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The Best Copycat Whataburger Spicy Ketchup Recipe

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There’s something magical about that first dip of a crispy fry into Whataburger’s Spicy Ketchup.

The perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors dances on your taste buds, leaving you craving more.

For years, I’ve been obsessed with recreating this addictive condiment at home.

Now, I’m thrilled to share my secret recipe with you.

And you really should try it.

It’s not just ketchup. It’s a flavor explosion that’ll have you ditching the store-bought stuff for good.

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be using it as a dipping sauce for everything!

What You Need To Make Whataburger Spicy Ketchup

The secret to this ketchup’s irresistible flavor lies in its carefully chosen ingredients.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Tomato Paste

The rich, concentrated base of our ketchup.

Go for a high-quality brand like Muir Glen or Cento for the best flavor.

Jalapeño

Brings the signature heat and a touch of freshness.

Choose a firm, bright green pepper for the best flavor and spice level.

Honey

Adds natural sweetness to balance the heat.

Local raw honey can add depth and complexity to the flavor.

White Vinegar

Provides tanginess and helps preserve the ketchup.

Apple cider vinegar can be a great alternative for a slightly different flavor profile.

Spices

A blend of onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne, cinnamon, and cloves.

Freshly ground spices will give you the most vibrant flavor.

Sea Salt

Enhances all the flavors and brings them together.

Try flaky sea salt for a subtle texture variation.

Remember, the quality of each ingredient can significantly impact the final taste of your ketchup.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands or even homemade versions of these ingredients to find your perfect combination.

The key is to strike the right balance between sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors while maintaining that classic ketchup consistency.

How To Make Whataburger Spicy Ketchup

Step One: In a medium saucepan, combine 6 oz of tomato paste, 2/3 cup of water, 1/8 cup of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey.

Step Two: Finely mince 1 jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat if desired) and add it to the saucepan.

Step Three: Add 3/4 teaspoon of sea salt, 3/4 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Finish with a pinch each of ground cinnamon and ground cloves.

Step Four: Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

Step Five: Reduce heat to low and let the ketchup simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken slightly.

Step Six: Remove from heat and let cool. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tanginess.

Step Seven: Once cooled, transfer the ketchup to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Things To Consider When Making Whataburger Spicy Ketchup:

Spice Level is Personal

The heat level can be adjusted to your preference. Use the whole jalapeño (including seeds) for extra kick, or reduce the amount for a milder version.

Remember, the spiciness will intensify as the ketchup sits, so start conservatively – you can always add more heat later.

Consistency is Key

The ketchup should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick after cooking, thin it with a little water.

If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it reaches your desired consistency.

Balancing Act

The perfect Whataburger-style ketchup is all about balance. Adjust the honey, vinegar, and spices gradually until you achieve the ideal blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy.

Taste as you go, but remember that flavors will develop and intensify as the ketchup cools and sets.

Smooth Operator

For a smoother texture, blend the cooled ketchup in a food processor or with an immersion blender.

If you prefer a chunkier sauce, leave as is or roughly chop the jalapeño instead of mincing.

Storage Smarts

Store your homemade spicy ketchup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to two weeks.

The flavors often improve after a day or two, so consider making it ahead of time for the best taste.

Experiment and Enjoy

Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe.

Try roasting the jalapeño for a smoky flavor, or add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.

Use this spicy ketchup as a base for other sauces or dips – it’s great mixed with mayo for a spicy fry sauce!

Best Things To Eat Spicy Ketchup With

Once you’ve made your homemade Whataburger Spicy Ketchup, you’ll want to put it on everything!

Nonetheless, here are some of the best pairings to showcase this zesty condiment:

French Fries

Nothing beats the classic combination of crispy fries and spicy ketchup.

The heat and tanginess cut through the richness of fried potatoes perfectly.

Burgers

Elevate your homemade burgers with a generous dollop of this spicy ketchup.

It adds a kick that complements beef, turkey, or veggie patties alike.

Chicken Nuggets

Ditch the standard dipping sauces and use this spicy ketchup to give your nuggets a flavor boost.

Onion Rings

The sweetness of the onions pairs beautifully with the spicy-tangy kick of the ketchup.

Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Use it as a dipping sauce to add some zing to your melty, cheesy sandwich.

Corn Dogs

The perfect fair food gets an upgrade with this homemade condiment.

Yield: 1 1/4 cups

Whataburger Spicy Ketchup Recipe

Whataburger Spicy Ketchup Recipe

Recreate your favorite sauce with this perfect homemade version of Whataburger's famous Spicy Ketchup. Tangy, sweet, and with a kick of heat, this ketchup will transform your burgers, fries, and more. It's surprisingly easy to make and tastes even better than the original!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/8 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 jalapeño, finely minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground cloves

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine tomato paste, water, vinegar, and honey.
  2. Add minced jalapeño to the saucepan.
  3. Stir in salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
  4. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined.
  5. Place saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
  6. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Remove from heat and let cool.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Transfer cooled ketchup to an airtight container.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

20

Serving Size:

1 Tbsp

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 10Total Fat: 0gSodium: 75mgCarbohydrates: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g

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