Ketchup

N/A Condiment, Sauce

Ketchup Condiment, Sauce

At a Glance

  • Category Condiment, Sauce

The Forktionary Angle

"The universal condiment, a nostalgic taste of childhood and a simple comfort for palates worldwide."

Definition

A ubiquitous sweet and tangy condiment made primarily from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and various spices, served with many foods.

Average Daily US Consumption (per capita) ~1.5 tablespoons
Primary Acid Source Acetic Acid (from vinegar)
Shelf Life (opened bottle, refrigerated) 6 months

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Ketchup are:

Sweet Tangy Umami Savory

Chef’s Secret

For a gourmet twist on ketchup, simmer it briefly with a pinch of smoked paprika, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a tiny bit of brown sugar.

Best Substitutes

Tomato paste + water + vinegar + sugar

homemade
Ratio 1:1

BBQ sauce

different flavor
Ratio 1:1

Sriracha

for heat, not sweetness
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Read labels to avoid high-fructose corn syrup if preferred. Opt for brands using real sugar or natural sweeteners.

Recipes Using Ketchup

Low Calorie Pork Meat Low Carb

A Little Of Everything Pork Chops

Juicy, flavorful pork chops are a breeze with this easy crockpot recipe! Even picky eaters will love the savory, slightly sweet sauce. Using pantry staples and fridge favorites, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready for tender, fall-apart pork chops in under 6 hours!

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Beginner Cook Main Ingredient Meat Preparation

Affordable Meatloaf

This incredibly affordable meatloaf recipe is a lifesaver for budget-conscious cooks! Adapted from a magazine favorite, this recipe stretches ground beef (or turkey!) with oats (or cooked rice) for maximum flavor and minimal cost. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it's delicious served with rice, potatoes, pasta, or a fresh salad. Leftovers make amazing sandwiches, and you can even freeze portions for a quick 3-minute microwave meal later. This simple recipe uses minimal ingredients for maximum deliciousness!

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Occasion Occasion Equipment Meat

Ann Lander's Meatloaf

This classic meatloaf recipe, adapted over generations, delivers juicy, flavorful perfection! A comforting dish with a hint of nostalgia, it's easy to customize to your liking – add or omit the chili sauce topping as desired. A taste of family tradition, enjoy this beloved recipe (originally featuring tomato sauce instead of chili!).

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Winter Kid Friendly Weeknight Taste Mood

Anti Martha Stewart Meatloaf

Rebel against culinary perfection with our Anti-Martha Stewart Meatloaf! This surprisingly moist and flavorful meatloaf uses a secret ingredient (crackers – gasp!) for ultimate texture. Martha Stewart might disapprove, but your family will adore it. Easy enough for junior chefs, this recipe is also tested and perfected for high-altitude cooking. Get ready for a juicy, delicious meatloaf that's anything but boring!

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Time To Make Fall Easy Preparation

Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce

Fall in love with this incredible Apple Butter Barbecue Sauce recipe! Inspired by a delightful find at an apple orchard, this recipe elevates classic BBQ to new heights. Using homemade or store-bought apple butter (like Smucker's), this sauce is perfect for ribs, chicken, or as a dipping condiment. Get ready for a burst of sweet and smoky flavor that will leave you craving more. This easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes!

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Meat 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Chicken

Asian Chicken Thighs

Juicy and flavorful Asian Chicken Thighs – a family favorite! This easy recipe, adapted from Taste of Home, delivers tender, succulent chicken thighs in a delicious, savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these thighs are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready for a burst of Asian-inspired goodness!

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Dietary 3 Steps Or Less Vegetables Equipment

B B Q Pork Chops

These juicy BBQ pork chops are unbelievably easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners when you're short on time or craving a flavorful home-cooked meal! This one-pan recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup. Double the sauce for extra flavor, or thicken it with cornstarch or flour for a richer consistency. Get ready for tender, mouthwatering pork chops bursting with smoky BBQ goodness!

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Dietary Dietary 5 Ingredients Or Less Preparation

Back To School Sloppy Joes

Say goodbye to picky eaters with this easy, onion-free, bell pepper-free sloppy joe recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple recipe uses pantry staples to create a flavorful sloppy joe that even adults will love. No more complaints about veggies – just pure, sloppy joe goodness!

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Healthy 2 Course Easy Main Dish

Back Uh The Can Hawaiian Chicken

This wildly popular Hawaiian Chicken recipe is unbelievably easy and healthy! Inspired by an Albertsons chicken broth can, this dish boasts a sweet and savory sauce that's perfect served over fluffy white rice. Get ready for rave reviews – it's a family favorite!

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Low Carb Side Dishes Dietary Preparation

Bacon And Beef Gravy

Inspired by a classic German dish, this Bacon and Beef Gravy boasts a rich, smooth flavor developed through slow cooking and a masterful blend of savory ingredients. Forget bland gravies – this recipe delivers a deep, umami-rich experience that will elevate any meal. The long cooking time extracts maximum flavor from the bacon and beef, resulting in a gravy that's both intensely satisfying and surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for a taste sensation!

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Ground Beef Bacon Holiday Event 60 Minutes Or Less

Bacon Cheeseburger Tacos

Craving burgers and tacos? This recipe satisfies both! We're combining the best of both worlds with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, melty cheese, all nestled in crispy white corn tortillas. Perfect for a fun weeknight meal or a casual get-together. This recipe uses small white corn tortillas (the kind that come in 12-count boxes), but you can adapt it to larger shells – just keep in mind the yield will be lower. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Preparation Course Poultry Chicken

Balsamic Barbecue Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Balsamic Barbecue Chicken recipe! Inspired by everyday Italian flavors, this recipe features succulent chicken infused with a tangy, smoky balsamic barbecue sauce. Grilled to perfection or baked to juicy tenderness, this dish is perfect for a family meal or a casual get-together. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Lunch Course 60 Minutes Or Less Crock Pot Slow Cooker

Band Camp Sloppy Joes

This recipe for Band Camp Sloppy Joes is a nostalgic favorite, perfected over years of family gatherings and band camp adventures! A school cook's secret recipe, these sloppy joes are incredibly easy to make and are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them on buns for a classic sloppy joe experience, or try them on hot dogs for a fun twist. Make a big batch for your next get-together or family meal – they're even better the next day!

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Meat Savory Sauces Main Ingredient Pork

Barbecue Sauce For Chops Wings Spareribs

Fire up your taste buds with this classic 1960s barbecue sauce recipe! Perfect for pork chops, chicken wings, or spareribs, this easy recipe uses pantry staples for a delicious, smoky flavor. No pre-cooking needed – simply mix, pour, and bake! Or, simmer for a deeper, richer flavor. Customize it with garlic powder or fresh garlic for an extra kick. Make it ahead for even more convenience – perfect for your next barbecue!

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Inexpensive Meat Beef Time To Make

Barbecued Beefies

This nostalgic recipe, straight from a 1971 Betty Crocker card, is a lifesaver when you're on a budget! These delicious Barbecued Beefies are perfect for busy weeknights or nostalgic family dinners. Originally a 'Best Before Payday Dinner' recipe, these savory patties are incredibly flavorful and satisfying, proving that delicious food doesn't have to break the bank. Chef-tweaked for easier preparation, this updated recipe is a must-try for families and budget-conscious cooks alike.

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Main Dish Low In Something High Protein Course

Barbecued Chicken Breasts

Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! This recipe features surprisingly delicious horseradish barbecue chicken breasts. The secret? A homemade horseradish barbecue sauce that's so good, you'll want to make it again and again. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Grill or broil these juicy chicken breasts to perfection!

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Easy Easy Low Carb Ground Beef

Basic Trustworthy Meatloaf

This meatloaf recipe has been a family favorite for years! Discover the secret to unbelievably moist and flavorful meatloaf using quick-cooking oats as a binder – a surprisingly delicious twist on a classic. Forget dry meatloaf! This recipe uses regular ground beef for ultimate juiciness and perfectly balances savory flavors. Small, finely chopped onions contribute to the ideal texture, and while garlic adds a nice touch, it's entirely optional. The result? A comforting, classic meatloaf that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Leftovers make amazing cold sandwiches, too!

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60 Minutes Or Less Meat Main Dish Grilling

Basil Mozzarella Burgers

Savor the taste of summer with these juicy Basil Mozzarella Burgers! Our Italian-inspired recipe features fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and a vibrant sweet pepper relish. These delicious grilled burgers are perfect for a BBQ or a weeknight dinner. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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