How To Substitute Ketchup For Tomato Sauce

Ketchup's ingredients are the perfect base for tomato sauce

To grasp how to use ketchup as a substitute for tomato sauce, we first need to examine its composition. Ketchup primarily consists of tomato concentrate or tomato paste, vinegar, a type of sugar, and a mix of salt and spices. The specific ratios and ingredients can vary by brand, with one of the most significant differences being the sugar content; generally, brands with lower sugar levels are preferable.

In most cases, ketchup can serve as a direct 1:1 substitute for tomato sauce, although it’s not advisable to simply squirt ketchup over a plate of spaghetti. With a few modifications, however, ketchup can effectively be transformed into a pasta sauce. The sweetness of ketchup can be balanced by incorporating herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, along with aromatics such as onion and garlic. Adding olive oil can enhance the sauce, while vegetable or chicken stock can help balance the flavors in soups, stews, or chili recipes. For dishes that require only a small amount of tomato sauce, such as a tablespoon, there’s usually no need for significant adjustments, as other savory or salty ingredients in the recipe can help offset the ketchup's flavor.