Ketchup is a widely used condiment across the globe. Ketchup is one-of-a-kind since it’s the only sauce that perfectly balances sweet, salty, and acidic qualities.
However, this does not indicate that a suitable replacement cannot be found. Instead, there are several condiments that may serve as viable substitutes for ketchup.
Whether you’re out of ketchup and don’t have time to get to the store, or you just want something different, here are some of the best alternatives.
What Is Ketchup?
Tomato ketchup is a staple in American cuisine and one of the most well-known condiments ever. This sauce, sometimes known as “catsup,” is made by puréeing tomatoes, onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices into a thick, smooth puree. Some ketchups have a somewhat spicy flavor, while others have a more acidic tang.
Ketchup may be found in the condiment section of the grocery next to mayonnaise and mustard, but it has many more uses than seasoning. Ketchup is the backbone of numerous sauces, recipes, and cuisines, in addition to its more obvious use as a sandwich topper or dipping sauce for a wide range of foods.
Best Substitutes for Ketchup
1. Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is a great alternative to tomato ketchup due to its comparable flavor and consistency. Ketchup relies on it as an ingredient.
The acidity of tomato paste is lower. Therefore, if you want to give your food the familiar ketchup taste, just add a dash of vinegar.
Tomato paste may be used in place of ketchup when cooking or for creating sauces, but it is too acidic for dipping purposes.
2. Tomato Sauce
You may also replace ketchup with a thick, flavorful jarred tomato sauce. Apple cider vinegar is a great way to give your meals that extra kick.
As with ketchup, tomato sauce is an indispensable condiment. In our opinion, it is best used as a culinary ingredient and not as a condiment.
3. Red pesto
In addition to being a fantastic pasta sauce, pesto also works well as a marinade or a finishing sauce for meat and poultry. It has a wide range of applications, much like ketchup, however we don’t usually use it to top our french fries. That’s because the typical green sauce created with basil and parmesan cheese comes to mind when we consider pesto. But that’s not the only kind of pesto you can find!
4. Barbecue Sauce
Since many types of BBQ sauce use conventional ketchup as a foundation component, it is undeniably one of the greatest ketchup alternatives. You may use the barbecue sauce you have on hand, or you can go out and get some of your preferred brand. We think homemade barbeque sauce is a fantastic addition.
Keep in mind that barbecue sauces, in general, will have bolder flavors than ketchup, whether that means they are smokier, sweeter, spicier, or something else entirely.
The texture of barbecue sauce is frequently extremely similar to that of ketchup; it is smooth, glossy, and thick without being too paste-like, thus it makes a great ketchup alternative despite the taste differences.
As a standalone condiment or in lieu of ketchup in a dish, barbecue sauce may be used in a 1:1 ratio. A lot of flavor will be coming from the barbecue sauce, so you may want to cut down on the other spices and condiments the recipe asks for.
5. Salsa
While using salsa in your cooking may seem strange at first, it is really a healthy choice for those who are trying to stick to a ketogenic diet, diabetic diet, or who suffer from acid reflux. Even if store-bought salsa could satisfy your nutritional requirements, you can satisfy your preferences by making your own.
Tomatoes, onions, peppers, a dash of spicy sauce, lime, and other spices may be cooked and then added.
If you have acid reflux, you should probably leave out the lime and sweeten it up a little. Sugar should be avoided at all costs by those on the ketogenic diet or who have diabetes.
Salsa may be used as an ingredient in other sauces, as a condiment, in tacos, and with other foods.
6. Sriracha
South Asian cuisine often makes use of a sauce called Sriracha. Slightly sweet with a hint of garlic, it’s a flavor that’ll surprise you. It tastes and feels like tomato ketchup, so you may use it as a suitable alternative.
Sriracha is a popular Thai hot sauce that is also used often in Chinese and Taiwanese cooking. Sriracha is a fantastic alternative to traditional tomato ketchup for those who want a little of heat with their meals.
The equivalent of using tomato ketchup with Sriracha would be to drizzle it on top of your favorite dish. It works as well as a spread or a dip. Since sriracha is hotter than ketchup, you should use just half as much.
7. Mustard
Despite their dissimilar tastes, mustard and ketchup are often used together. They’re a standard addition to such American fast-food favorites as burgers and hot dogs.
Cutting down on ketchup use is as simple as replacing it with mustard.
Rather than ketchup, mustard, and especially Dijon mustard, works well on sandwiches. Similarly, both french fries and wraps spreads are best served hot.
Mustard, being yellow, will drastically alter the color of your food. You should go elsewhere if it’s the red hue of ketchup you’re after.
To substitute mustard for ketchup in recipes, use a quantity equal to that of the ketchup.
Conclusion
Although ketchup is a popular choice, there are other sauces that may be used in its place. To illustrate, let’s say you’re trying to find ketchup alternatives.
Other tasty condiments are also available. If you’re in the mood for something different or more classic, any of these sauces will do the job!
Soy sauce is an excellent example of a more traditional condiment. Soy sauce has been a staple in many Asian meals for centuries, including sushi and noodle bowls, thanks to the umami taste it imparts.
Finally, any of the aforementioned alternatives can do beautifully in place of soy sauce if you don’t have any on hand.
