The best substitute for ketchup is to make your own homemade ketchup. You can also use tomato jam, salsa, sriracha, tomato paste, tomato sauce, or barbeque sauce.
Ketchup is a versatile condiment made from tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar with a taste that has a hint of sweetness.
Ketchup is a staple condiment for American households. It is one of the most popular condiments in the U.S., and Americans consume 3.3 million tons of this delicious concoction each year. However, ketchup isn’t just for hot dogs, burgers, and fries; it also makes a great addition to pasta, eggs, rice, and many other dishes
An essential ingredient that enhances the taste of not just a couple of foods but various others as well. There are other uses of ketchup, too.
It is a staple of any pantry, and most households have one in their fridge. We eat it on burgers, use it as a dip for fries, mix it into our spaghetti sauce, or eat it with scrambled eggs. But sometimes we need it and find that our bottle has been squeezed dry!
No worries, though — there are a few quick tricks you can use to replace ketchup so your meal isn’t the only thing that will be weeping salty tears tonight.
The best substitute for ketchup is to make your own, We will go through the steps needed to make your homemade ketchup in this article as well as 6 other great alternatives you can use in place of ketchup.
Best Substitutes For Ketchup
1. Make Your Own Ketchup
A delicious homemade ketchup recipe is the perfect replacement for that bottle of classic ketchup in your refrigerator door. This article will show you how to mix up a replacement for that store-bought stuff you’ve been using forever!
2. Tomato Jam
Tomato jam is a thick condiment made from tomatoes. Ketchup and tomato jam contain similar ingredients but tomato jam flavor is more intense and is sourer and sweeter than ketchup.
It works well as a dip or as a base for food toppings. So if you are fond of ketchup and want something that is just as good, tomato jam is a great substitute.
This is great to use for toppings and dipping.
3. Salsa
Salsa has many great qualities, but using it as a ketchup substitute really shows it off. It’s all about that delicious tomato base, which is used just like ketchup.
4. Sriracha
The perfect stand-in for ketchup is actually Sriracha! It has a subtle spiciness that compliments the flavor of cooked tomatoes wonderfully. The other great thing about Sriracha is that it can take on any flavor profile depending on what you combine it with.
5. Tomato Paste
If you’re watching your sodium or sugar intake, tomato paste might be the perfect ketchup substitute for you. It is primarily made from tomatoes with added vinegar. Tomato paste has a stronger tomato flavor than ketchup.
This is used best as a substitute in cooking dishes.
6. Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is the ideal substitute for ketchup because of its thin consistency and rich tomato flavor.
The primary difference between the two is their consistency and use. Tomato sauce is much thinner and runnier than ketchup.
It’s often used as a dip for crusty bread, or as a topping on top of pizzas that don’t have a lot of other toppings. Tomato sauce has less sugar than ketchup but is still sweet enough to please any palate.
Also used best in cooking dishes.
7. BBQ Sauce
BBQ sauce can work well as an alternative when you don’t have ketchup. It does have a darker color and smoky flavor but it can work well in a lot of dishes or for dipping.
What to do when you run out of ketchup?
The best thing to do is to make your own homemade ketchup at home. Below you will find an easy recipe for ketchup.
Can I substitute tomato paste for ketchup?
Yes, you can substitute tomato paste for ketchup. Keep in mind that tomato paste has a stronger flavor than ketchup. It is best used in cooking dishes.
What is a healthier alternative to ketchup?
A healthy alternative would be salsa as it contains less sugar and fat than ketchup.
Homemade Ketchup Recipe
Tomato ketchup is a tasty, tangy, and sweet condiment that you can enjoy on your burger or other snacks. Making your own tomato ketchup at home is easier than you think, especially if you have a “Homemade ketchup recipe” handy.
Ingredients Needed:
6 oz Tomato Paste
1 Tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar
1/4 Cup of Brown Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon of Salt
1/2 Teaspoon of Parsley Flakes
1/2 Teaspoon of Cilantro Flakes
3 Tablespoons of Water
Directions:
In a bowl mix all the ingredients together except the water. Add the ingredients to a pot and then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 4-7 minutes. Add the water. Cool completely and then enjoy or store in the fridge.
Tips
The Recipe Is Too Thick
If it is too thick for you, you can add more tablespoons of water until you reach the consistency you want.
Too Much Vinegar
You can use less vinegar if you don’t like the taste of apple cider vinegar.
Not sweet enough or too sweet
You can adjust the amount of sugar to use depending on your taste. You can also swap the brown sugar for honey or molasses.
Storage Instructions
You can use it right away after it has cooled down completely. If you are not going to use right away store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
What To Serve With Ketchup
There are many foods that go well with ketchup.
My family likes to eat ketchup with eggs, hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, tacos, mozzarella sticks, fried chicken, onion rings, corn dogs, and chicken nuggets.
Conclusion
If you happen to run out of store-bought ketchup, don’t worry you can always make homemade ketchup or there are other great alternatives you can use in its place like tomato jam, salsa, sriracha, tomato paste, tomato sauce, or BBQ sauce.
Other Articles
Best Apple Cider Vinegar Substitutes
