Quick & Tangy Homemade Ketchup Recipe: Better Than Store-Bought

Crafting delectable homemade ketchup can revolutionize your condiment game in ways store-bought bottles never could.

Simple ingredients from your pantry transform into a vibrant, tangy sauce that sparkles with fresh flavor.

Tomatoes become the star, blending sweet and acidic notes into a smooth, rich mixture.

Pantry staples like vinegar, sugar, and spices dance together, creating a personalized condiment that outshines anything from the supermarket shelf.

Small adjustments let you control sweetness, spiciness, and texture with precision.

Home cooks appreciate how easily this recipe adapts to individual taste preferences.

Whip up a batch and watch everyone marvel at your culinary creativity.

Ultimate Homemade Ketchup to Upgrade Your Meals

• Create Pure Flavor: Homemade ketchup delivers a fresh, vibrant taste that crushes any store-bought version, giving you complete control over ingredients and spice levels.
• Customize Your Condiment: Easily adjust seasonings to match your personal preference, making this recipe perfect for health-conscious food lovers who want to avoid preservatives and excess sugar.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: This recipe requires minimal cooking techniques, making it an excellent introduction for beginners wanting to explore homemade sauce preparation with confidence.
• Save Money and Reduce Waste: Prepare ketchup using fresh tomatoes and basic pantry spices, cutting grocery expenses and reducing packaging waste while enjoying a superior condiment.

Ingredients That Make Homemade Ketchup Shine

• Whole Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes that form the rich and tangy foundation of the homemade ketchup.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile and adds depth to the ketchup.
• Sugar, Vinegar: Balances the acidity and sweetness, creating a well-rounded taste.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides a subtle aromatic background note to the sauce.

• Cayenne Pepper, Paprika: Adds a mild heat and smoky undertone to the ketchup for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Step-by-Step Homemade Ketchup Instructions

Step 1: Pulverize Tomatoes

Grab your blender and toss in the whole tomatoes. Blast them until they transform into a silky, smooth liquid with no chunky bits remaining.

Step 2: Transfer and Season

• White vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Ground cloves
• Paprika

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

Place the saucepan on the stove and set the heat to medium.

Stir the mixture occasionally and let it bubble away. Watch as the liquid gradually reduces and transforms into a rich, glossy sauce.

Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

Step 4: Cool Down

Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the ketchup to cool completely at room temperature.

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 5: Store and Preserve

Transfer your homemade ketchup into a clean, airtight container.

Refrigerate and enjoy for up to 3-4 weeks, or freeze for a longer shelf life of about 6 months. Your taste buds will thank you for this flavor-packed, preservative-free condiment!

Tips for Perfect Homemade Ketchup Every Time

• Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove seeds and create a silky-smooth ketchup texture without any unwanted bits.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to create a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds.
• Adjust the sweetness by using natural alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a healthier homemade version.
• If the ketchup is too thick, gradually add a little water; if too thin, continue simmering to reduce and thicken naturally.
• Divide the ketchup into smaller portions before freezing, making it easy to thaw just the amount you need for each use.

Variations on Classic Homemade Ketchup

• Smoky Chipotle Ketchup: Add 1-2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a spicy, smoky flavor profile that elevates burgers and grilled meats.
• Herb-Infused Garden Ketchup: Mix in fresh chopped basil, thyme, and oregano for a vibrant, aromatic condiment that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables.
• Spicy Sriracha Kick Ketchup: Incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of sriracha sauce for a tangy, heat-packed version that adds excitement to fries and sandwiches.
• Roasted Garlic Ketchup: Blend in 3-4 roasted garlic cloves for a rich, deep flavor that transforms the classic condiment into a gourmet experience.

Pairings to Serve with Homemade Ketchup

• Pair with Crispy Comfort Foods: Match this homemade ketchup with golden french fries, crispy onion rings, or perfectly seasoned chicken nuggets for a delightful flavor explosion.
• Elevate Burger Night: Spread this rich, fresh ketchup on gourmet burgers, adding a zesty homemade touch that transforms ordinary grilled meats into extraordinary culinary experiences.
• Dip and Delight: Use as a vibrant dipping sauce for grilled cheese sandwiches, potato wedges, or even as a tangy base for meatloaf, bringing a burst of fresh tomato goodness to classic dishes.

Proper Storage Tips for Homemade Ketchup

Transfer ketchup to a clean, airtight glass jar and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. Keep away from direct light and heat sources to maintain freshness.

Pour cooled ketchup into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 6 months, allowing easy portioning when needed.

Move frozen ketchup from freezer to refrigerator overnight. Gently stir to restore original consistency after thawing.

Warm small portions in microwave using 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent separation and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned whole tomatoes as a convenient alternative. Make sure to choose high-quality, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

• Is homemade ketchup healthier than store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade ketchup contains no preservatives, less sugar, and allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier option.

• What type of vinegar works best in this recipe?

White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are both excellent choices. Apple cider vinegar adds a slightly more complex flavor profile to the ketchup.

• How can I adjust the sweetness of the ketchup?

You can easily modify the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to suit your taste preferences.

The Ultimate Homemade Ketchup Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade classic Ketchup brings tangy, sweet memories of backyard barbecues and nostalgic comfort. Sweet tomatoes, vinegar, and secret spices combine to create a condiment that elevates simple meals from ordinary to extraordinary for passionate home cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) whole tomatoes or 3 cups fresh tomatoes

Sweeteners and Acids:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vinegar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

1. Transform ripe tomatoes into a silky puree using a high-powered blender, ensuring a completely smooth consistency.
2. Transfer the vibrant tomato mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a heavy-bottomed saucepan, capturing only the most refined liquid.
3. Incorporate a harmonious blend of aromatic spices and seasoning agents, whisking thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
4. Position the saucepan over medium heat, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and reduce, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
5. Observe the transformation as the sauce gradually thickens and deepens in color, approximately 8-10 minutes, creating a rich, concentrated texture.
6. Remove from heat and allow the ketchup to cool completely at room temperature, enabling flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Transfer the homemade condiment into a sterile, airtight glass container, sealing in the fresh, vibrant taste.
8. Refrigerate for optimal preservation, enjoying the artisanal ketchup within 3-4 weeks, or freeze for extended storage up to 6 months.

Notes

• Experiment with different tomato varieties like Roma or San Marzano for richer, deeper flavor profiles.
• Adjust sweetness by using honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar as alternative natural sweeteners.
• Strain the mixture multiple times for an ultra-smooth, restaurant-quality ketchup texture.
• Reduce simmering time for a fresher, brighter taste or extend cooking for a more concentrated, caramelized result.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 15 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg