Copycat Australian Tomato Sauce

Australian Tomato Sauce is a classic homemade condiment made from ripe tomatoes, spices, sugar, and vinegar.

This Australian Tomato Sauce has a rich, tangy flavor balanced by a touch of sweetness and gentle heat from spices like cloves and cayenne.

The result is a delicious sauce that enhances many dishes, especially traditional Australian favorites like meat pies and chips.

Making this Australian Tomato Sauce takes about two hours from start to finish, including simmering time.

Now, I will share the steps to prepare this tasty Australian Tomato Sauce from fresh ingredients to a smooth, flavorful finish.

What Is Australian Tomato Sauce?

Australian tomato sauce is a popular condiment in Australia, often similar to what many know as ketchup, but with a slightly spicier and more complex flavor.

It is typically made from tomatoes, sugar, vinegar, and a blend of spices like ginger, cloves, allspice, and pepper.

The sauce is thicker and less sweet than American ketchup, and it’s commonly used to accompany grilled meats, fries, burgers, and even breakfast dishes like eggs or sausages.

It has a tangy, slightly sweet, and savory profile, making it a versatile and beloved pantry staple in Australian kitchens.

How To Prepare Australian Tomato Sauce?

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Course: Condiment / Sauce
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: Australian
• Calories: Approximately 40 calories per 2 tbsp serving
• Yield: About 2 cups (16 servings)

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Large heavy-based saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Sieve or fine mesh strainer
• Blender or stick mixer (optional, for smoother texture)
• Sterilised glass bottles or jars for storage
• Cheesecloth or spice bag (if using whole cloves and peppercorns)

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 3 teaspoons black peppercorns
• ½ cup (approx. 110 g) caster sugar
• ⅔ cup (approx. 160 ml) white wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon whole cloves (or ¼ teaspoon ground cloves)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely grated (or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

To make sure your Australian Tomato Sauce comes out just right, I’ll guide you through every step clearly. I’ll include useful tips and suggest kitchen tools that can help, though not all are necessary.

Don’t worry if you’re missing some using what you have will still result in a tasty, homemade sauce that’s full of flavor. Let’s begin!

Instructions

1. Roughly chop the ripe tomatoes and place them in a large heavy-based saucepan. Add sliced garlic, grated ginger, caster sugar, vinegar, allspice, cayenne pepper, and salt.

2. Wrap the black peppercorns and whole cloves in a piece of cheesecloth or a spice bag (or use ground versions if you prefer) and add this bundle to the pot. This makes it easy to remove them later.

3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the tomatoes break down completely.

4. Remove the spice bundle if used. For a smooth sauce, pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or use a stick blender to puree it to your preferred consistency.

5. Pour the hot sauce into sterilised glass bottles or jars while still hot. Seal immediately. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. It will keep for several weeks and the flavour improves with time.

Why My Recipe Works

This recipe works because it uses fresh, ripe tomatoes as a flavorful base, combined with the perfect balance of sugar and vinegar to create a classic sweet-and-sour taste.

The slow simmering allows spices like cloves, peppercorns, ginger, and garlic to infuse deeply, adding warmth and complexity. Straining the sauce ensures a smooth, velvety texture that’s ideal for dipping or cooking.

The careful cooking process thickens the sauce naturally without additives, resulting in a rich, authentic Australian tomato sauce that complements a variety of dishes perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Grilled Meats

Australian tomato sauce is the perfect companion for grilled meats, especially sausages and steaks. The sweet and tangy flavor beautifully complements the richness of the meat, creating a harmonious balance.

2. As a Dipping Sauce

Use it as a dipping sauce for fries, nuggets, or even crispy onion rings. Its versatility makes it a great addition to your next snack party.

3. On Burgers and Sandwiches

A dollop of this sauce on a burger or sandwich adds a touch of brightness and a burst of flavor. I love it on a classic Aussie meat pie sandwich!

Tips And Variations

Tip 1: Make it Spicy

If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some finely chopped fresh chili or a dash of cayenne pepper to your sauce. It’ll add a kick without overpowering the other flavors.

Tip 2: Use Fresh Tomatoes

For the best results, use ripe, juicy tomatoes in season. They’ll provide a rich, natural sweetness that will make your sauce stand out.

Tip 3: Add Fresh Herbs

If you’re craving an herby twist, throw in a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme while the sauce simmers. Remove the herbs before blending for a subtle flavor boost.

Variation 1: Tomato Sauce with Apple

For an interesting variation, try adding finely grated apple to the sauce during the simmering process. This adds extra sweetness and complexity to the sauce.

Variation 2: Tangy BBQ Style

If you love BBQ flavors, try adding a tablespoon of smoked liquid hickory or molasses for a smoky, deep flavor reminiscent of traditional BBQ sauces.

How To Make BBQ Sauce Tastier?

1. Add a Touch of Sweetness with Honey or Molasses

While BBQ sauce is already sweet, adding a bit of honey or molasses deepens the flavor and gives it a richer, more complex sweetness. This adds a beautiful caramelized finish when grilling or slow-cooking.

2. Boost the Spice with Chipotle or Cayenne Pepper

For some heat and smokiness, stir in a teaspoon of chipotle powder or a dash of cayenne pepper. This will give your sauce a smoky, spicy kick that balances out the sweetness and makes it even more addictive.

3. Incorporate Fresh Herbs or Citrus Zest

Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano add a fragrant, earthy note to BBQ sauce. Alternatively, a little citrus zest (like lemon or orange) can brighten up the sauce and cut through the richness.

4. Add a Splash of Apple Cider Vinegar

A splash of apple cider vinegar helps to balance the sweetness and adds a tangy kick to the sauce. The acidity also helps to tenderize meat when used in marinades, enhancing both flavor and texture.

5. Mix in Some Fruit Puree

Adding pureed fruit, such as mango, pineapple, or peach, can infuse your BBQ sauce with a unique fruity twist. The natural sugars in the fruit amplify the sauce’s sweetness while giving it a fresh, tropical flavor.

What’s The Difference Between Australian Tomato Sauce And Regular Ketchup?

Australian tomato sauce tends to be spicier and more complex in flavor than regular ketchup. It often includes a blend of spices like ginger, allspice, cloves, and cayenne pepper, giving it a tangier and slightly spicier kick.

Additionally, it has a thicker consistency and is less sweet compared to traditional ketchup.

Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead Of Canned Tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned ones. Use about 4 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped.

However, the cooking time may vary slightly, as fresh tomatoes contain more water. You may need to simmer the sauce a bit longer to reach the desired thickness.

Is Australian Tomato Sauce The Same As BBQ Sauce?

While they both serve as condiments for grilled foods, Australian tomato sauce and BBQ sauce are distinct. BBQ sauce is usually smoky, sweet, and tangy with a strong molasses or vinegar base.

Australian tomato sauce, on the other hand, is primarily tomato-based with a tangy, mildly spiced flavor, and is often used more like ketchup in Australia for a variety of foods.

Storage Tips

This sauce can be made in bulk and stored in sterilized glass jars. It lasts up to two weeks in the fridge, but if you plan on storing it longer, consider canning the sauce for up to 6 months.

Make sure the jar is tightly sealed and properly sterilized before storing it to avoid any spoilage. You can also freeze small portions for later use.

Here Are Some Tomato Sauces You Might Enjoy

Alfredo Sauce Mixed With Tomato Sauce – Italian Meals

White Wine Sauce With Tomatoes – A Flavorful Twist

Tomato Sauce Without Sugar Added – Healthy

Tomato-Free BBQ Sauce – Grill Master

Stuffed Peppers Without Tomato Sauce || Italian-Inspired

Conclusion

Making Australian Tomato Sauce at home is incredibly simple, and the taste is well worth the effort. You want to slather it on a hotdog, dip your fries, or use it as a base for other dishes, this sauce will surely become a household favorite.

It’s made with natural ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, and it’s free of any preservatives or artificial flavors.

Next time you’re craving that perfect, tangy sauce, I highly recommend giving this homemade Australian Tomato Sauce recipe a try. I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite! Enjoy!