When you think of ketchup, you probably think of pouring it over fries, burgers, maybe even a steak – but ketchup is much more than a companion condiment. In fact, ketchup was initially used as a flavoring agent for soups, sauces, and more, long before becoming a prominent table fixture next to the salt and pepper shakers.
The world-famous topping originated in the United Kingdom, where mushrooms were used as the primary ingredient. Over the years, other variations of ketchup emerged until the tomato-based version that we all know and love was discovered in 1812. Since then, ketchup has become an American staple that has become synonymous with our favorite grab-and-go foods, however the condiment is so much more than a topping.
Traditional tomato ketchup is a sweet and tangy blend of tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and spices. This uncomplicated mixture makes the sauce a versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Its sweet, tangy flavor is the perfect counterbalance for salty meats, the primary reason it’s a staple on just about every hamburger and hot dog cart in America. But that’s just the beginning. Ketchup can be used as a sweet glaze or add a kick of flavor to scalloped potatoes, deviled eggs, or meatloaf.
Grab a bottle of Red Gold ketchup and explore all that the condiment has to offer with these ten exciting recipes.
1) Pan-Fried Sweet and Sour Chicken
Use ketchup to create this panfried variation of a tangy and sweet Chinese-American favorite.
2) Bacon Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes by Taste of Home
With a few squeezes from a ketchup bottle, create a classic American sandwich with irresistible bacon and shredded cheese. Be sure to grab a handful of napkins – you’re going to need them.
3) Barbeque Sauce
Bring your favorite grilled or slow-cooked meats to life with a sweet, ketchup-based barbeque sauce.
4) Pickled Vegetable Antipasto
Heads will turn when you bring this vibrant Italian appetizer to the table. Antipasto can be enjoyed as a standalone dish or as a topping for grilled chicken or a meaty white fish.
5) Truck Stop Breakfast
Put down the cereal and enjoy a hearty breakfast guaranteed to satisfy any appetite.
6) Tonkatsu-Style Chicken Katsu
The deep, rich savoriness and umami essence of this Tonkatsu sauce is the perfect compliment for the satisfying crunch of chicken thighs fried to perfection.
7) Frita Cubana Burger
Build a better burger with ground pork and beef piled high with crispy fries, onions, and a spicy ketchup sauce.
8) Brown Sugar Meatloaf with ketchup glaze
Even the best meatloaf can be elevated to new heights with a ketchup-based sweet glaze.
9) Savory Beer Pork Chops
The aromatics alone are reason enough to blend the sweet, salty, and acidic elements that come together in these sumptuous pork chops.
10) The Best Cocktail Sauce Ever
There’s no need to buy store-bought cocktail sauce when you’ve got all the ingredients needed in your kitchen right now.
