5-Minute Homemade Ketchup (No Cooking Needed!)

Skip the stove and whip up a delicious batch of homemade ketchup in just 5 minutes! This no-cook ketchup is naturally sweetened, made with real ingredients, and contains no refined sugar. Perfect for those looking for a healthier, quick alternative to store-bought versions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Most homemade ketchup recipes require simmering on the stove to thicken and dissolve sugar—but not this one! By using dates as a natural sweetener, we eliminate the need for heat. Dates break down easily in a high-speed blender and give this ketchup a rich, lightly sweet flavor.

Plus, blending means you can taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. Just remember that the flavors will mellow slightly as the ketchup chills, so it’s okay to slightly over-season when blending.

5-Minute Homemade Ketchup (No Cooking Needed!)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tomato paste

• 3/4 cup medjool pitted dates (about 8 or 9, depending on size)

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar  or 2 tbsp white vinegar

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon coarse sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup water

 Tip: Remove the pits before soaking and blending! If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 15–30 minutes first.

Direction:

1. Prep the dates: Remove the pits. If they’re especially firm, soak them in hot water for 15 to 30 minutes.

2. Drain the dates: Save the soaking water if you like—it's great in lemonade!

3. Blend everything: Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.

4. Blend until smooth: This should take about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides if needed.

5. Taste and adjust if necessary, then enjoy!

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store about 1 cup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

• Freeze the rest: Pour remaining ketchup into a glass jar or airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when needed.

• If it separate in the fridge thats normal just stir and enjoy. 
• If it thickens in the fridge feel free to add a tsp of water to thin it out.

This homemade ketchup is perfect for dipping, spreading, or mixing into your favorite dishes. Once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought again!