Sun-dried tomato’s tangy and chewy flavor is irreplaceable in salads, sauces, and dishes. However, knowing a substitute is essential if you are out of it and don’t have time to go to market or think they are too expensive.
Some of the best sun-dried tomato substitutes are tomato sauces, canned tomatoes, olives, roasted bell peppers, cherry peppers, and tomato powder.
As the name implies, these tomatoes have been dried under the sun and have a unique sweet-tart flavor with a firm texture.
Sun-dried tomatoes are one of the versatile components because of their presence in salads, soups, frittatas, pasta sauce, bruschetta, dips, tacos, and pizza sauce.
They are excellent for your health as they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is abundant in vitamin C and iron.
From the above information, it’s clear that sun-dried tomatoes are one of the staple items in your pantry due to their versatility. If you are out, simply read the information below to find your desired alternative.
14 Best Sun-Dried Tomato Substitutes
Here is a list of all the suitable ingredients that fit as sun-dried tomato substitutes. Do have a look.
1. Fresh Tomatoes
Fresh tomatoes are a close substitute for sun-dried tomatoes when making sauces or salads.
Fresh tomatoes can brighten your recipes with red color and have a sweet and mild flavor. It is easy to find in markets and available in several varieties.
Compared to sun-dried tomatoes, they have less sweetness and tanginess, but you can use citrus fruit to boost the flavors of dishes. You can use it in an equal amount as sun-dried tomatoes.
2. Olives
Olives can take up the place of sun-dried tomatoes in antipasto. Olives work well in platters which include cheeses, meats, and vegetables.
As we all know, an olive is a green, black, or purple fruit from an olive tree. As per the taste concerns, it is bitter and salty with some tanginess.
It can work as a sun-dried tomato substitute because of the similarities in acidity and flavors. You can incorporate olive as an alternative to sun-dried tomatoes in a 1:1 ratio.
3. Roasted Bell Peppers
If you want to make salads, pasta, or bruschetta, you can use roasted bell pepper as an alternative to sun-dried tomatoes.
Bell peppers are fruits that belong to the Nightshade family and are related to chili peppers, tomatoes, and breadfruit. Due to the roasting, it mimics the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and gives them a smoky taste.
Because roasted bell peppers have a different smoky flavor than sun-dried tomatoes, use them in dishes that don’t require more flavors. Use an equal ratio when replacing sun-dried tomatoes with sweet bell peppers.
Note: Choose red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a better flavor.
4. Tomato Puree
Tomato puree is the best substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in sauces and soups. Tomato puree is made from tomatoes and water and provides a strong taste and some sweetness, like sun-dried tomatoes. It is easily accessible and budget-friendly.
You can use it in recipes that require a dense tomatoey liquid. Replace it in a 1:1 ratio to use as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes.
Use tomato puree made entirely of tomatoes; no other seasonings.
5. Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes work best in salads as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes. It gives a subtle flavor and is much juicier than sun-dried tomatoes.
Cherry tomatoes are small in size and taste similar to fresh tomatoes. It is bright, sweet, and has a very juicy center.
It mimics the slightly tart and sour taste flavors of sun-dried tomatoes. It can also work great in antipasto and appetizers. Use it in a 1:1 substitution.
6. Mushrooms
You can use mushrooms as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes because of their similarity in acidity and flavor.
Mushrooms are edible fungi and provide a wide range of antioxidants and nutrients. It may contribute to heart health and protect the body from cancer.
Salads and antipasto are best to use mushrooms as an alternative to sun-dried tomatoes. Use an equal ratio when replacing sun-dried tomatoes with mushrooms.
7. Canned Tomatoes
Canned tomatoes became popular in terms of food during the Civil War. It is made from plum and garden vine tomatoes and offers a similar flavor to sun-dried tomatoes.
It provides sweetness and acidity and works outstanding in sauces and stews. It does not work well with recipes that do not include a sauce, marinade, or other liquid.
Due to its milder flavor, it is incorporated in larger quantities. To substitute canned tomatoes, use it in 3:1 substitution.
8. Tamarind Paste
Tamarind paste is best to use as an alternative in Asian-inspired recipes, Indian-inspired dishes, and marinades for meat.
Tamarind paste is made up of tamarind and does not involve tomatoes. If you dislike tomatoes, this is an excellent substitute. Combine tamarind paste with sugar to get a sour and tangy flavor like sun-dried tomatoes.
Use ½ teaspoon of tamarind paste to replace three sun-dried tomatoes, and then add sugar for the best results.
9. Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is an excellent alternative to sun-dried tomatoes. It is made by cooking tomatoes and straining them so the paste doesn’t have any skin or seeds. Tomato paste is a thick, concentrated liquid with a strong flavor and a deep red color.
It is budget-friendly and effortlessly available in nearby stores, or you can make it at home. You can use tomato paste in soups, stews, or curries. You can use a tablespoon of tomato paste in 3-5 sun-dried tomatoes.
10. Cherry Peppers
You can use cherry peppers as a substitute for antipasto. It can make a platter more flavorful and delicious.
Cherry peppers are spicy with a hint of sweetness. It resembles cherry and offers heat similar to a jalapeno pepper. You can use cherry pepper for stuffing, grilling, roasting, or adding to sauces, salads, and pasta. Use it in a 1:1 substitution.
11. Tomato Powder
You can also use tomato powder as a replacement for sun-dried tomatoes. Tomato powder is made from ground, dried tomatoes.
You can use it as a base to make liquid tomato preparations like tomato paste and tomato sauce. It gives the aroma of tomatoes with all the bright, complex acidity you expect from tomatoes.
It’s great in soups, stews, pasta, and sauces, among other things. Use equal amounts when using as a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes.
12. Pecans
Pecans are a bizarre substitute out of all but can work as a solid alternative for sun-dried tomatoes. Pecans from the Hickory family are tree nuts with a sweet flavor and nutty texture.
You can use pecans in salads as a substitute for sun-dried tomato as it exhibits similar tastes and a crunchy texture to your dish. You can use it in an equal amount as a sun-dried tomato alternative.
Note: Roast it first to improve the flavors of the pecans.
13. Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes
If you don’t want to use any of those alternatives from the above, you can make your version of sun-dried tomatoes.
To make homemade sun-dried tomatoes, you need cherry or grape tomatoes. Sliced them, removed the flesh and seeds, and baked them on a baking tray for 2-4 hours.
It is a slow process because every tomato range is different. According to the taste profile, it imparts a similar taste to sun-dried tomatoes. You can use it in salads, soups, and sauces. Use it in a 1:1 ratio.
Pro Tip; Stay close to check the oven regularly; otherwise, it will burn.
14. Quick Oven- Roasted Tomatoes
If you don’t want to make homemade sun-dried tomatoes use the easiest substitute, i.e., Quick oven-roasted tomatoes. It is just placing the tomatoes in the oven for 20 minutes.
This versatile ingredient can be in soups, stews, and salads. It has a less intense flavor with a softer texture. It’s not dried for an extended period, but it has a sweeter flavor that people enjoy. Use it as a replacement in equal quantities.
Short Recap Of Sun-Dried Tomato Substitutes
It is an in-depth look at sun-dried tomatoes. I’ve divided substitutes into three categories to make things easier for you.
Best Sun-Dried Tomato Substitutes In Terms Of Flavor and Texture
- Canned Tomatoes
- Roasted Bell Peppers
- Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Best Sun-Dried Tomato Substitutes That Are Easily Available-
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Tomato Puree
Sun-Dried Tomato Substitutes That Are Least Considered –
- Tamarind Paste
How To Use Sun-Dried Tomato Substitutes In A Recipe
14 Best Sun-Dried Tomato Substitutes You Should Try!
Ingredients
- Tomato Paste
- Canned Tomatoes
- Roasted Bell Peppers
- Fresh Tomatoes
- Tomato Puree
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Olives
- Mushrooms
- Cherry Peppers
- Tomato Powder
- Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Quick Oven- Roasted Tomatoes
- Tamarind Paste
- Pecans
Instructions
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe.
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and make the dish according to the recipe.
Conclusion
Now that we have come to the end of the article, I hope you find a suitable substitute for your recipe. I know it’s hard to replace sun-dried tomatoes, but these options function well and improve the flavor of your food.
Tell me in the comments whether you liked the article or not. I’ll see you another time. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can you use in place of sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use tomato sauces, canned tomatoes, olives, roasted bell peppers, and cherry peppers as sun-dried tomato substitutes.
Can you use regular tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can use regular tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes.
Can you substitute roasted red peppers for sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute roasted red peppers for sun-dried tomatoes.
Can I use tomato paste instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can use tomato paste instead of sun-dried tomatoes.
What to use as a sun-dried tomato substitute in pasta?
You can replace sun-dried tomatoes in pasta with tomato puree, canned tomatoes, or regular tomatoes.
