Out of Roma, one case
Substitute regular tomatoes for Roma
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Regular tomatoes
Same amount by volume as the Roma
Yes, you can substitute regular tomatoes for Roma tomatoes. Use a 1:1 ratio by volume, but regular tomatoes have more water content so you may need to cook them longer or reduce the liquid in your recipe.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- similar taste, different texture
- Best for —
- sauces
One casethe full tomato card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Roma | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regular tomatoessauces | Same amount by volumeTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Plum tomatoessauces | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | San Marzano tomatoessauces | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Canned whole tomatoessauces | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Beefsteak tomatoescooking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Regular tomatoes
similar taste, different texture
Regular tomatoes can work as substitutes for Roma tomatoes but have higher water content. They provide similar flavor but may need preparation adjustments.
- Best for
- sauces, stews, soups, cooking, when you need similar flavor
Remove seeds and excess juice to reduce water content. May need longer cooking time to achieve similar consistency.
Plum tomatoes
similar taste and texture
Plum tomatoes are the best substitute for Roma tomatoes. They have similar oval shape, meaty texture, and low water content.
- Best for
- sauces, stews, roasting, grilling, when you want similar texture
Closest substitute to Roma tomatoes. Similar shape, meaty texture, and low water content.
San Marzano tomatoes
enhanced taste, similar texture
San Marzano tomatoes are a premium substitute for Roma tomatoes with excellent flavor and meaty texture. They're often considered superior to Roma tomatoes.
- Best for
- sauces, stews, when you want premium quality
Premium substitute with excellent flavor and texture. Similar to Roma but often more expensive.
Canned whole tomatoes
similar taste and texture
Canned whole tomatoes are an excellent substitute for Roma tomatoes, especially when fresh ones aren't available. Drain excess liquid for best results.
- Best for
- sauces, stews, soups, when fresh tomatoes aren't available
Drain excess liquid before using. Often have better flavor than fresh tomatoes out of season.
Beefsteak tomatoes
similar taste, different texture
Beefsteak tomatoes can substitute for Roma tomatoes but are larger and more watery. Remove seeds and excess juice for better results.
- Best for
- cooking, when you need large tomato pieces
Larger and more watery than Roma. Remove seeds and juice, may need longer cooking time.
How it behaves in this recipe
Regular tomatoes can substitute for Roma tomatoes in most cooking applications, but they require preparation adjustments due to their higher water content. Roma tomatoes are specifically bred for cooking and have meaty texture with low water content, making them ideal for sauces and stews. Regular tomatoes need seed removal and longer cooking times to achieve similar results.
Tips for substituting Roma
8 tips- Remove seeds and excess juice from regular tomatoes to reduce water content
- Regular tomatoes may need 5-10 minutes longer cooking time to achieve Roma-like consistency
- For sauces, consider reducing the liquid in your recipe when using regular tomatoes
- Roma tomatoes are ideal for sauces because of their low water content and meaty texture
- Regular tomatoes work better in cooked dishes than raw applications when substituting for Roma
- For best results, use plum tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes when substituting for Roma
- Consider using canned whole tomatoes as they often have better flavor than fresh regular tomatoes
- When making tomato sauce, regular tomatoes may need to be cooked longer to thicken properly
Notes on Roma
- Use plum tomatoes instead - they're the closest match to Roma tomatoes
- Try San Marzano tomatoes for premium quality and excellent flavor
- Consider canned whole tomatoes for consistent flavor and texture
- Use beefsteak tomatoes for larger pieces but remove seeds and juice first
Questions
8 questionsCan I substitute regular tomatoes for Roma tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular tomatoes for Roma tomatoes using a 1:1 ratio by volume. However, regular tomatoes have more water content, so you may need to remove seeds and juice, and cook them longer to achieve similar consistency.
What's the difference between regular tomatoes and Roma tomatoes?
Roma tomatoes are oval-shaped, have meaty texture, and low water content, making them ideal for sauces and cooking. Regular tomatoes are round, more watery, and have larger seed cavities.
Why are Roma tomatoes better for sauces?
Roma tomatoes have lower water content and meatier texture, which means they cook down to a thicker, more concentrated sauce without becoming watery. They also have fewer seeds.
How do I prepare regular tomatoes to substitute for Roma tomatoes?
Cut regular tomatoes in half and remove the seeds and excess juice. This reduces the water content and makes them more similar to Roma tomatoes in cooking applications.
Do regular tomatoes take longer to cook than Roma tomatoes?
Yes, regular tomatoes typically need 5-10 minutes longer cooking time due to their higher water content. They need more time to reduce and thicken in sauces and stews.
What's the best substitute for Roma tomatoes?
Plum tomatoes are the best substitute for Roma tomatoes as they have similar oval shape, meaty texture, and low water content. San Marzano tomatoes are also excellent but often more expensive.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes?
Yes, canned whole tomatoes are an excellent substitute for Roma tomatoes, especially when fresh ones aren't available. Drain excess liquid before using for best results.
Why do my sauces turn out watery when using regular tomatoes instead of Roma?
Regular tomatoes have higher water content than Roma tomatoes. To fix this, remove seeds and excess juice before cooking, and cook longer to reduce the liquid. You may also need to reduce other liquids in your recipe.