Homemade Australian Tomato Sauce

Australian tomato sauce is a quintessential condiment in Australian cuisine, often serving as the country’s version of ketchup but with a distinctive, spicier flavor profile.

It is a thick, tangy sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and a blend of spices like ginger, cloves, and allspice.

The sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, with a mild kick from spices such as cayenne pepper.

Unlike the sweeter ketchup commonly used in other parts of the world, Australian tomato sauce is less sugary and more savory, making it a versatile addition to a variety of dishes.

It’s commonly used on grilled meats, fish and chips, sausages, burgers, and even as a topping for eggs, embodying the rich, casual flavors of Australian dining.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Australian Tomato Sauce at home, including preparation time, ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and even some nutritional insights.

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

Kitchen Utensils

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping onion and garlic)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Grater (if using fresh ginger)
• Can opener (if using canned tomatoes)

Ingredients

• 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes (or use fresh tomatoes if you prefer)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup caster sugar
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 3 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients:

Start by chopping the onion finely and mincing the garlic. Grate the fresh ginger if you’re using it (or measure the ground ginger). Open the can of crushed tomatoes, or if using fresh tomatoes, peel and chop them into small pieces.

2. Combine Ingredients in a Pan:

In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, sugar, white wine vinegar, and water. Stir to combine the ingredients well.

3. Add Spices:

Add the grated ginger, ground allspice, salt, black peppercorns, cayenne pepper, and ground cloves to the saucepan. Stir everything together, making sure the spices are evenly distributed.

4. Simmer:

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook uncovered for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks and the flavors will meld together.

5. Blend for Smoothness (Optional):

If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan or transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender. Blend until smooth. You can also use a fine mesh strainer to remove any chunky bits.

6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, sugar, or vinegar to your preference. Once it’s ready, let it cool before transferring to a clean jar or bottle for storage. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

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!