10 Smart Ways to Use a Can of Tomato Paste

You probably have a can or tube of tomato paste hidden in your pantry, just waiting for the right moment. It's a kitchen essential that you'll often pick up without a specific recipe in mind, knowing it will come in handy when you least expect it.

"Tomato paste is like the 'little black dress' of the pantry," says chef/owner Sophina Uong of Mister Mao in New Orleans. "You should always have it on hand for that extra caramelized umami flavor, a touch of sweetness, and a rich, velvety color. Tomato paste is a key ingredient that forms the backbone of great sauces."

"Tomato paste is an indispensable ingredient in many kitchens because it adds so much depth of flavor to a variety of dishes," explains chef and food blogger Marta Rivera Diaz of Sense and Edibility. "For example, just a spoonful of tomato paste in chilis, stews, or beans can replace large amounts of tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes, which can dilute the flavor."

Tomato paste also offers numerous health benefits, says dietitian Amber O'Brien of the Mango Clinic. "It’s packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect your body and skin from harmful free radicals. So not only is tomato paste a versatile cooking ingredient, but it also contributes to your health, making it a must-have in every kitchen pantry," O'Brien explains.

While tomato paste is often linked to pasta and pizza sauces, its versatility goes far beyond these traditional uses. We spoke with 10 chefs and restaurant owners to find out their favorite ways to incorporate tomato paste, and they shared some fantastic tips for maximizing the potential of that little can (or tube).

Stir it into stews for an added depth of umami.

"Tomato paste adds a rich, savory flavor to any dish, bringing out that deep umami taste," says Rachel Lessenden, founder and recipe developer of Health My Lifestyle. She explains that tomato paste works wonders in stews: "It helps thicken the dish while providing an incredible richness and depth of flavor!"

Discover the recipe for Beef and Vegetable Stew.

Stir a spoonful of tomato paste into jarred marinara sauce.

Store-bought marinara sauce often lacks the depth of homemade versions. However, if you're short on time and need a quick solution, chef and dietitian Cindy Chou of Healthy Feels recommends boosting the flavor by adding tomato paste to store-bought marinara sauce. "It really enhances the flavor," she says.

Use it to prepare your own homemade BBQ sauce.

"Making your own BBQ sauce from scratch is a fantastic way to use tomato paste! All you need is a can of tomato sauce and some tomato paste as your base, and then you can season it with a variety of spices, sweeteners, vinegars, and even fruits. It's an easy process, and the result is so much better than anything you can buy at the store," says recipe developer Amanda McGrory-Dixon of Burrata and Bubbles.

Tomato paste is a perfect addition to Korean cuisine.

"I love using tomato paste when cooking Korean dishes. Though it's not traditionally used in Korean cooking, it adds a wonderfully unexpected flavor and texture," explains executive chef Andrew Lim of PERILLA in Chicago. He specifically uses it to prepare "dahk-tori-tahng, a spicy braised chicken with roasted potatoes, carrots, onions, and root vegetables. The dish is usually savory, sweet, and spicy. I sear the chicken skin side down to get a crispy texture and render the fat. Then, I combine tomato paste with gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and sugar, and add this mixture while roasting the vegetables. This technique gives the broth a rich, velvety texture and infuses the vegetables with amazing flavor."

Find the recipe for Korean Spicy Chicken and Potatoes (Tak Toritang).

Use tomato paste to create your own homemade Bloody Mary mix.

Rather than relying on store-bought Bloody Mary mix, Jeremy Ross, general manager of Tiki Thai in Reston, Virginia, prefers to make his own using tomato paste. "It's far superior to the pre-made version, and it's so simple to make. I blend tomato paste with Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, black pepper, and freshly grated ginger. Then, I mix it with vodka and ice, finishing it off with a garnish of celery and olives," Ross shares.

Dehydrated tomato paste turns into a tasty tomato powder.

While discussing Bloody Marys, Jack Yoss, VP of Culinary at Hai Hospitality in Austin, Texas, shares a unique use for tomato paste: "Dehydrate the paste in a low-temp oven until all the moisture evaporates, then pulse it into a fine powder. This tomato powder makes for a fantastic seasoning. Imagine using it on tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor, or even rimming a glass with a blend of tomato powder, salt, and chili pepper. It’s perfect for Bloody Marys," he recommends.

Whisk tomato paste with vinegar, olive oil, and herbs to create a zesty vinaigrette.

We got a surprising suggestion from Kendall Linhart, executive sous chef at The Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, on an unexpected use for tomato paste: "I like to incorporate tomato paste into my vinaigrettes! In the summer, I marinate artichokes overnight in a mixture of red wine vinegar, fresh herbs, garlic, tomato paste, and olive oil. The next day, I grill them for a healthy and flavorful side dish to complement any grilled meal," Linhart explains.

Substitute tomato paste for tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes in a ragù.

Chef and founder Andrea Belfiore of Italia Like Locals offers this tip: "In a traditional Bolognese ragù, use tomato paste in place of tomatoes or tomato sauce. It delivers that rich tomato flavor without diluting the sauce. Ragù needs to be full-bodied and thick, and tomato paste intensifies the flavor and color, making the dish even richer," she advises.

Get the full recipe for Ragu Bolognese.

Create a flavorful marinade using tomato paste and a blend of spices.

Chef Nikolaos Kapernaros of Avli in the Park in Chicago shares his favorite method: "One of my go-to tricks with tomato paste is using it in a marinade for a tender cut of beef. I combine tomato paste with spices, marinate the beef, then add vegetables, red wine, and herbs before roasting it low and slow in the oven. The tomato paste brings a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, resulting in a rich, flavor-packed roast."

Tomato-infused olive oil, made with tomato paste, is a fantastic finishing touch and an excellent emulsifier.

Executive chef Josue Pena from The Iberian Pig in Atlanta shares his method for making tomato oil: "Infusing olive oil with tomato paste is surprisingly simple," Pena explains. "It's a versatile ingredient, especially as an emulsifier to bring together sauces or to finish off pasta dishes, like in a rich beef sauce."

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