We all have that bottle of a less popular brand of tomato ketchup lurking at the back of the cupboard, waiting to be used. But what if you could transform that everyday, ordinary condiment into a delicious spicy hot sauce? In this blog post, read on to learn more about upcycling tomato ketchup, to turn it into a mouthwatering, hot treat, perfect for your favourite meal. So let’s dive in!
Reasons for Upcycling Tomato Ketchup
Hosting a Party or Barbecue
Spice things up at your next gathering by offering your guests a unique, customized and flavorful homemade hot sauce. It’s sure to impress and leave everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Add Variety to Your Condiments
Tired of the same old ketchup on your burgers. hot dogs and fries? Upcycling your tomato ketchup adds an exciting twist to your meals and expands your condiment options.
Reduce Waste and Save Money
Instead of tossing out that ketchup close to its use-by date, or a brand that is not one of your favourites, give it a new lease on life by turning it into a spicy hot sauce. You’ll save money and reduce waste in the process.
Top Tips for Upcycling Tomato Ketchup
1. Start with the best economical tomato ketchup as your base. The better the ketchup, the better your hot sauce will taste.
This does not mean that you cannot try to transform a cheaper, not-so-tasty ketchup into something a lot better – just give it a try!
2. Experiment with different spices, herbs and other flavourings to create a hot sauce that suits your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
3. Feel free to adjust the amount of chillies or pepper flakes to suit your desired heat level.
4. You can experiment with different ketchup varieties (such as organic, low-sodium, or flavoured) to create unique hot sauces. Just keep in mind that the final flavour may vary depending on the type of ketchup used.
5. Allow your re-invented sauce to sit for a few hours,or even overnight, to let the flavours meld together for the best results. It is likely to become hotter with time.
Flavour Options for Upcycling Ketchup
American Sriracha-Style
Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar to create a tangy and spicy Sriracha-inspired hot sauce.
Smoky Paprika Tomato Ketchup
Mix in smoky paprika, cumin, and lime juice for a smoky, spicy kick.
Sweet and Spicy Mango
Blend in fresh mango, habanero peppers, and honey for a tropical twist on your hot sauce.
Garlic and Herb Tomato Ketchup
Combine roasted garlic, fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, and red pepper flakes for a savoury and spicy sauce.
Caribbean Jerk Styling
Stir in jerk seasoning, pineapple juice, and brown sugar for an island-inspired hot sauce with a hint of sweetness.
Ways to Use and Enjoy Your Upcycled Condiment
- Drizzle your spicy hot sauce over grilled meats, tacos, or burgers for added flavour and heat.
- Make it part of your everyday hot condiment option. Go on, serve some up with a grilled cheese sandwich, or dip french fries into it, and see if that does not heat things up for you!
- Mix it into your favourite dips, dressings, or marinades for an extra kick.
- Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a spicy twist.
- Bottle your hot sauce in small jars or containers and give them as unique food gifts to friends and family.
Re-inventing your shop-bought tomato ketchup into a delicious spicy hot sauce is not only fun and easy, but it also allows you to create a condiment that’s tailored to your taste buds. With endless flavour possibilities and numerous ways to enjoy your creation, this is one kitchen magic trick you won’t want to miss out on.
Recipe for Upcycling Tomato Ketchup
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Chopping board and knife
- Blender
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Ladle
- Funnel
- Clean, sterilised glass jars/bottles with sealable lids
Ingredients
- 250 g bottle of tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 medium red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tbsp honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for added smokiness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and peel the ginger. Peel the garlic. Roughly chop these.Wash and cut off the tops of the chillies. De-seed them(or leave some seeds for blistering heat, if you dare!)
- Add the garlic, ginger and chillies to the blender and blend into a smooth spice paste.
- Add the oil to your pan and place over low to medium heat.
- Add the spice paste to the pan, making sure to stir to encourage the cooking (not burning!)of these ingredients. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
- Add the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, honey, paprika and vinegar to the pan. And stir.
- Add the ketchup. Stir well to combine everything.
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavours to meld together and create a thicker consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add more chillies or some red pepper flakes at this point.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce stand for a couple of minutes.
- Ladle the sauce into an airtight container or a warm, sterilized glass jar/bottle and seal.
- Let the sauce cool completely at room temperature.
- Store in the fridge and use within 3-4 weeks. Be sure to always use a clean spoon when serving the sauce to prevent contamination and extend its shelf-life.
- Enjoy your homemade spicy hot sauce with a variety of dishes!
Notes
Top Tips for Upcycling Tomato Ketchup
1. Start with the best economical tomato ketchup as your base. The better the ketchup, the better your hot sauce will taste. This does not mean that you cannot try to transform a cheaper, not-so-tasty ketchup into something a lot better – just give it a try! 2. Experiment with different spices, herbs and other flavourings to create a hot sauce that suits your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to get creative! 3. Feel free to adjust the amount of chillies or pepper flakes to suit your desired heat level. 4. You can experiment with different ketchup varieties (such as organic, low-sodium, or flavoured) to create unique hot sauces. Just keep in mind that the final flavour may vary depending on the type of ketchup used. 5. Allow your re-invented sauce to sit for a few hours,or even overnight, to let the flavours meld together for the best results. It is likely to become hotter with time.Flavour Options for Upcycling Ketchup
American Sriracha-Style
Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and rice vinegar to create a tangy and spicy Sriracha-inspired hot sauce.Smoky Paprika
Mix in smoky paprika, cumin, and lime juice for a smoky, spicy kick.Sweet and Spicy Mango
Blend in fresh mango, habanero peppers, and honey for a tropical twist on your hot sauce.Garlic and Herb Notes
Combine roasted garlic, fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, and red pepper flakes for a savoury and spicy sauce.Caribbean Jerk Styling
Stir in jerk seasoning, pineapple juice, and brown sugar for an island-inspired hot sauce with a hint of sweetness.Ways to Use and Enjoy Your Upcycled Condiment
- Drizzle your spicy hot sauce over grilled meats, tacos, or burgers for added flavour and heat.
- Make it part of your everyday hot condiment option. Go on, serve some up with a grilled cheese sandwich, or dip french fries into it, and see if that does not heat things up for you!
- Mix it into your favourite dips, dressings, or marinades for an extra kick.
- Spread it on sandwiches or wraps for a spicy twist.
- Bottle your hot sauce in small jars or containers and give them as unique food gifts to friends and family.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.