In this article, we’re explaining mushroom ketchup. We’ll tell you all about the taste and texture, how it compares with tomato ketchup, and how to make it from scratch.
Let’s take a look…
What Does Mushroom Ketchup Taste Like?
Mushroom ketchup doesn’t look like Heinz tomato ketchup. Taste-wise, it’s in a bit of a different ballpark, too. Like Heinz, it’s tangy and savory, but it’s also a bit like tamari, salty with rich umami flavor.
You can taste the mushrooms in this condiment, but it’s usually subtle. If you’ve tried Worcestershire, this ketchup is going to bring that flavor to mind.
Mushroom Ketchup Texture
The textures of these condiments are a little all over the place. Some are liquidy and runny, and others are thick and silky like tomato ketchup.
Still other mushroom ketchups are gritty or chunky. Homemade versions may leave whole mushroom pieces that’ll give them a dense chewiness.
You’ll even see some that look like thick, dry pastes. All in all, you’ll have quite a range of texture choices.
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What Can I Use Instead of Mushroom Ketchup?
Because of its closeness to Worcestershire, a vegan version of this sauce can replace mushroom ketchup, but probably not in every case. You may not want to douse your French fries in liquidy vegan Worcestershire, but it’ll work perfectly well as in ingredient in a recipe.
Try adding vegan Worcestershire to tomato ketchup or plant-based mayo if you need a firmer consistency. If all else fails, tamari might work, but it’s missing the depth of mushroom ketchup, so it’s a last resort.
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Is Mushroom Ketchup Vegetarian?
Many mushroom ketchups are vegetarian and vegan. A good example is Geo Watkins Mushroom Ketchup, which is vegan-friendly—check out the ingredient list:
Ingredients: Water, Salt, Spirit Vinegar, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein [Water, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Salt], Mushroom Powder (3%) [Concentrated Mushroom Juice, Maltodextrin], Barley Malt Extract, Spices.
Because some mushroom ketchups may contain non-vegan ingredients, it’s important to read labels and double-check recipes. But usually, these condiments should be vegan.
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Mushroom Ketchup Recipe Tips
Leave the regular ketchup in the fridge. We think you’re going to have more fun making your own mushroom ketchup.
This recipe uses a Thermomix, but if you have a saucepan and a blender, you’ll be just fine.
Just get the following ingredients and follow the amounts/instructions over at the link above:
- Mushrooms
- Salt
- Onions
- Garlic
- Ginger root
- Bay leaves
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Black pepper
- Apple cider vinegar
- Brown sugar
This recipe will produce powerfully earthy qualities that’ll play up the mushroom flavor.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the above recipe:
- Mushrooms
- Porcini mushroom salt
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Champagne vinegar
- Black pepper
- Sugar
- Water
- Bay leaf
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Wrap Up
Tomato ketchup getting old? Try mushroom ketchup. It’s not terribly similar, but it’s just as tangy and delicious. The best mushroom ketchup will be the kind you make in your kitchen, where you can play around with the ingredients and adjust them to your liking. These sauces are hearty, so use them in all sorts of sandwiches with a side of oven fries.
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Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
