If you are looking to add some extra flavor to your next dinner, there is nothing better than homemade chili sauce with ketchup.
Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s also extremely easy to make with the help of a few basic ingredients such as ketchup and spices. The good news is that this simple condiment can be whipped up in under 30 minutes so you can enjoy its zesty warmth sooner rather than later.
The flavors are bright with the perfect balance, and the consistency is prefect. Who needs commercial chili sauce from the grocery store when you have this recipe?
Whether you want to serve it over tacos, hot dogs or use it as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, our recipe for homemade chili sauce with ketchup will bring an amazing pop of flavor and spice to any meal.
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You Might be Wondering – What is Chili Sauce?
It’s like a sweet and spicy ketchup. This sauce is a rich and flavorful condiment made with simple ingredients, but it packs a delicious punch of flavor and a touch of sweetness that will elevate any dish you choose to serve it with.
Is Chili Sauce Made from Ketchup?
While there are a few versions of chili sauce, most recipes call for ketchup as an ingredient, or they use the ingredients that are needed to make ketchup.
Often, ketchup is the base of this condiment. You can use your favorite brand of store-bought ketchup or make your own regular ketchup. It is easy and it just takes a few minutes, and it will taste like your favorite ketchup you are familiar with without the high fructose corn syrup. For us, it’s the best option as we like try and eat healthier all the time. It’s a never ending battle.
Homemade Chili Sauce Recipe Ingredients
No need for tons of ingredients, there are just seven ingredients used to make this chili sauce. I use tomato ketchup as the base of this recipe for ease. I could use tomato puree or tomato paste, but then I would have to add more spices to get the flavors I am looking for. Additionally, I would have to cook it in a small saucepan for a thicker sauce. So, I keep it simple and start with ketchup.
Next, I add the sugar, vinegar and aromatic spices, brown sugar, white vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and allspice. That’s it.
It is so easy to make, just add all the ingredients into a small bowl and mix with a spoon. NO need for a food processor or any cooking involved!
However, you can adjust the heat level based on your tastes. You could increase or decrease the chili powder, or if you want a lot of heat, here are a few options on alternative heat to add dried mustard powder, red pepper flakes, regular hot sauce, sriracha sauce, or cayenne pepper. When doing do, go lightly and add in small quantities and taste before adding more. As you add spicier aromatics, it becomes a hot chili sauce more so than a sweet chili sauce.
If you like a brighter taste to your sauce, add ½ teaspoon of lemon juice. It is amazing how this entire sauce takes on brighter tones. When I made my Homemade Shrimp Cocktail Sauce, it has just three ingredients and it’s our favorite way to enjoy our shrimp sauce. The entire family prefers this recipe. It’s one I made in the restaurant.
Guess what? This sauce started with a base of ketchup too. Hum, I see a common ingredient trend here.
How Long Does Sweet Chili Sauce Last?
This chili sauce lasts a 1 to 2 in the refrigerator. Just place in an airtight container and refrigerate. When you want to use, just remove some from the container rather than dipping in the container. It will last much longer.
Bonus Chili Sauce Recipe
Slow Cooker BBQ Meatballs. This recipe calls for the mixture of ketchup and grape jelly. However, you can certainly sub in the spicy flavors of this sauce for the ketchup. Just mix dump and go. These make a great snack, appetizer, or meal when served over rice.
Chili Paste versus Chili Sauce
Chili paste and chili sauce are both condiments made from chili peppers. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Chili paste is a bit more concentrated, so you may need to use a little less of it.
In general chili paste is normally a bit hotter and the chili sauce more on the savory side. However, the heat of both condiments can be adjusted when making this as a homemade recipe.
Chili paste is generally used as an ingredient in the cooking process. Whereas, the chili sauce is often used as a dip, spread, or condiment.
Homemade Chili Sauce with Ketchup
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Tomato Ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons White Vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ½ Teaspoon Chili Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ Teaspoon Ground Allspice
Instructions
- In a bowl, add the tomato ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and allspice, garlic powder. Whisk until smooth.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.
- In an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will last up to 1 to 2 months.
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You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.
SunnyGirl
Saturday 4th of November 2023
I just made this to add to mini meatloaves. I used a teaspoon of Momofuku Chili Crunch instead of the chili powder. I'm loving the taste of it. Hope I have more than I need for the meatloaves. Thinking my husband would like it instead of ketchup and Tobasco on french fries.
patternprincess1
Saturday 4th of November 2023
Hi, That is a great idea. The next time I make meatloaf, I am going to try this. Thanks for the suggestion. Vicky