quick Answer
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.
Best Substitutes
Green Tomatoes + Lime Juice
1:1 + 2 tbsp lime juice per cupGreen 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:
Best UK substitute - green tomatoes are widely available in British supermarkets
Gooseberries
1:1 + 1 tbsp lime juice per cupGooseberries 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:
Excellent UK substitute - gooseberries are native to Britain and widely available
Canned Tomatillos
1:1Canned tomatillos can be found in UK specialty stores, online retailers, and some larger supermarkets, providing the most authentic substitute for British cooks.
Best for:
Available in UK 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 UK supermarkets and can work as a tomatillo substitute when combined with sufficient acid and proper Mexican seasonings.
Best for:
Widely available in UK - needs significant seasoning adjustment
Unripe Plums + Lime
1:1 + 2 tbsp lime juice per cupUnripe 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:
Creative UK substitute - unripe plums have natural tartness
Cooking 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Where 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.
Summary
Find the best tomatillo substitutes available in the UK including green tomatoes with lime, gooseberries, and canned tomatillos. Learn where to buy alternatives for British cooks.