Ketchup Substitute
Help! I’m out of ketchup. If this is you, never fear, we have you covered! Below is a detailed list of ketchup substitutes you can use as replacement ingredients no matter if you are looking for a dip, cooking ingredient, or condiment alternative.
Best Ketchup Substitute
What happens when you run out of ketchup? Never fear, we have several ketchup substitute ideas for you that will help you in your time of need.
Determining what is the best ketchup substitute for you will depend on how you are trying to use it, whether you are using it as a sauce, condiment, or in your cooking. Plus, we have a recipe for you below on how you can make your own homemade ketchup substitute.
What Is Ketchup Anyway?
Ketchup is a type of condiment that can be used in cooking, dipping, or making sauces. It is primarily made of tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, and other seasonings to give it flavor.
Ketchup can be used in all kinds of ways, on a burger, to dip your French fries in, or as an ingredient in your baked bean sauce.
There are so many other ways you can use ketchup as well. Really, the sky is the limit when it comes to your beloved tomato and vinegar-based sauce.
Ketchup vs Catsup
If you’re wondering about the difference between ketchup and catsup the main difference is just the spelling. The two words refer to the same tomato-based product that we all know and love. The two words have different origins and are still used in various places around the world today, but usually refer to the same ingredient.
What Can Be Used As Ketchup Substitutes For Your Recipes?
Determining what kind of ketchup substitute you want to use depends on how you are using it. Below we will take a detailed look at a list of ketchup substitutes for the various ways it can be used.
Why Replace Ketchup, Anyway?
There are a few reasons you may need to replace ketchup. Primarily you may need to look for a replacement because you have run out of the condiment, or perhaps because you don’t care for ketchup.
Now, let’s turn our attention to some ketchup substitute ideas that you can easily use. First, we will look at ketchup substitutes as a dipping sauce or condiment, followed by ketchup replacements for cooking, then finally a homemade ketchup recipe.
Quick And Simple Ketchup Dipping Sauce Substitutes
Chick-fil-a Sauce
Depending on what you are looking to dip or use a condiment to add flavor and sauce, Chick-fil-A sauce can make a very good ketchup substitute. Chick-fil-A sauce is a good condiment that can be used for dipping, on top of your burger, or any other way that ketchup is used.
Salsa
Salsa is another decent substitute for ketchup that you can use for dipping. Though it may depend on what you are intending to dip, salsa has the tomato flavor, like ketchup. You could also use salsa as a condiment on top of other foods if you wish.
Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
Sun-dried tomato hummus is another great ketchup substitute for dipping. Sun-dried tomato hummus will provide that same tomato flavor and makes an excellent dip replacement. Using sun-dried tomato hummus as a condiment on top of foods might not be as great of a substitute for ketchup but it does make a good dip substitute.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is another fabulous ketchup substitute. You can use barbecue sauce in many ways, to replace ketchup. No matter if you are looking for a dip, or a sauce to put on something, barbecue sauce is a great replacement for ketchup.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is another substitute that you can use for ketchup. Mayonnaise is good for dipping or used as a sauce on top of food, although it does not have the tomato flavor, it does make an excellent substitute for dipping or as a sauce.
Mustard
Using mustard as a ketchup substitute works well for dipping, or as a sauce or condiment. Mustard also does not provide the tomato flavor but works well as a substitute condiment for ketchup.
Sriracha
Siracha is a type of hot sauce made from red jalapeño peppers, serrano peppers, garlic, brown sugar, salt, water, and distilled vinegar. These are combined to make a type of sauce, that can make an excellent substitute for ketchup. Please note that this is a substitute with extra heat added. If you want to avoid spice, then you are going to want to choose a different substitute for ketchup.
Tomato Jam
Tomato jam is just as it sounds. This is a kind of jam made primarily from tomatoes. Although not the same as ketchup, tomato jam is very similar and can make a good substitute for ketchup. Using tomato jam as a ketchup substitute works well when you are looking to use it as a condiment, on top of something, or as a dipping sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are tomatoes that have been dried, and they also can come in a canned version. Depending on how you are wanting to use them for your ketchup substitute, sun-dried tomatoes whether canned or dried work as a replacement.
Chili Jam
Chili jam is another substitute that you can use in place of ketchup. This ketchup replacement can be made or purchased and might add a bit of sweetness and spice to your dish. Be sure to check over the chili jam ingredients before adding it to your food so that you are not adding unwanted heat.
Chili Sauce
The sauce is another great ketchup alternative as well. Keep in mind that it could have a bit of a kick to it, so be aware of the possible heat when adding it as a substitute.
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is another great substitute for ketchup depending on what you are using it for. Some hot sauce can be mild, others are very spicy, so carefully select your hot sauce if you are using this as a replacement for ketchup.
Red Pesto
Pesto can be found in mild or spicy. Red pesto is usually made from sun-dried tomatoes nuts, red peppers, olive oil, Parmesan, and other ingredients. Using red pesto can be a good ketchup substitute, but you should be aware of what kind of red pesto you are using in place of ketchup.
Mouth-Watering Ketchup Substitutes For Cooking
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce makes a great substitute for ketchup when you are cooking. No matter if you’re making chili creating baked beans or most any kind of cooking, tomato sauce is a fabulous replacement.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Since vinegar is used in the process of making ketchup, apple cider vinegar will provide that slightly sweet tangy flavor that ketchup normally would. Although apple cider vinegar is not tomato-based, apple cider vinegar may be used to replace ketchup in some cooking recipes.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is another great substitute you can use for ketchup when cooking. Tomato paste is thick and tomatoey, which can make a fabulous replacement for any recipe that calls for ketchup. If you want to fully capture the taste of ketchup easily, add a little bit of tomato paste and apple cider vinegar to your recipe to replace ketchup.
Tomato Puree
Tomato puree is a very basic, yet good ketchup substitute. Replacing any ketchup that is called for in your cooking with tomato puree will give you a tomato flavor that replaces ketchup, and also provides a slightly acidic flavor. Using tomato puree for cooking usually works out well.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is another replacement that you can use for some cooking recipes to replace ketchup. Barbecue sauce as a ketchup substitute works out well primarily in barbecue-based recipes. For example, making baked beans that call for barbecue sauce and ketchup in the sauce for the beans can simply be replaced with all barbecue sauce.
Homemade Ketchup Substitutes
Healthy Homemade Ketchup
Not only can you replace ketchup in cooking and dipping, but you can also make your own homemade ketchup substitute.
To make a healthy ketchup version that is homemade, and does not require any cooking. Simply add 12 ounces canned tomato paste into your blender along with 1 ½ teaspoon oregano, 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder, 2 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar, approximately ¾ teaspoon salt, a pinch of black pepper, and about 5 tablespoons of maple syrup.
If you do not have maple syrup, honey may be used as a substitute. Blend all the ingredients together in your blender, then enjoy using. You can store your healthy homemade ketchup in the fridge in an airtight container.
DIY Ketchup For Cooking
Well, if you want to make a homemade version of ketchup that you can use for cooking, you can combine one and a half cups of tomato sauce or freshly diced tomatoes in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and cover with a lid. Allow to simmer until contents have begun to break down. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and ½ cup of sugar.
Make sure to simmer for another minute or two before removing it from the heat. Add this to your recipe for your homemade ketchup substitute for cooking recipes.
Homemade ketchup substitute (recipe below)
Simple Homemade Ketchup
To make a simple ketchup you will need a 12 oz can of tomato paste, ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp sugar, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and a pinch of allspice.
Step by Step Instructions
STEP 1 – mix all the ingredients
Toss all of the ingredients into the blender and blend until combined. When you use canned tomato paste you do not have to cook the mixture first.
STEP 2 – strain and enjoy!
After it is blended, you can simply remove it from the blender and strain any large chunks of tomato skin from your mixture, then it’s time to enjoy your homemade ketchup.
Surprising Health Benefits Of Ketchup
Keeps A Healthy Heart
Provides an accident that helps to defend your body and make your heart healthy, decreasing your chances of heart attacks and strokes.
Improve Eyesight
Ketchup contains vitamin E which can help to increase your eyesight. Making you be able to see better.
Low In Fat
Unlike other condiments, ketchup is relatively low in fat, making it one of the healthiest condiment options.
Reduces The Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Ketchup contains lycopene and antioxidants. These two together help ward off the risk of prostate cancer.
Increases Sperm Count
Surprisingly, ketchup can benefit men by increasing their sperm count. Lycopene and antioxidants in ketchup help to make sperm healthier and swim faster.
Makes Healthy Food Easier To Eat
And of course, ketchup tastes amazing no matter if you are dipping it, using it for cooking, or spreading it on top of your food, it is a tasty ingredient to add and makes food much more fun to eat.
FAQs
What are the Main Ingredients in Ketchup?
The main ingredients of ketchup include tomatoes, vinegar, salt, sugar, and other seasonings.
How Long Will Homemade Ketchup Last?
Homemade ketchup is best when used before three weeks have passed. Homemade ketchup must be stored in the fridge in the airtight container and is likely to last up to three weeks.
What are the Secret Spices in Ketchup?
The main secret ingredient for ketchup that gives it the lovely tart flavor it’s known for is vinegar. You can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for ketchup making.
What Can I Replace Ketchup With?
There are many options you can use to replace ketchup depending on if you are looking for a dipping sauce, as a condiment, or to use and cooking. For a comprehensive list, please see the options above.
Your best bet: Make your own
A decent second choice: Salsa or chick-fil-a sauce
In a pinch: Tomato jam
Best Ketchup Substitutes
When it comes to a ketchup substitute, determining what works best depends specifically on how you want to use it and what you were making with it. Once you know how you want to use it, you can then choose a good replacement for your ketchup.
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Homemade Ketchup Recipe
Homemade Ketchup (5 Minute)
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- 12 oz can of tomato paste
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- pinch of allspice
Instructions
- Toss all of the ingredients into the blender and blend until combined. When you use canned tomato paste you do not have to cook the mixture first.
- After it is blended, you can simply remove it from the blender and strain any large chunks of tomato skin from your mixture, then it’s time to enjoy your homemade ketchup.
