Banana ketchup is sweet, savory, and tangy.

The sweet, savory, and tangy condiment often includes red artificial food coloring so it resembles tomato ketchup.

I mashed the fruit and watched my mother stir the thick, bubbling banana ketchup over a slow fire.

Bowl of Banana Ketchup on a Plate With Lumpia

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

A cheesecloth pouch filled with spices bobbed in the potion of sweet-smelling,dark yellow bananas.

I got hooked and never wanted any other ketchup.

What Is Banana Ketchup?

Spoonful of Banana Ketchup Lifted from Jar

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In the 1940s, she created banana ketchup as a response to wartime food shortages.

For many Filipinos, banana ketchup is used as an ingredient for sweet spaghetti.

As a marinade, banana ketchup enhances the flavors of char-grilled pork barbecue skewers or barbecue chicken.

Lumpia Dipped in a Bowl of Banana Ketchup. Bowl Sitting on a Plate With More Lumpia

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

As a condiment, I mix it in with a homemade dressing for our family favorite, pineapple coleslaw.

After making the ketchup, store it in the fridge for at least 2 days before serving.

I used annatto oil and paprika to create a semblance to tomato catsup.

Two Mason Jars Filled With Banana Ketchup Next to a Lid and a White Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

This recipe is for the regular variety with the option to add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer for 3 minutes.

Turn off the heat.

Annatto Seeds, Peppercorns, Garlic, and Vegetable Oil in a Pot Over a Portable Burner, and on the Counter Next to It, a Yellow and White Striped Kitchen Towel for Banana Ketchup Recipe

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Remove the saucepan from the burner and let the sauce steep until room temperature, about 1 hour.

Strain the annatto oil and discard the seeds, peppercorns, and garlic bits.

Store the infused oil in a clean mason jar.

Annatto Oil Ingredients Steeped in a Pot Over a Portable Burner Heated Until Color Is Almost “Blood Orange”, and on the Counter Next to It, a Yellow and White Striped Kitchen Towel for Banana Ketchup Recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Tip

This recipe makes excess annatto oil.

Use it as a marinade for roasts; it adds a superb color and nutty, peppery flavor.

The oil keeps in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

Annatto Oil Strained Through a Colander Over a Bowl for Banana Ketchup Recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Peel the bananas and add them to an airtight container.

Remove the bananas from the freezer and thaw them completely before proceeding, 1 to 2 hours.

Once fully thawed, thoroughly mash them with a fork or potato masher until they form a thick pulp.

Jar of Annatto Oil on a White Kitchen Towel for Banana Ketchup Recipe

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Add 2 tablespoons of the annatto oil to a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add the garlic and onion and saute until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Add the tomato paste and fry for 2 minutes.

Peeled Bananas in a Glass Baking Dish Next to a Blush Pink Kitchen Towel for Filipino Banana Ketchup Recipe

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When the edges of the paste are sizzling, add the mashed bananas and the vinegar.

Combine well until evenly distributed and the mixture is a reddish hue.

Add the water, corn syrup, and soy sauce.

Mashed Banana in a Glass Baking Dish for Banana Ketchup Recipe

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Add the paprika and season with salt and pepper and stir.

For a spicy version, add the optional red pepper flakes along with the other spices.

Simmer on low heat until the vinegary scent and flavor starts to fade, 6 to 8 minutes.

Onions, Garlic, and Annatto Oil in a Dutch Oven on a Portable Burner Next to a Gray Kitchen Towel for Banana Ketchup Recipe

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The ketchup should be thick enough to coat a spoon, similar to store-bought ketchup.

Add the sugar and food coloring, if using, and mix well.

Its added at the last stage so that the mixture doesnt burn.

Ingredients Cooked for Two Minutes on a Portable Burner for Banana Ketchup Recipe

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Turn off the heat and let the banana ketchup cool off the heat.

Store in clean mason jars.

For the best flavor, refrigerate for 2 to 3 days before using.

Mashed Bananas Added to Dutch Oven on a Portable Burner, and Next to It, a Grey Kitchen Towel for Banana Ketchup

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Banana ketchup will last for up to 3 weeks in the fridge.

It can also be frozen for up to a month.

Defrost in the fridge before using.

Water, Corn Syrup, and Soy Sauce Added to Banana Ketchup in a Dutch Oven on a Portable Burner Next to a Grey Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

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Back of Spoon Covered in Banana Ketchup to Showcase Desired Texture, and Below It, More Banana Ketchup in a Dutch Oven

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Banana Ketchup in a Food Processor

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu

Banana Ketchup in Two Mason Jars, and in the Surroundings, a Measuring Cup with Some More Banana Ketchup, Mason Jar Lids, and a White Kitchen Towel

Simply Recipes / Frank Tiu