Spicy Ketchup

Take your condiment game up a notch with this recipe for Spicy Ketchup. It’ll add a welcome kick to burgers, fries, sausages and more.

Why settle for plain old ketchup when you can have a condiment that’s bold and zesty. I’m talking, of course, about my recipe for spicy ketchup. It all starts with an ordinary bottle of regular ketchup, which is simmered with garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. The result? Ketchup with a serious kick, and your burger’s new best friend.

What Is Ketchup?

This condiment, which is ubiquitous on the tables of diners and backyard barbecues nationwide, has come a long way from its origins as an Asian sauce made of fermented fish (I can only imagine the groans I’d get if I set out a dish of this for my kids to dip their fries in!). Ketchup has gradually evolved to what we know it today: a tangy-sweet sauce made of tomatoes simmered with sugar, spices and other seasonings. 

A handful of flavorful additions gives this spicy tomato ketchup its kick.

• Olive oil: Light or pure olive oil is better for this recipe than extra virgin olive oil, which can burn when heated. You can also use avocado or grapeseed oil.
• Red pepper flakes: This popular pizza sprinkle will lose its heat over time, so taste-test a few flakes to make sure they still have their spice. If they don’t, you should replace them with a fresh jar.
• Garlic: I use a garlic press to get perfectly minced garlic. Even more convenient is frozen or jarred minced garlic. You’ll need about a teaspoon, but feel free to use more if you’re a garlic fan.
• Ketchup: Choose a good-quality ketchup to use as the base for this hot ketchup recipe. I look for a brand that doesn’t contain high fructose corn syrup. 
• Hot sauce: Use your favorite brand (I use Tabasco sauce), and adjust the quantity according to how spicy the hot sauce is and how spicy you want your ketchup to be.
• Worcestershire sauce: This vinegar-based condiment delivers some serious umami flavor. It’s made with molasses, tamarind, cloves, anchovies and other seasonings. For a vegetarian version, substitute with soy sauce or tamari sauce.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Learn how to spice up ketchup with a few easy steps.

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

2. Add the remaining ingredients. Have the ketchup measured and nearby so it can 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 ketchup cool to room temperature before serving or storing. 

How to Use Spicy Ketchup

This homemade hot ketchup recipe goes great on burgers and hot dogs, of course, but here are a few other recipes that you could serve it with.

• 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

• 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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