How to Rehydrate Sun-Dried Tomatoes
How to use and rehydrate dried tomatoes
The large tomatoes harvested when fully ripe are used, so the sweetness is almost like that of a real tomato. The slight acidity is refreshing, and the tomatoes are so soft and juicy that you wouldn't believe they were dried.
This time, we will introduce three ways to rehydrate dried tomatoes. We will also tell you about the texture and recipes you can enjoy with each method, so please try them out.
[Add as is] If you add it to soup, the balance of sweetness and sourness will be ⚪︎

Rehydration time |
0 min |
Suitable dishes |
Just add it to soup |
First, enjoy the sweetness as is, then add it to various dishes such as seasoned rice, red miso soup, and soup pasta. When heated, it becomes melty, so you can also dip it lightly in soup stock and enjoy tomato shabu-shabu.
[Soak in water for 10 minutes] The sourness stands out and goes well with pasta⚪︎

Rehydration time |
10 minutes |
Suitable dishes |
Marinades and pasta toppings |
If you soak them for about 10 minutes, they will retain a bit of crunch and the tomato's unique acidity will stand out more. In this state, they are perfect for light dishes that make use of the fresh flavor of the tomato, and can add an accent to a variety of dishes, especially salads and pasta. The acidity will remain strong, making for an appetizing finish.
- Add to salads : If you add the tomatoes that have been soaked for 10 minutes to a salad, their crunch and acidity will enhance the refreshing flavor and add a well-balanced accent to the whole dish. The flavor of the tomatoes will be even more pronounced if you combine them with leafy vegetables and cheese.
- Mix with chicken : Mix with grilled chicken to create a refreshing dish, with the acidity of the tomatoes bringing out the flavor of the chicken. Adding olive oil and herbs will give it a more flavorful finish.
- Add at the end of the pasta dish : Adding it at the end of the pasta dish will accentuate the sourness of the tomatoes, creating a well-balanced pasta dish with a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Perfect for simple oil pasta or tomato sauce pasta.
- Marinade : By marinating in vinegar, you can enjoy a fresher flavor. It is also recommended as an appetizer or side dish.
[Half-day soaking] The soft texture adds a secret flavour.

Rehydration time |
Approximately 12 hours |
Suitable dishes |
Stewed or topped |
If you soak them for half a day, the dried tomatoes will lose their bite and become softer. However, they still retain their tomato flavor, making them easier to use in stews and cold dishes. In particular, the sweetness and umami of tomatoes blend easily into stews, adding depth to hot dishes.
- Tomato stew : If you stew meat or canned mackerel in tomato sauce, the flavor of the tomatoes will permeate the entire dish, creating a rich stew. Soft tomatoes that have been soaked for half a day will become even more flavorful when stewed.
- Topping for chilled Chinese noodles : In the summer, you can use it as a topping for chilled Chinese noodles, where the sweetness and sourness of the tomatoes add a refreshing taste. It is a great accent for cold noodle dishes.
Recommended recipes using dried tomatoes
-
Miso soup with natto and dried tomatoes : The sour broth from the dried tomatoes goes perfectly with miso soup. Regular miso soup is good, but adding natto makes it a nutritious dish. Recipe here
- Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese : Take advantage of the shape of the tomatoes cut into large pieces and place cheese on top to turn it into a stylish dish that can be used at a home party. Dried tomatoes are delicious as they are, but they are also delicious when combined with cheese. Recipe here
The joy of eating it dried
Eating dried tomatoes without soaking them is also delicious, as you can enjoy their unique texture and concentrated flavor. Dried tomatoes have a firm texture, with sweetness and acidity concentrated the more you chew them. We recommend combining them with salads, cheese, and crackers, or enjoying them as a snack on their own.
Tomatoes can have completely different flavors and textures depending on how long you soak them for, so try using them in different ways depending on your mood and the dish you're making that day.
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