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Whataburger Spicy Ketchup Recipe

Whataburger Spicy Ketchup Recipe

Every time I think about fast food, a few names pop up: McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and, of course, Whataburger.
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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: sauce
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 Servings
Calories: 20kcal

Equipment

  • Medium sized bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 fresh jalapeño finely chopped
  • 6 oz concentrated tomato puree
  • 2/3 cup filtered water
  • 1/8 cup plus 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon raw honey
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon dehydrated onion flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • First, round up all your ingredients. You’ll want everything within reach to keep the process smooth and enjoyable. Fresh ingredients matter, so choose a jalapeño that has some freshness and firmness.

Step 2: Combine Tomato Puree and Water

  • In a medium-sized bowl, mix the concentrated tomato puree with the filtered water. This will form the ketchup’s base. Stir until well-combined and smooth.

Step 3: Add the Spices

  • Now, add in the smoked paprika, sea salt, dehydrated onion flakes, garlic powder, freshly cracked black pepper, cayenne pepper, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Feel free to take a moment to appreciate the fabulous aroma. This is where the magic begins.

Step 4: Introduce the Fresh Jalapeño

  • Next, add in the finely chopped jalapeño. Mix it well into your tomato base. Listen to that mixture sing! As you stir, please note how the lively color and texture change right before your eyes.

Step 5: Sweeten It Up

  • Pour in the raw honey and add the white vinegar to your concoction. This is where the balance happens. The sweet and tangy notes meld together beautifully, so stir it all together for consistency.

Step 6: The Finishing Touch

  • Finally, splash in the fresh lime juice. Give it a taste. Is it all in harmony? Adjust seasoning if necessary. If it needs a deeper flavor, don’t hesitate to add a bit more honey or a dash of vinegar.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

  • Once your ketchup has reached its flavor perfection, transfer it to a clean jar or container. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using. Chilling enhances the flavors, giving it time to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Fresh Ingredients: Always prioritize fresh over dried. Fresh jalapeños and tomatoes will give you a far better taste.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences. Not everyone likes the same heat level.
  • Storage Is Key: Store in an airtight container. This helps preserve freshness for longer.
  • Blend for Smoothness: If you desire a smoother consistency, consider blending it with an immersion blender.
  • Experiment: Once you master the base, mix in other ingredients like extra spices or peppers for more variations.
Keyword: Whataburger Spicy Ketchup Recipe