Diced tomatoes are a staple in many dishes, from tacos to pasta sauce.
If you’re out of them and have no time to go grocery shopping, here are some easy substitutes that will save your dinner plans.
Let’s check these substitutes out in this article.
Read more: What To Do With Leftover Basmati Rice?
Top 5 best substitutes for diced tomatoes
Here are my top 5 substitutes for diced tomatoes you should know about:
Peeled tomatoes
This type of tomato is good to replace diced tomatoes in this situation.
To use this instead, first, use a quarter of the tomatoes.
Remove the seeds and cores.
Then dice the rest of them up.
Add them to your dish with juice from other tomatoes, too.
You can use these fruits in dishes just like diced ones – for pasta or even marinara sauce.
Pureed tomatoes
Tomato puree is a type of sauce that can be used as a substitute in your recipes.
When you use it, make sure that you add the same amount that is in the recipe.
If you bring more in, the dish will taste too strong and be too wet.
Cook it longer because it is thicker.
Before you use tomato puree, you should read what’s on the label.
The label will show if there is any salt or sugar in the puree.
If you are making something like a stew, chili, or soup, then use the tomato puree as a substitute.
It will be delicious.
Do not use it on salsa.
Tomato juice
Another good substitute to try.
Just put the pieces in a blender.
The juice will mix until it’s smooth.
The seeds and pulp can be taken out if you want.
Then you can use the tomato juice in recipes that have meat, poultry, or fish.
It is good for stewing or braising meat since it has more acid which helps break up the toughness of the food.
Tomato paste
Tomato paste is a soup that has the skin and seeds removed.
You can use this substitute in place of diced tomatoes for many recipes.
It’s cooked, making tomato paste into a dense paste-like texture with an almost meaty taste.
It’s used in sauces to thicken them.
When you use tomato paste instead of marinara or bolognese when cooking, the results are wonderful.
Fresh tomatoes
If you don’t have diced tomatoes, use two cups of chopped fresh ones in the recipe as a viable substitute.
To get juices when cutting up the fresh tomatoes, use their juices while removing the skin and seeds.
Roma and San Marzano are best for this type of vegetable but any type of tomato will produce a good result in the end.
What are diced tomatoes?
They are sliced pieces of tomato that are in tomato juice.
They often contain citric acid and calcium chloride (which helps the pieces inside stay in shape).
Are diced tomatoes and chopped tomatoes the same thing?
It’s not as clear, but I can tell you that they are chopped up before they are canned.
They are put with calcium chloride and citric acid to keep them from breaking down. (source)
This makes them firmer than either whole or crushed.
It is surprising, but the smaller pieces break down more while cooked because of this.
How many diced tomatoes are in a can?
There are roughly 2 cups of diced tomatoes in one can.
This is the equivalent of a quarter of a 26-ounce can.
What dishes use diced tomatoes?
These include Mexican cuisine, pasta sauce, and sauces for roasted meats.
Can I freeze diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can.
But remember that they will get more watery when they thaw.
So if you use them in a sauce, don’t thaw the diced tomatoes.
Just add them to the boiling liquid and cook for a minute or two.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use it in place of canned diced tomatoes.
The best thing to do is dice up fresh tomatoes and saute them until the liquid evaporates.
Then you can use this for any recipe that would call for diced tomatoes.
What is the difference between crushed tomatoes and petite diced tomatoes?
This can be answered simply by comparing the two different types of tomatoes.
Crushed tomatoes are just that – crushed or squashed into pieces.
The process of doing this allows for more liquid to escape, resulting in a thicker texture than that of petite diced tomatoes.
Crushed may also contain skin and seeds while petite diced does not.
Petite sliced tomatoes are very small pieces, about 1/4 inch.
They usually consist of mostly tomato flesh and skin with little liquid.
Are diced tomatoes spicy?
Tomatoes, themselves, are not spicy – such as chili peppers or bell peppers.
When we use the word “spicy” we’re talking about a certain taste that can be acquired from the spices put into food.
The look of them may be spicy, but they aren’t very hot to the taste in your recipes.
Can diced tomatoes go with Italian herbs?
Yes, these are often called “diced tomatoes with basil”.
You’ll find this product in the packaged vegetable aisle at your local grocery store.
How much are diced tomatoes?
One can of diced tomatoes often costs around $1.00 to $2.50 by the time it’s in a retail store.
That means they’re between two and five cents per ounce when you buy them from the grocery store.
What are the benefits of diced tomatoes?
Diced tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene to use in your recipe.
They also add flavor and texture to dishes.
It’s recommended to choose diced tomatoes that are packaged in water or tomato juice, rather than oil.
What is the nutritional value of diced tomatoes?
Diced tomatoes are low in calories and fat, and they contain no cholesterol.
One cup of diced tomatoes provides 25% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C and 10% of the DV for vitamin A.
As you can see, diced tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C that you can use in many recipes.
Are there any risks associated with eating diced tomatoes?
There are no known risks associated with eating diced tomatoes.
However, as with all foods, it’s important to eat them in moderation.
What are some tips for cooking with diced tomatoes?
When cooking with diced tomatoes, it’s important to cook them until they’re soft.
This will help to release their flavor and prevent them from drying out.
It’s also important to add other ingredients that will complement their flavors, such as onions, garlic, and herbs.
What are some popular dishes that use diced tomatoes?
Diced tomatoes can be used in a variety of recipes, including salads, soups, stews, pasta sauces, and pizzas.
They can also be used as a topping for tacos, nachos, or burgers.
I often use them in my chili recipe.
How should I store these tomatoes?
Diced tomatoes should be stored in a cool, dry place to use later in your recipe.
Once they are opened, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Also, remember to check the expiration date before using them.
If they are past their expiration date, they may not be safe to eat.
What can I use a tomato that is diced for?
It can help you feel full when you use it in your recipes.
The fruits contain fiber and potassium, which help you stay hydrated and healthy.
They also protect your body from feeling sick and they keep your eyes in good condition too. (source)
What is in a can of diced tomatoes?
They’re processed products that contain calcium chloride, the water from tomatoes, and citric acid.
The calcium substance assists the pieces inside to keep their shape.
That way, the tomato pieces would still keep their shapes after being cooked in many recipes.
Can I substitute tomato paste for diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use it as a replacement.
Not a perfect one, though.
It is the same as using packaged products, but already in a sauce form.
Make sure to add it at the same time you would use the other type of packaged tomatoes.
How to make diced tomatoes?
To make diced tomatoes, first, wash the tomatoes and cut them into small pieces.
Next, place the diced tomatoes in a colander and drain them.
Finally, put the diced tomatoes in a container and refrigerate them until you are ready to use them.
Can tomato sauce be a replacement for diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute tomato sauce for diced tomatoes in most recipes.
However, the texture of the dish may be different since this substitute is thinner than diced tomatoes.
Also, the flavor will be slightly different since tomato sauce is typically seasoned with additional spices.
If you are using this sauce in place of diced tomatoes, you may want to add a little extra seasoning to the dish.
How many tomatoes are in a can of diced tomatoes?
In a can, there are about 10 to 12 whole peeled tomatoes.
Can I use stewed tomatoes to replace diced tomatoes?
Canned tomatoes come in two different types: Diced and Stewed.
They do not taste the same or have the same ingredients.
Using one type of tomato in a recipe that calls for another could make it taste bad.
So, not a good substitute to use instead here.
Are diced tomatoes (canned ones) healthy?
Yes, the fruits, in general, are healthy to use in many different recipes.
You can buy canned tomatoes when the fresh ones are not in season.
They have fewer calories and they are also high in vitamin C, fiber, and lycopene which is good for your heart, your prostate, and your eyesight when you get older.
Can you eat diced tomatoes raw from a can?
You shouldn’t eat canned tomatoes before cooking them first in your recipes.
They are not good for sandwiches or salads because they will not be soft.
They are good in sauces and soups when you cook them for a long time so that they taste better with different flavors.
Are diced tomatoes cooked?
Yes, most canned products are cooked.
This happens when the tomatoes are sterilized before they are placed in a can.
You cannot tell if a can is from the past year from the outside, so try to find cans that have been canned more recently.
How do you cook diced tomatoes from a can?
Add a can to the pot.
Bring the pot to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the liquid has reduced slightly. (recipe)
Do they peel the diced tomatoes?
Yes, they are peeled first.
They are then machine-diced and then packaged with juice.
How many diced tomatoes are in a cup?
It takes 27-28 cherry tomatoes to make a cup.
It also takes 3 plum tomatoes or 1.25 medium round garden tomatoes.
Can a crushed tomato be substituted for diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use crushed tomatoes for substitution in your recipes, but you will need to cook them longer since crushed tomatoes are often still hard.
You could also put sliced ones in a food processor and add some tomato paste if you want them to be closer to crushed.
Conclusion
In short, here are my top 5 diced tomatoes substitutes you should know about:
- Peeled tomatoes
- Pureed tomatoes
- Tomato juice
- Tomato paste
- Fresh tomatoes
You should know about these substitutes to make your cooking more delicious and versatile.
Which of these do you use in your favorite recipes?
What are some other ingredients that can be used instead of the tomato substitutes, if desired?
Share with me