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Tomato Paste Trick

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By Snejana Andreeva

on Mar 28, 2025, Updated Apr 22, 2025

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Tricks up my sleeve? You know I got that 🪄! When I’m not scouting the internet for ways to get more protein into my diet (because, you know… girl problems 💪), I’m scrolling through tips, hacks, and questionable tutorials —all in the name of helping YOU live your best, most life-hacked life. Basically, call me your Hack Broker. I do the digging, so you don’t have to lift a finger. Now—this Tomato Paste Trick ? An absolute win 🏆.

  • Why You’ll Love My Tomato Paste Trick
  • How to Prepare
  • Nonna’s Tip 🥫
  • Tomato Paste Trick Variations and Substitutions
  • Similar Recipes
  • Best Served With
  • Common Questions
  • Tomato Paste Trick Recipe
A hand holding an upside-down can of tomato paste, with the paste standing upright on a white plate. A green plant and a black window grid are in the background. - 3

The moment I tried it, I had a full-on “Ohhh…. that makes sense” moment. Because honestly, what’s more annoying than cracking open a can of tomato paste 🥫 for two spoonfuls and then just… abandoning it in the fridge to dry out and die 😩? Like, am I making tomato paste recipes on the daily? No. No, I am not. So I either waste it or guilt-trip myself every time I open the fridge and see its crusty little face staring at me. But THIS trick? It’s not even complicated—so simple it’s almost offensive 😅. But also? Brilliant. It’s a no-mess , zero-waste , “why didn’t I think of this before?” kind of vibe. And now you’ll never handle a can of tomato paste the same way again 🍅.

Why You’ll Love My Tomato Paste Trick

Quick, easy, mess-free and effortless. Honestly, what’s not to love 😍? This Tomato Paste Trick is one of those things we should’ve been doing all along—but didn’t. Why? Because life is busy, and our brains are juggling like 87 more important things. But let this be your sign: The best hacks are usually the stupidly simple ones 🙌. Next time you open a can of tomato paste 🥫, use this genius little trick to get every last bit out without the mess. Scoop what you need and then store the rest for later using my tomato paste hack . Bottom line? You’ll never waste tomato paste again. Not on my watch 😉.

How to Prepare

🥫 Take a can opener and open the top of the can of tomato paste. Flip it over and open the bottom.

⬇ Remove the metal round from one of the sides, invert it over a bowl, and push down on the second metal round until it comes through the other side. You should be left with a perfectly clean can!

Nonna’s Tip 🥫

Be sure to apply steady, even pressure so that the tomato paste comes out in one smooth motion, rather than splattering.

Tomato Paste Trick Variations and Substitutions

  1. Use a smooth-edge can opener that leaves a clean cut to avoid coming into contact with any sharp, jagged edges.
  2. If the tomato paste 🥫 is being stubborn, give the can a gentle squeeze before pushing to break the vacuum seal on the sides.
  3. Freeze any leftovers in small portions using my tomato paste hack .

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How to Make Spicy Mayo

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Best Served With

  • This Copycat Carbone Spicy Rigatoni makes great use of tomato paste!
  • Make this Pasta e Ceci for all the comfort food vibes 🥰.
  • My Homemade Ketchup recipe uses a whole can 🥫 of tomato paste!
  • Delicious and savory Stuffed Onions feature a tomato paste base ❤️.

Common Questions

Tomato paste cans are vacuum sealed, so removing both lids allows the paste to slide out smoothly. This method ensures you get every bit of paste, eliminating waste in the process!

Yes! As with most things in the kitchen, it’s best to handle with care. A smooth-edge can opener can also help to eliminate jagged, sharp edges.

The can is vacuum sealed, so gently squeezing the sides before pushing the lid will help it slide more smoothly.

Yes! This method will work with other canned goods similar in texture to tomato paste, such as pumpkin puree and condensed milk.

Yes, my tomato paste hack is an easy way to store leftovers in the freezer in single use portions.

A New Recipe Card!!

  1. Check off each step in instructions!
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Video

Equipment

  • ▢ Can Opener

Ingredients

  • ▢ 1 can tomato paste

Instructions

  • ▢ First, take a can opener and open the top of the can of tomato paste. Flip it over and open the bottom
  • ▢ Next, remove the metal round from one of the sides, invert it over a bowl, and push down on the second metal round.
  • ▢ You should be left with a perfectly clean can! If you love this hack, don’t forget to share it and please leave me a review. Enjoy!

My Notes

Tomato Paste Trick

Equipment

  • Can Opener

Ingredients

  • 1 can tomato paste

Instructions

  • First, take a can opener and open the top of the can of tomato paste. Flip it over and open the bottom
  • Next, remove the metal round from one of the sides, invert it over a bowl, and push down on the second metal round.
  • You should be left with a perfectly clean can! If you love this hack, don’t forget to share it and please leave me a review. Enjoy!

Video

Tomato Paste Trick https://themodernnonna.com/tomato-paste-trick/ March 28, 2025