The bright acidity and crisp texture of green tomatoes make them an excellent ingredient for a variety of dishes. Their unique taste pairs well with chili and garlic, and they make excellent pickles.
The green tomato can be used to create delicious marinades, or it can be used as a whole vegetable in stir-fries. Green tomatoes are not just for frying; there are endless possibilities for using them in cooking.
They also go well in Mexican dishes; you can substitute them for tomatillos in recipes. If you’re looking for a tasty alternative to green tomatoes, you’ve come to the right place. Here are the best substitutes for green tomatoes:
Substitutes for Green Tomatoes
- Ripe Tomatoes
One way to get around this is to use ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes. This will result in a slightly different taste and color. While they do not have the same flavor or texture, both types of tomatoes can be used interchangeably in recipes.
Ripe tomatoes are best eaten within two days of picking. Store them on the counter but eat them soon. They may get mushy if left out for too long. The best way to store them is to keep their stem side down.
Avoid storing them in jars, as jars can trap moisture and speed up spoilage. And yes, do not keep the tomatoes in the refrigerator for more than a few days. This will cause them to lose their freshness and taste.
- Zucchini
If you’re not a fan of green tomatoes, there are several substitutes you can use instead. Some of these vegetables are less common but have similar nutritional benefits. For instance, you can use zucchini as a substitute.
Zucchini is low in calories and fat and contains high amounts of potassium. It is also low in carbohydrates. Plus, it is 94% water, so it can be easily substituted in many recipes. Zucchini contains important nutrients to promote healthy brain development.
It has a high amount of folate, which protects against scurvy. It also has beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A and contributes to the formation of strong bones. In addition to that, it contains fatty acids known to improve brain function and concentration.
It’s delicious, versatile, and nutritious and is used for many low-calorie, vegetarian, vegan, and ketogenic diets. If zucchini is unavailable at your local grocery store, you can substitute it with eggplant. Either one will give your dish the same flavor and texture.
- Tomatillos
Tomatillos are tiny, green fruits commonly used as a substitute for green tomatoes. While they are a member of the tomato family, tomatillos have a distinctive flavor and texture. They are used in Mexican cuisine and are a staple ingredient in salsa verde.
Although they are sometimes confused with green pumpkin-like tomatoes, tomatillos have a distinct flavor and texture. If you can’t find green tomatoes in your area, you can use tomatillos instead. While tomatillos are similar in appearance, they don’t have the same flavor and texture.
However, they can be used in various recipes, including salsas, guacamole, and vegetable soup. They also make great garnishes for tacos and can be added to salads and stews. Tomatillos can be purchased in jars or canned.
You can use them in a variety of recipes, including tacos and salsa verde. You can also use green peppers or green chilies in Mexican salsas. However, they do not have the bright taste of tomatillos. When buying tomatillos, make sure to look for a green one that has a husk.
The husk should be easy to remove, and the tomatillos should have a yellowish-green color. They may have a slimy coating, but they will dissolve once you wash them. You should also look for tight skin with little to no flaws.
- Green Pepper
If green tomatoes are not available, you can use green pepper as a substitute. Although it doesn’t have the same flavor as a real green tomato, it can be used in many recipes. Its flavor complements salty foods such as bacon and ham and goes well with eggs.
You can also use it in soups. You can sprinkle some thyme or oregano on top to enhance the dish’s flavor.
Green peppers have a similar flavor to green tomatoes but are much milder and can also be used in stuffed peppers. If you prefer a hotter flavor, you can also use paprika as a green pepper substitute.
- Green bell peppers
If you’re tired of the bitter taste of green tomatoes, you may want to try using green bell peppers as a substitute. They add flavor and color to many dishes. The green pepper has a mild grassy flavor. As it ripens, the pepper’s flavor becomes sweeter and less bitter.
While green peppers can be used in place of green tomatoes, they won’t fry as well or bake as well. Instead, you can use them in salads and soups. Although green peppers have a similar texture and color to tomatillos, they tend to have a milder flavor.
However, green bell peppers can be used in recipes that require adding some sour ingredients. Try adding lime or lemon juice to compensate for the lack of sourness. Moreover, green bell peppers are easily available in any grocery store.
- Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomato is the next alternative to green tomato on our list. Its sweet flavor and lower acid content make it a perfect substitute for green tomatoes. In addition, they don’t take as long to prepare.
As a result, they’re an excellent choice for various dishes, from salads to soups and stews. Cherry tomatoes are smaller in size as compared to green tomatoes. Their flavor is complex and sweet, and they have smooth skin that keeps the juices inside.
Like green tomatoes, they also contain vitamin A, which helps maintain good health. They also contain potassium and phosphorus, which help with bone health and electrolyte balance.
- Chilis
If you’re looking for a green tomato substitute, consider using chilis or peppers. They’re both high in vitamins A, C, and B6 and can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes. Red chilies have a slightly smoky, sweet taste and can be added to salsas and other recipes.
Using chilis as a substitute for tomatoes can also be a great way to add spice to dishes. Habanero peppers can be a fine substitute, as they have a more spicy flavor. Alternatively, you can use banana peppers, which have a milder flavor and are also a good option for cooking.
The Bottom Line
Green tomatoes are great for cooking, whether you are looking for a quick snack or a tasty treat. While they are a tasty choice for many recipes, they can be hard to find sometimes. If you cannot find them, you can use the abovementioned substitutes!