Simple Curry Ketchup

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

Turn plain ketchup into a flavorful curry condiment in minutes with just three ingredients: ketchup, curry powder, and black pepper. Mix them up, adjust spice with cayenne if you like, and pair with fries, sausages, or anything else! Easy to store in the fridge for later meals.
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Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 14:34:31 GMT
Tomato sauce in a bowl with a spoon. Pin it
Tomato sauce in a bowl with a spoon. | tasteofmoms.com

This curry ketchup blends the cozy taste of everyday ketchup with punchy curry spices, making a sauce that's both familiar and thrilling. During my stay in Germany, I couldn't get enough of this flexible topping and took my time crafting a personal recipe that nails that genuine street food taste. The trick is getting just the right mix of curry powder and black pepper to make a sauce that makes everything better, from hot fries to plump bratwurst.

I brought this sauce with some homemade fries to our family dinner last week, and my brother-in-law who spent years living in Berlin said it reminded him exactly of his top Currywurst spot. What made it work was using top-notch, fresh curry powder and giving the flavors time to blend together.

Key Components

  • Ketchup: Go for a good quality brand with rich tomato taste. The organic stuff often tastes better.
  • Curry Powder: This must be fresh. Watch for vibrant yellow color and strong smell.
  • Black Pepper: Grind it right before using for the best taste and even spice mix.
  • Cayenne Pepper: You can skip this, but it gives a nice warmth that grows slowly.
  • Sea Salt: Add just a tiny bit to bring out all flavors, even though ketchup already has salt.
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A bowl of sauce with a spoon in it. | tasteofmoms.com

Step-by-Step Making Guide

Getting Started
Pick your top ketchup - it works better at room temp. Pour ketchup into a bowl. Stir it well to break any lumps. Make sure your curry powder smells fresh.
Adding Spices
Mix in curry powder bit by bit while you stir. Add small amounts of black pepper as you go. Take a taste between adds to get it just right. If you want heat, start with a tiny bit of cayenne.
Tweaking Taste
Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Give it a taste and fix the seasoning. More curry powder will make it stronger. More black or cayenne pepper will bump up the heat.
Final Touches
Mix until it's totally smooth. Add a drop of water if it's too thick. Put it in your serving dish or storage container. Wait 5 minutes before using so flavors can mix properly.
Putting Away
Move to a container that seals tight. Push out any air bubbles. Close it firmly and put in the fridge. Mark it with date and what's inside.

While I was in Germany, I noticed each food cart owner had their unique curry ketchup mix. Some packed more heat, others focused on aroma, but they all made it with care and attention.

Ways To Enjoy

Apart from the usual pairing with fries or Currywurst, try adding this sauce to your morning eggs, spread it on your sandwich, or mix it into your potato salad for a German-style twist.

Make It Your Own

I sometimes throw in a tiny bit of garlic powder or smoky paprika for more flavor depth. Don't be afraid to try different curry powder types until you find what works best for you.

Keeping It Fresh

Though this sauce stays good in the fridge, I like making smaller amounts more often to keep the spices tasting bright and lively.

This curry ketchup has turned into my go-to sauce that everyone asks for when I throw a barbecue. It shows that even the easiest recipes can become unforgettable when made with care and good stuff. Whether you're trying to bring back memories of German street food or just want to jazz up your condiment collection, this sauce packs tons of flavor with barely any work.

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A bowl of red sauce with black spices on a wooden table. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long will this last in the fridge?
If kept covered and chilled, it should last as long as your regular ketchup.
→ Want to make it spicy?
Just add cayenne powder to ramp up the heat.
→ What foods go best with curry ketchup?
Try it with fries, sausage, burgers, or even German-inspired bites.
→ Can I switch up the curry powder?
Sure, pick any blend you like for a slight twist.
→ Is this like currywurst sauce?
Yes, it’s similar to the sauce served with German currywurst.

Homemade Curry Ketchup

This fast and easy curry ketchup mixes basic ketchup with curry powder and spices. Ready in under five minutes for flavorful toppings.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: German

Yield: 8 Servings (0.5 cup)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 1 tablespoon curry powder
02 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
03 ½ cup ketchup

Instructions

Step 01

Throw the curry powder and pepper into a bowl with ketchup and stir them up.

Step 02

Mix everything until it's all smooth and looks like a proper sauce.

Step 03

Use it right away, or cover the bowl with plastic and keep it chilled in the fridge until you need it.

Notes

  1. For more heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper.

Tools You'll Need

  • Bowl for mixing
  • A spoon

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 71 g
  • Protein: 5 g