Spicy Ketchup Recipe

Why Make Ketchup From Scratch?

The answer to this question is: Why NOT make ketchup from scratch? It’s so easy, and you can adjust it any way you please, instead of limiting yourself to the basic bottles in the grocery store. In my case, that means making it nice and spicy. Stir in your favorite hot sauce for heat, and enjoy the thick, rich texture that makes it ideal for dipping and spreading.

You’ll love making Air Fryer Hot Dogs or Air Fryer Hamburgers a bit more interesting with spicy ketchup. I also love a big dollop on top of Black Bean Quinoa Burgers for extra flavor, and when you want to elevate your Air Fryer French Fries, spicy ketchup is just what’s needed! And while some recipes call for cooking the ketchup, my recipe just requires whisking together the ingredients until smooth. Then, it’s ready to eat!

• Easy ingredients list. Familiar pantry staples make up the ingredients in this ketchup, from tomato paste to garlic powder.
• So quick. You need just 5 minutes or less to whip up homemade ketchup, making it a great choice for when you want to spice up a meal fast.
• Make it super spicy or not. Another bonus of making homemade spicy ketchup is that you can add even more hot sauce if you like things super spicy or dial it down a tad if you want it a little milder.
• So many uses! Of course, ketchup works on burgers and for making Buffalo Loaded Hot Dogs, but it’s also perfect for jazzing up eggs and more. I love dipping Baked Sweet Potato Fries or Chili-Lime Baked Sweet Potato Home Fries in a little bowl of ketchup for that perfect sweet and spicy mix.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a glance at the ingredients that go into spicy ketchup. Make sure to scroll to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full ingredient amounts.

• Tomato Paste: One small can is perfect.
• Hot Sauce: I like such as Frank’s Red Hot, but you can use your favorite hot sauce.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar.
• Water
• Dry Mustard: Use a mustard powder such as Coleman’s brand. Substitute yellow mustard or Dijon mustard if needed. You’ll just need to adjust the amount of liquid.
• Spices: Salt and pepper, cumin, and garlic powder.

How to Make Spicy Ketchup

I love that you don’t need to cook this ketchup; combine, whisk, and it’s ready to go! See my photos below to get an idea of how easy it is to make this recipe, and check the recipe card lower down for the detailed instructions.

• Combine. Place the ingredients in a medium bowl, then whisk them until smooth and well-combined.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Ketchup

• To make it extra smooth: Use an immersion blender rather than a whisk to combine ingredients.
• Let it rest. I find that placing the ketchup in the fridge for a couple of hours before I plan to serve it allows the flavors to deepen and meld.
• Double up. If you know you will eat a lot of ketchup, double the recipe and stash it in the fridge so you can have it anytime.
• If it’s too thick: If you want a thinner or more pourable ketchup, add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach your preferred consistency.
• Add sweetener. You may like a ketchup that’s slightly sweeter; my recipe doesn’t call for any added sugar. You can whisk in a tablespoon or two of honey if you prefer to sweeten it up a bit.

Variation Ideas

• Other spices. Use the spices I’ve included on the ingredients list, or play around with them! Other good additions could include cayenne pepper, paprika or smoked paprika, basil, oregano, or thyme.
• Add Sriracha. Instead of hot sauce, try adding Sriracha (a spicy sauce containing red chili peppers and garlic) for a slightly different flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce. Add umami flavor with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

How to Store Ketchup

Transfer ketchup to an airtight container, jar, or bottle, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

More Condiment Recipes

• Homemade Ketchup
• Homemade Balsamic Ketchup
• Honey BBQ Sauce
• Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce