Okra missing from the recipe list is the kind of hiccup we know all too well. We’ve prepped for gumbo or fried okra only to realize the main star is nowhere to be found. It’s one of those moments where you just need a good substitute.
We’ve tested a bunch of alternatives, and some of them absolutely nailed it. They’re easy to find, versatile, and can slide right into your dish without anyone missing the okra.
From veggies with a similar texture to ingredients that thicken sauces just right, we’ve got solutions ready for every type of meal. It’s all about making it work, and these substitutes will keep your cooking plans on track.

7 Easy Substitutes for Tex Mex Paste
Here are seven flavorful substitutes to use when you can’t find tex mex paste:
1 – Taco Sauce
You’ll never believe how easy it is to swap taco sauce for tex mex paste. It’s tangy, flavorful, and already seasoned. The texture is smooth and blends into any dish without a fuss.
Use it as a 1:1 substitute for tex mex paste. You may need to adjust spices since taco sauce is often milder. Add a pinch of chili powder or cumin if needed.
This swap works best in enchiladas, burritos, and casseroles. Its slightly thinner consistency complements these dishes well. Avoid using it in dips or spreads where thickness is key.
Need more ideas for swaps like this? Check out best taco sauce substitutes for more clever suggestions.
2 – Chipotle in Adobo Sauce
It all started when I ran out of tex mex paste and grabbed a can of chipotle in adobo sauce. The smoky, spicy flavor is bold and unforgettable.
Use one tablespoon of adobo sauce to swap for one tablespoon of tex mex paste. Adjust the spice if needed since adobo sauce brings heat. The texture is slightly thicker, so it holds up well in marinades and slow-cooked dishes.
This swap shines in recipes like tacos, chili, or grilled meat rubs. Avoid it for mild dishes since the flavor can overpower. If you’re curious about more ways to use adobo-based swaps, check out adobo sauce substitutes for ideas.
3 – Salsa Mixed with Tomato Paste
This one substitute will save your recipe with stuff you already have. Grab salsa and mix it with a bit of tomato paste. It’s like a quick fix for tex mex paste with solid flavor payoff.
Mix two parts salsa to one part tomato paste. It gives a tangy, slightly smoky flavor. The salsa adds a thinner consistency, but tomato paste thickens it up. Together, they balance each other nicely.
This works best in saucy dishes like enchiladas or taco fillings. It’s not as smoky as other swaps, so it suits mild and bold recipes. Be careful with salt though—salsa can add extra.
Need more ideas like this? Check out tomato paste substitutes for clever ingredient swaps.
4 – Enchilada Sauce
The name says it all. Enchilada sauce swaps like a charm for tex mex paste. Its combination of chili powder, cumin, and tomatoes make the flavors blend well in any dish.
Swap 1:1 ratio of tex mex paste to enchilada sauce. You may need to adjust other spices slightly since enchilada sauce is often milder. Add a bit more chili powder or cumin if needed.
This swap works best in dishes that bake like casseroles or slow-cooked meats. It’s not ideal for dips where thickness is key—unless you want your dip thinner.
5 – Chili Paste
If you’re looking for heat, chili paste is a tasty way to go. It’s made from hot chili peppers and often has a bit of vinegar added in for tang.
Swap chili paste 1:1 with tex mex paste. It packs more heat, so be careful about adding other spices. Add a pinch of sugar to balance the spiciness if needed.
This swap works best in spicy dishes like tacos or burritos—maybe even as a dip with creamy ingredients like sour cream. Avoid using it in milder recipes that may not need intense heat.
6 – Spiced Tomato Sauce
While canned tomato sauce isn’t typically a go-to for tex mex dishes, you can add some spice to it and make it work in a pinch. Simply season it with spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to mimic the flavors of tex mex paste.
Use one tablespoon of each spice for every cup of tomato sauce. You may need to adjust based on your preference—you can always start light and add more if needed.
This swap works best in sauces or dips where thickness is key. You may need to thicken the sauce with cornstarch if it’s too thin. Avoid using this swap in dishes that require a smoky flavor since tomato sauce won’t have that element.
7 – Homemade Tex Mex Paste
Last but not least, you can always make your own tex mex paste at home. It’s a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and sometimes vinegar or lime juice for acidity.
Use this recipe as a base and adjust the spices to your liking. You can also add in some tomato paste for thickness if needed. This swap works best if you have all the ingredients on hand and want full control over the flavors in your dish.
Homemade substitutes are a great way to experiment with different flavor profiles and make personalized tweaks to suit your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Taco sauce is the easiest ready-made alternative, providing similar spices and consistency.
Yes, but chipotle in adobo is smokier and spicier, so use it sparingly if you want a milder flavor.
Blend tomato paste with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and a bit of vinegar for an easy DIY Tex Mex paste.
Yes, enchilada sauce provides similar spices but is thinner, so you may need to reduce it for a thicker consistency.
Yes, chili paste works well but tends to be spicier, so adjust the quantity to match your heat preference.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.