Spicy Ketchup Recipe: Elevate Your Condiment Game

Take your condiment game to the next level with this easy recipe for Spicy Ketchup. It’s a simple way to add a welcome kick to burgers, fries, sausages, and countless other dishes.

Table of Contents

• What is Spicy Ketchup?
• Why Make Your Own Spicy Ketchup?
• Key Ingredients for Spicy Ketchup
• How to Make Spicy Ketchup: Step-by-Step
• Tips for the Best Spicy Ketchup
• Storage and Shelf Life
• Serving Suggestions: What to Eat with Spicy Ketchup
• Variations on Spicy Ketchup: Make it Your Own!
• Spicy Ketchup Recipe
• More Homemade Condiment Recipes to Try

Why settle for plain, ordinary ketchup when you can create a condiment that’s bursting with bold, zesty flavor? This spicy ketchup recipe is incredibly simple to make and adds a delicious kick to all your favorite foods.

It all begins with a standard bottle of your favorite ketchup, which is then simmered with aromatic garlic, fiery crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce for extra heat, and savory Worcestershire sauce. The result? A spicy ketchup that delivers a serious flavor punch and will quickly become your burger’s new best friend.

What is Spicy Ketchup?

Spicy ketchup is simply ketchup that has been enhanced with ingredients to add heat and complexity. While regular ketchup provides a sweet and tangy base, spicy ketchup takes it a step further by incorporating elements like chili peppers, garlic, and other spices to deliver a more intense and flavorful experience.

It is a versatile condiment that can be used in countless ways, from dipping fries to topping burgers and adding a zing to grilled meats. Its customizable nature makes it easy to tailor the heat level and flavor profile to suit your individual preferences.

Why Make Your Own Spicy Ketchup?

While store-bought spicy ketchup is readily available, making your own offers several advantages:

• Control over ingredients: You can choose high-quality ketchup without unwanted additives or high fructose corn syrup.
• Customizable spice level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and hot sauce to achieve your perfect heat level.
• Freshness and flavor: Homemade always tastes better! You can use fresh garlic and other ingredients to create a more vibrant and complex flavor profile.
• Cost-effective: Making your own spicy ketchup is often cheaper than buying it pre-made.
• Satisfaction: There’s something rewarding about creating your own condiments from scratch.

Only a handful of flavorful additions are needed to give this spicy tomato ketchup its signature kick.

Key Ingredients for Spicy Ketchup

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to make the best spicy ketchup:

• Olive oil: Light or pure olive oil is preferable for this recipe compared to extra virgin olive oil, as it has a higher smoke point and is less likely to burn when heated. Avocado or grapeseed oil are also excellent substitutes.
• Red pepper flakes: This popular pizza topping loses its heat over time, so it’s essential to taste-test a few flakes before using them to ensure they still pack a punch. If the flavor is weak, consider replacing them with a fresh jar for optimal spiciness.
• Garlic: I prefer using a garlic press for perfectly minced garlic, but pre-minced garlic from the freezer or a jar is an even more convenient option. You’ll need approximately a teaspoon, but don’t hesitate to add more if you’re a garlic enthusiast.
• Ketchup: Selecting a high-quality ketchup is crucial as it forms the base of this spicy ketchup recipe. I recommend opting for a brand that doesn’t contain high fructose corn syrup for a healthier and more flavorful end product.
• Hot sauce: Choose your favorite brand of hot sauce (I often use Tabasco sauce) and adjust the quantity based on its spiciness and your desired level of heat in the ketchup. Experimenting with different hot sauces can add unique flavor dimensions.
• Worcestershire sauce: This vinegar-based condiment provides a significant umami flavor boost. It’s crafted with molasses, tamarind, cloves, anchovies, and a medley of other seasonings. For a vegetarian alternative, substitute with soy sauce or tamari sauce to retain the savory depth.

See the recipe card below for complete information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Spicy Ketchup: Step-by-Step

Ready to learn how to spice up your ketchup? Follow these simple steps:

1. Sauté the garlic and pepper: In a small saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes and sauté, stirring constantly, being careful not to let the garlic burn. It should only take about 30 seconds to a minute to brown the garlic.

2. Add the remaining ingredients: Have the ketchup measured and ready to be added immediately (be careful, it may splatter when it hits the hot pan!). Stir in the ketchup, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 more minutes, until it is warmed through.

3. Transfer to a bowl: Let the spicy ketchup cool to room temperature before serving or storing.

Tips for the Best Spicy Ketchup

Here are a few tips to help you make the best spicy ketchup every time:

• Use a dry measuring cup for ketchup: Due to its thickness, a dry measuring cup is the ideal tool for accurately measuring ketchup. Level it off with the back of a knife if needed for precision.
• Adjust the spiciness to your taste: For a less spicy ketchup, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper and hot sauce or opt for a milder variety. Conversely, if you enjoy intensely spicy foods, increase the pepper and hot sauce according to your preference.

Storage and Shelf Life

Spicy ketchup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. A half-pint-sized mason jar with a lid is an excellent container. Be sure to let the ketchup cool completely before storing.

Serving Suggestions: What to Eat with Spicy Ketchup

This homemade hot ketchup recipe is fantastic on burgers and hot dogs, of course, but here are a few other ideas for serving it:

• Extra Crispy Roasted Potatoes
• Easy Homemade Mini Corn Dogs
• Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
• Grilled Sirloin Sliders with Bacon
• Everything Puff Pastry Pigs in a Blanket
• Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Variations on Spicy Ketchup: Make it Your Own!

Feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch to this spicy ketchup recipe. Here are a few ideas:

• Smoked paprika: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Finely chop a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and add it to the ketchup for a smoky, spicy flavor.
• Honey or maple syrup: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
• Onion powder: A pinch of onion powder can add depth of flavor.
• Fresh herbs: Stir in some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.

More Homemade Condiment Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed this spicy ketchup recipe, here are a few other homemade condiment recipes you might like:

• Balsamic Onion Marmalade
• Homemade Chimichurri Sauce
• Pickled Red Onion and Carrot Relish
• Cowboy Butter
• 10-Minute Blueberry Sauce
• Easy Homemade Butterscotch Sauce

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Side Dish

Spicy Ketchup Recipe

Kick your burgers and hot dogs up a notch with this zesty condiment.

Author:
Kelly Senyei

5 from 1 vote