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Tomato ketchup

Sauces, pastes & condiments · Condiments

Tomato ketchup

Sweet-sour tomato sauce with vinegar and spice, the familiar table condiment for chips, burgers and eggs.

Also called: ketchup, catsup

37 recipes with it

Photo: Kim Holger Kelting, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-4.0)

What it is

A smooth, thick red condiment of tomato concentrate, vinegar, sugar, salt and mild spices such as clove and allspice. It is much sweeter and tangier than tomato purée or passata and is not a substitute for them. Recipes also use it as a shortcut sweet-sour base in sauces.

How it’s used

  • Table condiment for chips, burgers and sausages
  • Base for barbecue, cocktail and sweet-and-sour sauces
  • Glazing meatloaf
  • Indo-Chinese dishes and fried rice
  • Mixing with mayo for burger sauce

Characteristics

Taste
Sweet, tangy and salty with gentle spice.
Texture
Thick and smooth.
Appearance
Glossy bright red.
When cooked
Caramelises and darkens when baked or grilled.
Sold as
paste
Cooking uses
Mainly a seasoning, Usually eaten raw

Storage

Refrigerated. Refrigerate after opening for best flavour and colour; it darkens and separates when old.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions. May contain Celery, Mustard — check the label.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free
  • May contain celery or mustard in some brands. Hidden sugar is significant.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
101 kcal
Protein
1.04 g
Carbohydrate
27.4 g
Fat
0.1 g
Fibre
0.3 g
Sugars
21.27 g

USDA FoodData Central: Catsup.

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

  • Tomato paste — Thin with vinegar and add sugar and a pinch of spice.

Related ingredients

Recipes with tomato ketchup

See all 37

25 more

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