There's something undeniably delightful about the aroma of a barbecue wafting through the air, making mouths water in anticipation. While grilling can often be associated with meats, marinades, and rubs, there's an unsung hero that can elevate your barbecue game: tomato paste. This concentrated form of tomatoes is not just for pasta sauces; it's a versatile ingredient that adds depth, color, and a rich umami flavor to many dishes, including those you cook on the grill. In this blog post, we'll explore five barbecue recipes that creatively incorporate tomato paste to give your grilling an irresistible twist.
Recipe 1: BBQ Ribs with Tomato Paste Glaze
What’s barbecue without ribs? Let’s begin with a classic: BBQ ribs. Here, the tomato paste acts as the backbone of a glaze that will caramelize beautifully on the grill.
- Ingredients:
- 2 racks of pork ribs
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
First, prepare your ribs by removing the membrane and seasoning with salt and pepper. Now, let's make the glaze:
- In a saucepan, combine all ingredients except ribs. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened.
- Grill the ribs slowly, basting them with the glaze every 15 minutes. Turn ribs occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Cook for approximately 2-3 hours or until the meat pulls away from the bone easily.
- Brush ribs with extra glaze for the last 10 minutes of cooking to caramelize the sauce.
🌟 Note: Ensure your grill is at a consistent temperature; fluctuations can cause uneven cooking.
Recipe 2: Spicy Grilled Chicken with Tomato and Spice Rub
A touch of tomato paste in your rub can create a spicy, flavorful crust on grilled chicken.
- Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Mix the tomato paste with the spices to form a thick paste. Rub this mixture generously over the chicken, ensuring an even coating. Grill on medium heat until the chicken is well charred and cooked through, turning occasionally. This rub creates a robust flavor with a nice kick!
Recipe 3: Tomato Paste Stuffed Peppers on the Grill
This vegetarian delight brings out the best of peppers and tomato paste:
- Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. In a bowl, mix rice, tomato paste, onions, garlic, cheese, oil, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Stuff the mixture into the peppers and place them on the grill. Cook on medium heat until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Grill with the lid closed for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the peppers.
🌶️ Note: Avoid overfilling the peppers to prevent them from spilling over on the grill.
Recipe 4: Tomato Paste and Beef Burger Patties
Adding tomato paste to your burger patties can bring a new level of flavor:
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Burger buns and toppings of choice
Combine the beef, tomato paste, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until just combined. Form into patties and grill to desired doneness. The tomato paste will give your burgers a rich, deep flavor that complements the smoky grill taste.
Recipe 5: Grilled Fish with Tomato Citrus Marinade
Fish can benefit greatly from a marinade made with tomato paste:
- Ingredients:
- 4 fish fillets (like salmon, snapper, or tilapia)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix tomato paste, lemon juice, orange zest, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade. Coat the fish fillets in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. Grill on medium-high heat until the fish flakes easily with a fork. This marinade infuses the fish with a bright, fresh flavor profile.
In wrapping up, it's clear that tomato paste is not just for pasta; it's a barbecue star. Whether it's creating a rich glaze, adding depth to rubs, or being part of marinades, tomato paste brings out the best in grilled foods. Its concentrated flavors enhance the natural taste of meats, vegetables, and even fish, making your barbecue unforgettable.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato paste?
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Fresh tomatoes can be used, but they will not provide the same concentrated flavor and thickness that tomato paste offers. For a similar effect, you can reduce fresh tomatoes down into a paste, but this takes time and changes the texture significantly.
How long can I marinate meat with tomato paste?
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It’s generally safe to marinate meat with tomato paste for up to 24 hours. However, since tomato paste is quite acidic, longer marinating times might start to “cook” the meat or change its texture, so monitor closely.
What can I use if I don’t have tomato paste?
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If you lack tomato paste, you can substitute with tomato sauce or canned tomato puree (reduce down to achieve the paste consistency). Alternatively, sun-dried tomatoes or tomato powder can provide similar flavor profiles, though they’ll lack the paste’s thickness.
