Garlic Marinated Tomatoes

These Garlic Marinated Tomatoes are juicy, garlicky, and packed with fresh herbs and bold flavor. Just stuff, pour, and chill — a simple method that transforms everyday tomatoes into something truly special. Perfect for easy meals, light sides, or whenever you want something fresh, vibrant, and delicious.

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine Ukrainian

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 5

Resting Time 12

Total Time 12 25

Servings servings

Calories 109kcal

Author Julia Maz

Ingredients

Main

2.2 lb tomatoes
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped

Marinade

8 cups water
4 tbsp salt
8 tbsp sugar
5 bay leaves
1 ½ tsp mixed peppercorns
8 allspice berries
1 tsp mustard seeds
7 tbsp white vinegar

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Wash the tomatoes and make a shallow cross cut on top of each one, without cutting all the way through.
2.2 lb tomatoes
Combine the chopped parsley and garlic, then mix well.
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped, 6 cloves garlic, chopped
Gently fill each tomato with the garlic and parsley mixture.
Place them tightly into a container or pot.
In a saucepan, combine the water, salt, sugar, bay leaves, peppercorns, allspice, and mustard seeds. Bring to a boil.
8 cups water, 4 tbsp salt, 8 tbsp sugar, 5 bay leaves, 1 ½ tsp mixed peppercorns, 8 allspice berries, 1 tsp mustard seeds
Remove from heat, add the vinegar, and let the marinade sit for 1–2 minutes.
Pour the hot (not boiling) marinade over the tomatoes, making sure they are fully covered. Place a small plate on top if needed to keep them submerged, then cover with a lid.
Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 10–12 hours. They get even more flavorful the longer they sit.

Video

Notes

🔀 Recipe Variations

🌶 Add a little heat
Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced chili for a subtle spicy kick.

🧅 Try with onions
Add some thinly sliced onion to the container — it soaks up the marinade and tastes amazing.

🌿 Switch the herbs
No parsley? Try fresh dill or a mix of herbs for a slightly different flavor.

🍅 Use smaller tomatoes
Cherry or grape tomatoes work great here — easier to eat and perfect for serving.

🫙 Storage & Make-Ahead

🧊 Storage

Keep the tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, fully covered with the marinade. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4–5 days.

⏳ Make-ahead tip

These are even better the next day, so feel free to make them ahead. The longer they sit, the more flavor they develop.

Nutrition