Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Fire Roasted Tomatoes

Finding the perfect substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes can feel like trying to solve a puzzle.

We’ve all been there, staring at our pantry trying to whip up something delicious.

The good news? You don’t need to dash to the store to find them.

Fire-roasted tomatoes add that smoky depth to dishes that regular tomatoes can’t touch.

They’re like the secret sauce in your chili, the unexpected MVP in your pasta sauce.

And yet, we often find ourselves without them just when our recipe calls for it.

But don’t sweat it. We’ve got your back with five killer swaps that’ll save your dish without missing a beat.

These alternatives not only mimic the smoky vibe but also keep your meals on the tasty side of life.

Because, at the end of the day, cooking should be fun, inventive, and, most importantly, stress-free.

What are Fire-Roasted Tomatoes?

Let’s get right to the point – fire-roasted tomatoes are nothing but regular tomatoes that have been exposed to very high levels of heat.

This is done either in an oven, over hot coals, or via another method like microwaving.

The result? Well, you get a tomato that has taken on the smoky flavors that come with roasting (think barbeque sauce – it’s the same idea).

While tomatoes are pretty flavorless, to begin with, fire roasting them gives you a whole new dimension of tomato goodness.

As for nutrition, that’s something that hasn’t been studied much at all.

It probably varies depending on the method, but one thing is for sure – it will be more nutritious than the standard, unroasted variety.

Adding fire-roasted tomatoes to pasta sauces, casseroles, gravies, and so much more will take each dish to a whole new level of flavor.

It’s also an easy way to add some more nutrients while adding a touch of authenticity.

So fire up the oven, grab your tomatoes and let’s get started.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Fire Roasted Tomatoes

Fire roasted tomatoes add a smoky and intense flavor to various dishes, but if you don’t have them on hand or prefer an alternative, there are several substitutes that can provide similar characteristics.

In this guide, we will explore the top 5 substitutes for fire roasted tomatoes, comparing their key characteristics and providing suggestions on proper ratios to achieve optimal results in your recipes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Tomato Paste/Sauce	Concentrated flavor with a smooth texture	Use an equal amount of tomato paste or sauce as a substitute
Diced Tomatoes	Fresh and juicy with chunky texture	Use an equal amount of diced tomatoes as a substitute
Sun-Dried Tomatoes	Intense flavor with a sweet and chewy texture	Use a smaller amount of sun-dried tomatoes as a substitute
Grilled Mangoes	Sweet and smoky with a soft texture	Use a smaller amount of grilled mangoes as a substitute
Tamarind Paste	Tangy and slightly sweet with a rich, earthy flavor	Use a smaller amount of tamarind paste as a substitute

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Tomato Paste or Tomato Sauce

This is an alternative to tomatoes that work best when you want to add some substance to your dishes like soups.

The tomato paste will make the soup thicker and richer while adding more color.

If this still doesn’t seem right, consider making your homemade sauce.

It’s quick, easy, and tastes better than anything you can buy.

The downside to this addition is that it’s rather high in sodium.

This means you will need to watch your dietary choices carefully when using these instead of fire-roasted tomatoes.

• Key Characteristics: Tomato paste and tomato sauce offer a concentrated tomato flavor with a smooth texture. While they lack the smoky notes of fire roasted tomatoes, they can still enhance the depth of your dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of tomato paste or sauce as a substitute for fire roasted tomatoes. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

2 – Diced Tomatoes

Diced tomatoes work great in pasta sauces and chili.

They’re thinner than tomato paste and harder to chop, but the flavor is very similar when used in small quantities.

You can also go for canned diced tomatoes. Just be sure to drain them well before use.

This will help keep your dish from getting too wet, and it’ll make sure you don’t lose any of those tasty fire-roasted flavors.

The only thing that may be an issue is the salt.

This will vary based on brand and type of diced tomatoes, so you’ll need to watch how much goes in – especially if you’re using low sodium cooking liquids/broths.

• Key Characteristics: Diced tomatoes provide a fresh and juicy texture with chunky pieces. While they don’t have the smoky flavor of fire roasted tomatoes, they offer a vibrant tomato taste that can be a suitable substitute.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of diced tomatoes as a substitute for fire roasted tomatoes. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

3 – Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These go well with lighter, more delicate dishes like pasta salads or bruschetta.

While they may not be as thick or have the same depth of flavor, they still add a subtle taste to whatever you’re cooking.

Sun-dried tomatoes are prepared by leaving them in an oven for about 12 hours.

They get their distinct flavor from the natural sugars that caramelize without adding too much moisture.

You can either buy them already packed or make them yourself.

When buying, be sure to check the salt content.

Sun-dried tomatoes tend to have a high sodium content, so you’ll need to watch your intake carefully.

• Key Characteristics: Sun-dried tomatoes have an intense flavor due to their concentration and drying process. They provide a slightly sweet and chewy texture that can add depth to dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use a smaller amount of sun-dried tomatoes as a substitute for fire roasted tomatoes. Adjust the quantity based on the intensity of the sun-dried tomatoes and your recipe requirements.

4 – Grilled Mangoes

Any grilled fruit will work well as a substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes.

Grilling brings out the natural sugars in fruits, so they’ll add some extra flavor to your dish.

The best part is that this doesn’t take much effort at all.

Dice up your favorite fruit, season it lightly and grill it on each side until you get those dark, caramelized lines.

Grill as many as you need and let them cool before using them in your dish.

The only downside is that the long cooking time will reduce the fruit’s water content, which will be more difficult to incorporate into a sauce or soup.

This isn’t a big deal, though, since you can add a bit more broth.

• Key Characteristics: Grilled mangoes offer a unique twist as a substitute for fire roasted tomatoes. They provide a sweet and smoky flavor with a soft texture, adding a tropical touch to your dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use a smaller amount of grilled mangoes as a substitute for fire roasted tomatoes. Adjust the quantity based on the sweetness and smokiness of the mangoes, as well as your recipe requirements.

5 – Tamarind Paste

This works as a great substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes in many dishes.

It’s used as a souring agent and brings a lot of authenticity to recipes from India, Thailand, and Mexico.

Tamarind paste is made from the pod fruit that grows on tamarind trees.

When fully ripened, they are harvested by hand then sun-dried.

The pods are then de-seeded and boiled until they become a thick liquid.

This liquid is then strained and mixed with a water and sugar solution.

The amount of sugar used will give the paste its distinct sourness and determine how much liquid should be added to your dish.

Check what type of sugars were used as not all tamarind pastes are vegan.

• Key Characteristics: Tamarind paste has a tangy and slightly sweet flavor with a rich, earthy undertone. While it doesn’t resemble the taste of fire roasted tomatoes, it can contribute a complex flavor to your dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use a smaller amount of tamarind paste as a substitute for fire roasted tomatoes. Adjust the quantity based on the tanginess and sweetness of the tamarind paste, as well as your recipe requirements.

Conclusion

Fire-roasted tomatoes are a great addition to any dish.

They help add an extra kick of flavor and provide a moist, consistent texture.

While they may be hard to find in some areas, there are still many substitutes worth trying out that will help you achieve the same mouthwatering results.

If you’re looking for other ways to add some extra flavor to your dishes, be sure to try out these ideas.