What is ketchup?
Ketchup is a condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, salt, spices, and natural flavorings. The main ingredient is tomato concentrate, which gives ketchup its distinct red color and tomato flavor. Commercial ketchup also contains preservatives, thickeners, and other ingredients to enhance flavor, texture, and shelf life.
Ketchup originated in China as a fish sauce called ke-tsiap in the 17th century. It was brought over to Europe and America, where tomatoes were later added, creating the modern tomato ketchup we know today. Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments around the world and is a staple in pantries, restaurants, and fast food establishments.
Common Uses of Ketchup
Ketchup is most commonly used as a condiment for foods like:
- French fries
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Breakfast foods like eggs, hash browns, and pancakes
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Meatloaf and meatballs
- Seafood like fish sticks
It provides a sweet, tangy flavor that complements savory foods, especially fried foods and sandwiches. Ketchup’s versatility and popularity stem from its balance of tomato flavor, sweetness, acidity, and texture.
Is ketchup just a condiment?
While ketchup is most often used as a condiment, it can also be used as an ingredient in cooking and baking for purposes beyond just topping foods. Here are some ways ketchup can be used:
As a sauce base
The tomato flavor and thickness of ketchup make it a good foundation for making various dipping sauces and acidic braising liquids:
- Dipping sauces like ketchup blended with mayo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt
- BBQ sauces and glazes
- Cocktail sauce for seafood by mixing with horseradish
- Teriyaki sauce mixed with soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices
- Braising liquids for meat
As an ingredient in marinades and dressings
The sweet and tangy flavor of ketchup works well mixed into marinades and salad dressings:
- Ketchup-based marinades for meats like chicken, pork, and baked beans
- Ketchup vinaigrettes and salad dressings
- Ketchup mixed with mayo or Greek yogurt for a quick veggie dip
For baking and cooking
When baking or cooking, ketchup can add moisture, sweetness, tomato flavor, and color to dishes:
- Cakes, cookies, muffins
- Meatballs and meatloaf
- Casseroles
- Glazes for roasted vegetables and meat
- Simmer sauces for chicken or beef
- Bloody marys
So while ketchup is known primarily as a condiment, it can be an extremely versatile ingredient in cooking and baking recipes too.
What ingredients are in ketchup?
There are a variety of ingredients that go into making ketchup. Here are the most common:
Tomatoes
The base of ketchup is tomatoes. Tomato concentrate or tomato puree provides the distinctive tomato flavor and red color.
Sugar
Sugar balances out the acidity from the tomatoes and vinegar. It comes in the form of regular granulated sugar, corn syrup, or high fructose corn syrup.
Vinegar
Usually distilled white vinegar or cider vinegar. This provides the tangy, tart flavor in ketchup.
Salt
Salt enhances the flavor and acts as a preservative.
Spices and seasonings
Onion powder, garlic powder, celery salt, and black pepper add savory flavor to ketchup. Some brands may also add allspice, clove, cinnamon, etc.
Thickeners
Xanthan gum or cornstarch help thicken ketchup to the desired consistency.
Preservatives
Sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, calcium disodium EDTA prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
Natural flavoring
Often added to boost ripe, robust tomato taste.
So those core ingredients – tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, salt, and spices – are what give ketchup its balanced sweet, tangy, savory flavor when combined.
What recipes can you make with ketchup?
While ketchup is often just used as a condiment, there are many recipes across cuisines that use ketchup as a tasty ingredient. Here are some recipe ideas:
Baked beans
Ketchup’s balanced tomato sweetness makes it perfect for jazzing up canned baked beans. Simmer beans with ketchup, brown sugar, onions, mustard, and spices.
Meatloaf and meatballs
Mixing ketchup into the ground meat helps keep meatloaf and meatballs moist and adds flavor. Brush extra ketchup on top before baking.
Casseroles
From tuna noodle casserole to chicken divan, ketchup adds moisture, acidity, and flavor to classic comforting casseroles.
Salisbury steak
Sauce made from ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown gravy is iconic for serving over Salisbury steak patties.
Ketchup fried rice
Stir a few tablespoons of ketchup into fried rice with vegetables and protein to add sweetness.
Roast chicken or pork
Spread ketchup on top of roast chicken or pork loin before cooking for a delicious, lightly caramelized crust.
Meat marinades
The acidity of ketchup helps tenderize meats. Marinate chicken, steak, or pork in ketchup blended with spices and herbs.
Glazes and dipping sauces
Ketchup mixed with ingredients like soy sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar makes easy glazes for meat, seafood, or vegetables. Or blend it with mayo or Greek yogurt for dipping sauces.
Cocktails
Ketchup’s tang pairs well with vodka and spice for Bloody Marys. It can also add sweetness to other tomato-based cocktails.
What are the best tips for cooking with ketchup?
If you want to start incorporating ketchup into more of your cooking, here are some useful tips:
- Look for all-natural ketchups without high fructose corn syrup for the cleanest flavor.
- Use ketchup to build flavor bases. Saute onions and garlic in ketchup before adding other ingredients.
- Mix ketchup with acidic ingredients like vinegar, mustard, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, etc. The flavors will balance each other.
- When baking, start by substituting just a few tablespoons of ketchup for some water, milk, or oil to avoid an overly ketchup flavor.
- To better complement savory foods, opt for yellow mustard over ketchup whenever you want more of a tangy kick.
- If your ketchup has been sitting in the fridge for a while, give it a good stir before using to redistribute the tomato solids.
Ketchup contains a powerhouse combo of tomato flavor, sweetness, acidity, saltiness, and spice. Keeping these tips in mind will help you harness the flavor of ketchup to enhance all kinds of everyday cooking.
What are some ketchup substitutions?
If a recipe calls for ketchup and you don’t have any on hand, here are some suitable ketchup substitutions:
| Substitution | Ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato sauce or tomato puree | 1:1 | Won’t be as thick or sweet as ketchup but adds tomato flavor. |
| Tomato paste + water | 1 Tbsp paste + 1 Tbsp water = 2 Tbsp ketchup | Mix to equal ketchup consistency. Lacks sweetness. |
| Salsa | 1:1 | Use a sweeter fruit salsa. Will be chunkier than ketchup. |
| Barbecue sauce | 1:1 | Replace ketchup’s flavor with smoky barbecue flavor. |
| Ranch dressing | 1:1 | Adds creamy tang and herbs rather than tomato flavor. |
| Honey + vinegar | 1 Tbsp honey + 1 tsp vinegar for 2 Tbsp ketchup | Approximates ketchup’s sweet-tang balance. |
For the best flavor match, tomato paste or tomato sauce thinned with a little water comes closest to imitating ketchup’s thick tomato taste when needed as a substitute in recipes.
What recipes allow you to reduce sugar by substituting ketchup?
Ketchup contains a significant amount of added sugar. To cut down on sugar in recipes that call for ketchup, there are several lower-sugar substitutes you can use instead:
1. Low-sugar or no-sugar-added ketchup
Read ketchup labels and choose low-sugar or sugar-free ketchup products. These will have the same flavor and uses as regular ketchup without excess added sugar.
2. Pureed tomatoes
Replace ketchup with an equal amount of pureed tomatoes. You can puree canned diced tomatoes or crush fresh tomatoes. The tomato flavor will remain without ketchup’s high sugar levels.
3. Tomato sauce and paste
Swap ketchup for tomato sauce or tomato paste thinnned with water to equal ketchup’s consistency. There will be less added sugar than ketchup.
4. Balsamic vinegar
For salad dressings, marinades, and dipping sauces, use balsamic vinegar instead of ketchup for tangy sweetness with no added sugar.
5. Mustard
Yellow mustard has natural tanginess and no sugar added. Use it in place of ketchup in recipes where you want more spice and less sweetness.
Cutting down ketchup’s added sugars takes just a few simple substitutions using tomato products, vinegar, mustard, and low-sugar ketchup alternatives in your cooking and baking recipes.
What are the healthiest ketchup options?
When choosing a healthy ketchup, read labels and look for these characteristics:
- Made with raw, whole tomatoes – Healthier than heavily processed tomato concentrate.
- Low sugar and sodium – Aim for under 3-4g sugar and 300mg sodium per serving.
- No high fructose corn syrup – Has controversial health effects.
- No artificial preservatives – Watch for artificial colors, flavors, etc.
- Organic and non-GMO – Uses real ingredients grown without pesticides or genetic modification.
- Thick and rich – Has satisfying texture and flavor impact.
Some of the top low-sugar natural ketchup brands include:
- Sir Kensington’s
- Annie’s Organic
- Heinz No Sugar Added
- Red Duck
- Trader Joe’s Organic
Choosing one of these healthier ketchups allows you to benefit from tomato nutrition without excess added sugar or artificial additives.
Conclusion
Ketchup is one of the most versatile condiments around. While it’s commonly squirted on top of foods, ketchup can also be used as a flavorful cooking ingredient in recipes ranging from meat dishes to baked goods. Opting for low-sugar, all-natural ketchups provides great taste while avoiding some of the unhealthy pitfalls of regular ketchup products. With a little creativity in the kitchen, ketchup can enhance flavors beyond just topping your fries!