Who doesn’t love the versatility of tomato ketchup? This common household condiment can go beyond just topping fries—it’s a perfect base for a variety of homemade sauces. Using just a few other basic ingredients, you can transform your ketchup into barbecue, teriyaki, and even spicy sauces. Here’s a guide to five easy DIY sauces you can make at home using tomato ketchup.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
A. These sauces are made from scratch using simple, fresh ingredients like tomato ketchup, soy sauce, fresh herbs, and honey.
Q. Can I use these sauces as marinades?
A. Yes! All of the sauces work wonderfully as marinades.
Q. What can I serve with these sauces?
A. Each of these sauces pairs well with a variety of dishes like Pasta, Skewers, Grilled veggies, Noodles, Potato wedges, etc.
Q. Can I use these sauces as a dip?
A. Yes, these sauces make excellent dips! Ketchup teriyaki sauce for spring rolls or dumplings, Tomato & Basil Pesto Ketchup is perfect for dipping fries, chips, or vegetable sticks & BBQ Sauce is a classic dipping sauce for fries or onion rings.
Why Use Tomato Ketchup as a Base?
Using tomato ketchup as a sauce base is practical and flavourful. Ketchup adds a depth of tomato flavour along with a hint of sweetness and acidity, making it the perfect starting point for a range of sauces. With Zama Organics’ tomato ketchup, you get a richer taste without any added preservatives, ensuring a healthier and fresher option for your DIY creations.1. Pasta sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium onion, minced
- 1 tsp oregano (dried)
- 1/2 tsp pink salt (or regular salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup water (to adjust consistency)
Steps to Make:
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic & Onion: Add the minced garlic and onion to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add Tomato Ketchup: Stir in the tomato ketchup, ensuring the garlic and onion are well combined with the ketchup.
- Season the Sauce: Add oregano, pink salt, and black pepper powder to the sauce. Stir to combine and let the flavours meld together.
- Add Water to Adjust Consistency: Gradually add water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less water.
- Simmer & Let it Cook: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich flavour.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed by adding a pinch more salt, pepper, or oregano.
- Serve: Once your sauce is ready, pour it over your favorite pasta and toss well. Garnish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Tips:
- Add a pinch of red chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer some heat in your pasta sauce.
- This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
2. Creamy Cocktail Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp soya sauce
- 1-2 tbsp hot & sweet sauce (adjust to taste)
Steps to Make:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, soya sauce, and hot & sweet sauce. Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the sauce is smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. If you like more tang, add a little extra lemon juice; for more sweetness or heat, increase the hot & sweet sauce to your liking.
- Chill (Optional): If you have the time, refrigerate the sauce for 15-20 minutes before serving to let the flavours meld together. However, it's ready to serve immediately!
- Serve: Serve as a dip for fries, chips, or fresh vegetables.
Tips:
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding a little more mayonnaise for creaminess or ketchup for sweetness.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It's perfect for use in salads or as a sandwich spread.
3. BBQ Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp soya sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
Steps to Make:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine tomato ketchup, soya sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and red chilli powder.
- Simmer: Place the pan over medium heat. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavours combine.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more brown sugar; for extra heat, increase the amount of red chilli powder. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool. Once cooled, it’s ready to use! Brush it over grilled meats, use it as a marinade, or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
Tips:
- If you prefer a smoky BBQ sauce, add 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika.
- This BBQ sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
4. Tomato & Basil Pesto Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (roughly chopped)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp pink salt (or regular salt)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper powder
Steps to Make:
- Prepare the Basil Pesto: In a small bowl, combine the chopped fresh basil, olive oil, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, pink salt, and black pepper powder. Stir well until the ingredients are fully mixed together into a rough pesto.
- Mix with Ketchup: Add the tomato ketchup to the basil pesto mixture. Stir until the ketchup is fully combined with the pesto, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your Tomato & Basil Pesto Ketchup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a pinch more salt or pepper, or a bit more grated cheese for extra richness.
- Serve: Once your sauce is ready, serve it immediately as a dip, or drizzle it over your favourite foods like fries or grilled vegetables.
Tips:
- If you prefer a milder cheese, mozzarella or ricotta also work beautifully in this recipe.
- You can add other herbs like parsley or oregano for a different flavour profile.
- This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavours will continue to meld and develop over time.
5. Ketchup Teriyaki Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup tomato ketchup
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (or more for added sweetness)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Steps to Make:
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a pan, combine the tomato ketchup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Stir well to combine.
- Cook the Sauce: Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavours meld together.
- Add Sesame Oil: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, stir in the sesame oil for that extra layer of richness. Continue to simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more honey; if you want it saltier, add a dash more soy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Tips:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or a little extra vinegar to loosen it up. If it's too thin, continue simmering to reduce it further.
- Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a small drizzle of sriracha sauce for a spicy kick.
- This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. The flavours will continue to develop over time.
Conclusion
With just a bottle of ketchup and a few ingredients, you can unlock a whole new world of sauces! These DIY recipes are quick, easy, and perfect for when you want to add a unique touch to your meals. So go ahead, experiment, and let your ketchup work some magic in the kitchen.FAQs
Q. What makes these sauces unique compared to store-bought versions?A. These sauces are made from scratch using simple, fresh ingredients like tomato ketchup, soy sauce, fresh herbs, and honey.
Q. Can I use these sauces as marinades?
A. Yes! All of the sauces work wonderfully as marinades.
Q. What can I serve with these sauces?
A. Each of these sauces pairs well with a variety of dishes like Pasta, Skewers, Grilled veggies, Noodles, Potato wedges, etc.
Q. Can I use these sauces as a dip?
A. Yes, these sauces make excellent dips! Ketchup teriyaki sauce for spring rolls or dumplings, Tomato & Basil Pesto Ketchup is perfect for dipping fries, chips, or vegetable sticks & BBQ Sauce is a classic dipping sauce for fries or onion rings.