There’s something incredibly satisfying about a rich, tangy catsup that elevates any dish it touches—from crispy fries and veggie burgers to hearty sandwiches and homemade snacks. But store-bought catsup often contains unnecessary additives, refined sugars, and sometimes even non-vegan ingredients.
That’s why making your own vegan catsup at home is such a game-changer. It’s fresh, wholesome, and bursting with flavor, letting you control every ingredient and tailor it precisely to your taste buds.
Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up with simple pantry staples!
In this post, I’ll guide you through a detailed recipe to create a luscious vegan catsup that’s both healthier and tastier than anything you’ll find on the shelf. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based options to your kitchen, this recipe is bound to become a staple.
Ready to ditch the store-bought stuff and make your own? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan catsup recipe is a fantastic blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, made entirely from plant-based ingredients. Unlike conventional ketchup, it uses natural sweeteners and avoids refined sugars, making it a healthier choice for you and your family.
The spices and seasonings strike the perfect balance, giving you that familiar classic catsup taste with a homemade twist.
It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect as a dip, marinade, or condiment. Plus, the recipe is straightforward enough for beginners but customizable for those who love experimenting with flavors.
And if you love exploring vegan cooking, be sure to check out some of my other favorites like Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals and Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade for more inspiration.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomato paste | 1 can (6 oz) |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Maple syrup (or agave nectar) | 3 tbsp |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground mustard | 1/4 tsp |
| Sea salt | 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste) |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glass jar or airtight container for storage
- Optional: blender or immersion blender (for smoother texture)
Instructions
- Combine the base ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Stir well to combine these key flavors.
- Add water and spices: Pour in the water gradually while whisking to create a smooth consistency. Add onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
- Simmer the mixture: Place the saucepan over low to medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning and texture: Taste your catsup and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more maple syrup or vinegar, if desired. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture using an immersion blender or a regular blender once it cools slightly.
- Cool and store: Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer your vegan catsup into a clean glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the flavors deepen.
Tips & Variations
“For a smoky twist, experiment with liquid smoke or chipotle powder, but use sparingly as these can quickly overpower.”
Feel free to tweak the sweetness level by using date syrup or coconut sugar instead of maple syrup. For a chunkier catsup, add finely minced onions or roasted red peppers.
You can also spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a little heat.
If you want a sugar-free version, try using a small amount of mashed cooked sweet potato or carrot to balance the acidity and add natural sweetness. This catsup stores well for up to two weeks in the fridge, so make a big batch and enjoy it with multiple meals!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 2 tbsp Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 30 |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg (adjust salt to preference) |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan catsup is incredibly versatile. Use it as a dipping sauce for crispy baked tofu, fries, or veggie nuggets.
It’s also excellent drizzled over grain bowls, roasted vegetables, or as a tangy spread for sandwiches and wraps.
If you want to explore more plant-based ideas that complement this catsup, check out the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or try pairing it with homemade Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves for a perfect sandwich combo.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan catsup at home is easier than you might think, and the results are both delicious and nourishing. This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to capture the classic tangy-sweet flavor we all love in ketchup, without any of the unnecessary additives found in many store-bought versions.
It’s a perfect condiment to keep in your fridge, ready to brighten up your meals with a splash of flavor.
By preparing this catsup yourself, you gain full control over the ingredients, ensuring it fits your dietary needs and taste preferences. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to reduce packaging waste and embrace sustainable cooking.
Don’t forget to explore other exciting vegan recipes on the blog like Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor to keep your meals vibrant and satisfying.
Happy cooking and enjoy your homemade vegan catsup!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Catsup Recipe
Description: A tangy and sweet homemade vegan catsup perfect for dipping or cooking. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients and no preservatives.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
- Whisk well until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Transfer to a jar and refrigerate before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 60 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Carbs: 15g
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