Born out of innovation and resourcefulness, banana ketchup is the delightfully tangy and sweet, little-cousin to the more widely known tomato ketchup. We’re here to give you our thoughts on this popular Filipino condiment, as well as provide our own banana ketchup recipe so that you can make it at home.
Though popularized in the Philippines, it made its way into the US by way of Fast-food chain JolliBee, featured in their Filipino spaghetti dish. Banana ketchup may seem like a new trend, but it’s actually been around since the 1800s.
You can find bottles on the shelves in any Filipino supermarket, and there are many different brands to choose from. The store-bought version may not be the easiest to find in some places, so we wrote a recipe for a homemade version of this condiment as well.
What is Banana Ketchup?
When America colonized the Philippines, locals were introduced to a plethora of new canned foods including the beloved tomato ketchup. They quickly fell in love and found it paired perfectly with other new foods they frequently cooked with like hot dogs, fried chicken, garlic fired rice, Spam and French fries.
During World War II the Philippines experienced food shortages and needed to find an alternative for the condiment they had grown quite fond of. Filipina food technologist and pharmaceutical chemist, Maria Orosa, invented the first-ever ketchup made from bananas, which grew abundantly in the Philippines. With the addition of vinegar, sugar and spices, Maria was able to create a sauce similar to tomato ketchup and it has remained a staple in Filipino cuisine ever since.
How Does Banana Ketchup Taste?
So how does it taste? Unsurprisingly, it tastes very similar to tomato ketchup but a lot sweeter. The texture and flavor are both reminiscent of sweet and sour sauce.
I tried both Jufran Brand Banana Sauce in original flavor and Hot and Spicy on hot dogs, French fries, and Filipino spaghetti. The sweetness and tanginess counteract salty and crunchy foods really nicely. The spicy version, although it looks indistinguishable from the original flavor, definitely packs some heat so proceed with caution.
Where Do You Buy Banana Ketchup?
As mentioned before, if there is a Filipino market near you, you should have no problem finding banana ketchup. It’s also easily available at larger grocery stores, chains like Walmart and can be ordered online from Amazon. I found it at a local grocery store, but you’re most reliable source will be online. If you’d like to try making it at home, we’ve got a recipe for you!
How to Make Banana Ketchup
Tools
- Large saucepan
- Blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1-1/2 cups mashed ripe banana (about 3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
Step 1: Saute
In a medium skillet, saute onion, jalapeno and ginger in oil until tender, 8-10 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer.
Add bananas, brown sugar, tomato paste, vinegar, water, soy sauce and spices. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until well combined and slightly thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
Step 2: Blend
Transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Cool completely before serving.
How Do You Store Banana Ketchup?
Homemade banana ketchup should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If kept in the fridge it should stay fresh for up to two weeks. The store-bought version is shelf-stable, but once it’s been opened it should be kept in the fridge.
What Do You Serve with Banana Ketchup?
As I mentioned above, banana ketchup is often used to make Filipino spaghetti, and as a condiment on hot dogs and French fries. But it’s also eaten on garlic fried rice, scrambled eggs, fried Spam, lumpia (Filipino style egg rolls), tortang talong (Filipino eggplant omelet), Bola-Bola (Filipino style meatballs), Filipino style fried chicken, and hamburgers. No matter how it’s eaten, banana ketchup is a delicious and nostalgic staple that is sure to be found at any Filipino family gathering.
The post I Tried Banana Ketchup. Here’s What You Need to Know. appeared first on Taste of Home.
Sarah Tramonte