11 Ideal Substitutes for Fire Roasted Tomatoes with Ratio & How to Use Them

Fire-roasted tomatoes are a staple ingredient in many dishes, counting a unique depth of flavor.

However, sometimes we run out of this ingredient or simply want to try something new.

In this blog post, we’ll explore 11 ideal substitutes for fire roasted tomatoes with ratios and how to use them. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick alternative or a new flavor, you’ll find what you need here.

In short, " What can I use instead of fire-roasted tomatoes?"

Sun-dried tomatoes, Roasted red peppers, Smoked paprika, Canned tomatoes, Tomato paste, Roasted cherry tomatoes, Red wine, Fresh Tomatoes, Chipotles in Adobo Sauce, Paprika and Cumin, and Liquid Smoke.

What is fire roasted tomatoes, and what do fire-roasted tomatoes taste like?

Fire-roasted tomatoes have been charred over an open flame, giving them a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.

The tomatoes are typically roasted until the skins blacken and blister, which imparts a unique taste to the flesh. Fire roasting intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while adding a hint of smokiness.

The process of fire-roasting tomatoes involves exposing them to direct heat, either over a grill, stovetop burner, or broiler.

This technique caramelizes the natural sugars in the tomatoes, enhancing their depth of flavor. The charring of the skin also adds a subtle bitterness and complexity.

The smokiness adds a unique dimension to recipes, making them a famous choice for those seeking a deeper flavor profile in their dishes.

Whether used as a base for pasta sauces, added to chili for depth, or incorporated into Mexican-inspired recipes, fire-roasted tomatoes bring a distinct flavor that counts depth and complexity to a wide range of dishes.

Uses of fire-roasted tomatoes

Fire-roasted tomatoes are versatile and can be used in various dishes, from sauces to soups to casseroles and more.

They are an excellent addition to any pantry and can bring life to any dish!

When shopping for canned fire-roasted tomatoes, look for labels that list the ingredients as “fire-roasted” or “flame-roasted” tomatoes.

Canned fire-roasted tomatoes are usually stored in either pureed or diced form, so choose whichever is best suited for your recipe.

When using fire-roasted tomatoes in your recipes, remember that they will release a lot of water when cooking due to their higher moisture content. 

Therefore it is best to decrease the amount of liquid that is added to the recipe. Fire-roasted tomatoes also tend to be slightly more acidic in taste, so adding a pinch of sugar may help balance out any acidity.

When it comes time to cook with fire-roasted tomatoes, there are many options available. Use them in your favorite chili recipes, soups, stews and more!

They can use as an ingredient in sauces such as marinara or as a topping for pizza. Roasting vegetables and pairing them with canned fire-roasted tomatoes makes for a delicious side dish or main course.

Canned fire-roasted tomatoes are the perfect way to add savor and nutrition to your meals without the hassle of roasting them yourself! 

With their smoky flavor and vibrant color, they make a great addition to many dishes.

Whether you use them in bright Italian-style recipes or comforting Tex-Mex favorites, fire-roasted tomatoes will surely be a hit at your next gathering! Enjoy!

Where to buy fire-roasted tomatoes?

If you are searching for fire-roasted tomatoes where to buy, there are a few other places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores

You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of fire-roasted tomatoes.

Best substitutes for fire-roasted tomatoes

1. Sun-dried tomatoes -ideal Substitutes for Fire Roasted Tomatoes

sun dried tomatoe is a great substitute for fire roasted tomatoes

These make a great fire-roasted tomato substitute, as they are packed with savor and have a similar texture.

Ratio or measurement: For every cup of fire-roasted tomatoes, use half a cup of sun-dried tomatoes.

Simply rehydrate the sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then blend them into a paste or chop them finely.

2. Roasted red peppers

Roasted red peppers have a smoky flavor, making them an excellent substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes.

Ratio or measurement: For every cup of fire-roasted tomatoes, use one cup of roasted red peppers.

You can roast your own red peppers or use store-bought ones. Simply chop the peppers and use them in your recipe.

3. Try Smoked paprika to replace Fire Roasted Tomatoes

smoked paprika is great alternate for fire roasted tomato

If you’re looking for a flavor-alternative to fire-roasted tomatoes, smoked paprika is a great option.

Ratio or measurement: For every cup of fire-roasted tomatoes, use one tablespoon of smoked paprika.

This spice adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to your dishes.

4. Canned tomatoes

Canned tomatoes are a versatile and widely available substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes.

Ratio or measurement: For every cup of fire-roasted tomatoes, use one cup of canned tomatoes.

Depending on your recipe, you can use whole, diced, or crushed tomatoes. You can count a small amount of liquid smoke to count a smoky flavor.

5. Tomato paste – an ideal alternative for Fire Roasted Tomatoes

Tomato paste is a concentrated tomato flavor that can be an excellent fire-roasted tomato substitute.

Ratio or measurement: For every cup of fire-roasted tomatoes, use two tablespoons of tomato paste.

You can add a little amount of liquid smoke to give it a smoky flavor.

6. Roasted cherry tomatoes

roasted cherry tomatoes are good replacements for fire roasted tomatoes

If you have fresh cherry tomatoes on hand, you can oven-roast them to create a fire-roasted tomato substitute.

For every cup of fire-roasted tomatoes, use one cup of cherry tomatoes.

Toss them with olive oil, salt, and peppers, and roast them at 400°F for roughly 20 minutes.

7. You can use Red wine instead of Fire Roasted Tomatoes

This may seem like an unusual substitute, but red wine can be used to replace fire-roasted tomatoes in certain recipes.

Ratio or measurement: For example, in a beef stew, you can use red wine instead of fire-roasted tomatoes to add depth of flavor.

For every cup of fire-roasted tomatoes, use half a cup of red wine.

8. Fresh Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes can also be used as a substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes. You can use any tomato, but Roma tomatoes work best because they have thicker skin.

Ratio or measurement: Use 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes for every 14.5-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes.

Char the tomatoes on an open flame until they are blackened, and then remove the skin.

9. Chipotles in Adobo Sauce – a good alternative Fire Roasted Tomatoes

chipotles in adobo sauce is nice alternate for fire roasted tomato

Chipotles in adobo sauce can add a spicy and smoky flavor to your dishes.

Ratio or measurement: Use 2 chipotles chopped with 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce for every 14.5-ounce can of fire-roasted tomatoes.

10. Paprika and Cumin

If you don’t have any fire-roasted tomato substitutes on hand, you can add some paprika and cumin to canned tomatoes for a smoky flavor.

Ratio or measurement: Use 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and 1 teaspoon of cumin for every 14.5-ounce can of canned tomatoes.

11. Try Liquid Smoke to alter the taste of Fire Roasted Tomatoes

liquid smoke is nice replacement for fire roasted tomato

Liquid smoke can be added to canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes for a smoky flavor.

Ratio or measurement: Use 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke for every 14.5-ounce can of canned tomatoes or 2 cups of chopped refreshed tomatoes.

how to make fire-roasted tomatoes from canned diced tomatoes

Fire-roasted tomatoes are an easy and delicious way to add savor and texture to a variety of dishes.

To make fire-roasted tomatoes from canned diced tomatoes, you will need the following:

 A large can of diced tomatoes, olive oil, garlic cloves (minced if desired), and dried herbs (such as oregano, basil, or thyme).

Begin with a preheated oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Take the canned diced tomatoes and pour them into a baking dish.

Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the tomatoes liberally and mix it in so all pieces are evenly coated. Place the minced garlic cloves and dried herbs on top of the tomato mixture.

Put the dish in your preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, occasionally checking until the tomatoes begin to blister and char lightly around the edges.

Once done cooking, release from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve as is or use as a topping for pasta dishes, salads, tacos, sandwiches or pizza. Fire-roasted tomatoes also freeze well.

Simply place them in an airtight container after cooling completely and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months! Enjoy!

Fire-roasted tomatoes substitute in pasta

One of the best substitutes for fire-roasted tomatoes in pasta is fresh tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes have a sweet, juicy flavor that adds a great depth of flavor to pasta dishes.

When cooked down with garlic and herbs, their natural sweetness intensifies, making them an excellent substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes.

Another good substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes is canned diced tomatoes. Canned diced tomatoes are pre-seasoned and ready to go when added to pasta dishes.

They can provide a more intense tomato flavor than fresh varieties, and help cut down on cooking time.

For a smoky flavor, you can use sun-dried or oven-roasted tomatoes as a substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes in pasta dishes.

Sun-dried or oven-roasted tomatoes have been naturally dried in the sun or oven, and they impart a lovely smoky taste that pairs perfectly with the flavors of your dish.

If you’re looking for something more exotic, add kalamata olives instead of fire-roasted tomatoes to your pasta dish.

Kalamata olives have a bold, briny flavor that pairs nicely with the savory notes found in many recipes containing fire-roasted tomatoes.

Finally, if you want the texture of traditional fire-roasted tomatoes without their smoky flavor, consider using piquillo peppers instead.

Piquillo peppers are mild peppers that are often used as an accompaniment to seafood dishes but can also be used in place of fire-roasted tomatoes in pasta as well.

They provide an intense sweetness and bright color contrast without contributing any unwanted smokiness to your dish.

Explore more: Ideal Hungarian Peppers Substitutes for Your Next Cooking Adventure

Can I substitute fire-roasted tomatoes for diced tomatoes? 

Yes, you can substitute fire-roasted tomatoes for diced tomatoes in many recipes. Fire-roasted tomatoes have a smoky, slightly charred flavor that adds a depth of flavor not found in regular canned tomatoes.

They are generally chunkier than diced tomatoes and have a more concentrated flavor due to the increased cooking time required to achieve the roasted flavor.

Fire-roasted tomatoes are best used in recipes that call for long cooking times so that their smoky, roasted flavor can develop fully. 

If substituting for just a few diced tomatoes in a recipe, remember to adjust the seasonings accordingly since fire-roasted tomatoes are often seasoned with herbs and spices.

fire-roasted vs. sun-dried tomatoes

Fire-roasted tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes are two distinct types of tomato preparations with different flavor profiles and culinary uses. Here’s a comparison between fire-roasted and sun-dried tomatoes:

Fire-Roasted Tomatoes:

– Preparation Method: Fire-roasted tomatoes are achieved by charring fresh tomatoes over an open flame or using a broiler. The direct heat gives them a smoky and slightly sweet flavor.

– Texture: Fire-roasted tomatoes retain their juicy and tender texture, with slightly blistered and charred skins.

– Flavor: The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while adding a subtle smokiness. They have a rich, robust flavor with a hint of bitterness from the charred skin.

– Culinary Uses: Fire-roasted tomatoes are commonly used as a base for sauces, soups, salsas, and stews. They bring depth and complexity to dishes with their smoky flavor.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

– Preparation Method: Sun-dried tomatoes are made by removing the moisture from ripe tomatoes, typically by air-drying them in the sun or utilizing a dehydrator. The drying process concentrates their flavors.

– Texture: Sun-dried tomatoes become leathery and chewy with a slightly wrinkled appearance due to the moisture removal.

– Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes have an intense, concentrated flavor that is sweet, tangy, and slightly tart. They can be savory or slightly acidic, depending on the variety and preparation.

– Culinary Uses: Sun-dried tomatoes are often used as a flavorful ingredient in salads, pasta dishes, pizzas, sandwiches, and Mediterranean-inspired recipes. They add a burst of umami and a concentrated tomato flavor.

While both fire-roasted and sun-dried tomatoes offer unique taste profiles, fire-roasted tomatoes provide a smoky sweetness, while sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated and tangy flavor. The choice between them depends on the desired flavor profile and the specific culinary application.

Canned fire-roasted tomatoes substitute

Canned fire-roasted tomatoes are an excellent substitute for fresh tomatoes in a variety of recipes. This type of tomato is typically flame-roasted over an open fire, resulting in a smoky flavor and deep color.

The high heat also helps to concentrate the natural sweetness and intense umami flavors of the tomato, making it perfect for soups, stews, sauces, and casseroles. 

Fire-roasted tomatoes are loaded with beneficial antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and defend against chronic diseases.

They are filled with vitamin C, which can increase the immune system and aid in digestion.

Additionally, canned fire-roasted tomatoes provide all the convenience of canned goods without sacrificing texture or flavor.

diced fire-roasted tomatoes substitute

One of the best substitutes for diced fire-roasted tomatoes is fresh diced tomatoes. These are tomatoes that have been freshly cut into small cubes and can be used raw or cooked.

Fresh diced tomatoes retain all of their natural flavor and texture, creating a robust taste that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

Another great option is roasted bell peppers.

Bell peppers provide a slightly smoky flavor, which complements the natural sweetness of tomato in many recipes. 

Finally, sun-dried tomatoes add a unique depth of flavor to any dish. Sun-dried tomatoes are intensely flavorful, with intense fruity notes and a slight smokiness that can transform any dish.

Each of these substitutes provides unique flavors that bring out the complexity of any recipe while still providing the same basic functionality as diced fire-roasted tomatoes.

Learn more: Easily available substitute for Rotel tomatoes

Conclusion on substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes

Knowing the ideal substitutes for fire-roasted tomatoes is important for any home cook. 

Canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, chipotles in adobo sauce, paprika and cumin, and liquid smoke are some of the best fire-roasted tomato substitutes to use. 

With these substitutes and ratios, you can easily recreate that smoky and zesty flavor that fire-roasted tomatoes bring to dishes.

FAQs on substitute for fire-roasted tomatoes

Q1. What is similar to fire-roasted tomatoes

One food item similar to fire-roasted tomatoes is grilled tomatoes. Grilled tomatoes can be made by cutting the tomato into halves or quarters and then cooking it over a hot grill for several minutes until the outside of the tomato begins to char and blister.

The grilling process brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, giving them a smoky flavor that is similar to that of fire-roasted tomatoes. Grilled tomatoes are commonly served as a side dish or used in salads or sandwiches for added flavor.

Q2. What is the difference between fire-roasted tomatoes and regular tomatoes?

Fire-roasted tomatoes are cooked over an open flame, giving them a smokier flavor than regular tomatoes. The intense heat of the flame also softens the skins and breaks down some of their cellular structure, which makes them easier to digest and releases more of their flavor into your dishes.

Fire-roasting also gives these tomatoes a slightly sweeter taste compared to regular tomatoes. Additionally, they tend to be juicier due to the cooking process that helps draw out moisture from the fruit.

Q3. What is a good alternative for fire-roasted jalapenos?

Bell peppers are a great substitute for fire-roasted jalapenos. While they don’t hold the same amount of heat as jalapenos, many recipes can be adapted to use bell peppers instead.

They are also much more flavorful when charred on the grill or tossed in a hot skillet, making them a tasty alternative to traditional jalapenos. Additionally, bell peppers add color and texture to any dish and can be used raw in salads or cooked as part of an entree.

Q4. Can I substitute fire-roasted tomatoes for diced tomatoes

Yes, you can substitute fire-roasted tomatoes for diced tomatoes in many recipes. Fire-roasted tomatoes have a distinctive smoky flavor that adds depth to dishes. They are also richer in flavor than plain diced tomatoes as they are roasted on an open flame or under a broiler before being peeled and chopped.

Additionally, fire-roasted tomatoes offer more texture than diced tomatoes due to their tenderness and slight charring from roasting. This creates a unique, robust flavor that enhances the overall taste of your dishes.

Q5. Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes for fire-roasted tomatoes

Yes, you can substitute sun-dried tomatoes for fire-roasted tomatoes in most recipes. Both types of tomatoes provide a slightly chewy texture, and both add a slight smokiness to the dish. However, sun-dried tomatoes offer a richer flavor than fire-roasted tomatoes; they are more concentrated and intense, while fire-roasted tomatoes tend to have a sweeter and milder taste.

Sun-dried tomatoes also offer more nutritional content, such as higher amounts of protein, calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A and C. Furthermore, sun-dried tomatoes tend to contain less oil and fat than fire-roasted tomatoes because the moisture has been removed during the sun-drying process. When substituting sun-dried tomatoes for fire-roasted ones in your recipe, you may want to consider adding some olive oil or other fat to maintain the intended texture.

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