Easy Homemade German Currywurst Sauce

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure.

Currywurst sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s the key to one of Germany’s most iconic street foods. Whether you’re craving a taste of your time in Germany or simply looking for a quick and satisfying comfort meal, this recipe delivers. There’s a reason why Germans consume over 800 million Currywursts every year, and if you haven’t tried it yet, I know you’ll understand why after making it with my recipe.

small plate with sausage pieces with curry ketchup, French fries, and mayonnaise

Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe

It is quick, easy, and inexpensive to make with everyday ingredients
It is nostalgic and bursting with flavor
You will love its bold, tangy-sweet flavor that will transform your German sausages

Curry Sauce Ingredients

These are the everyday ingredients you will need:

Oil: I like to use a neutral cooking oil such as avocado oil or vegetable oil
Onion: A small onion adds a subtle depth and savory base to the currywurst ketchup
Garlic: Just a little goes a long way to round out the flavor
Tomato paste: This is the heart of the recipe and gives the sauce its rich, concentrated tomato flavor
Applesauce: My secret ingredient as it brings just the right touch of fruitiness, sweetness, and a hint of tang
Apple cider vinegar: To give it some acidity and to balance the sweetness
Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash adds that extra layer of umami and complexity
Yellow curry powder: This is the key spice that transforms the sauce into the perfect currywurst sauce
Sugar: While many store-bought versions are overly sweet, a small amount balances the acidity and brings it all together
Salt: Because no good recipe is complete without it!

ingredients for currywurst sauce on kitchen counter

Recipe Variations

Tomato paste: You can also use tomato sauce for a slightly less pasty flavor
Applesauce: You can either omit it and add a bit more sugar or use orange juice instead of water
Worcestershire sauce: Feel free to substitute with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar
Sugar: Instead of white sugar you could use brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup
Spice: I personally like to make my own currywurst sauce a bit spicy by adding some cayenne pepper, tabasco, or chili powder
Simplicity: While lacking some depth, you can always use regular ketchup and simply add some mild curry powder for the quickest version

How To Make

onion pieces sauteing in sauce pan with wooden spoon

pot with sauteed onions, water, and tomato paste

In a small saucepan and over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the diced onion and garlic. Sautee until translucent and fragrant.

Add the tomato paste and, while stirring, saute for a few minutes.

pot with tomato sauce and spices with wooden spoon

immersion blender blending tomato sauce in saucepan

Add the remaining ingredients and, while stirring, cook on low heat for a few minutes.

Either keep it chunky or use an immersion blender to blend it into a smooth consistency.

jar with homemade currywurst sauce in front of curry powder and can of tomato paste

Recipe Tips

I recommend you taste your homemade curry ketchup as you add the ingredients and adjust them to your personal preference
You can either keep it chunky for that homemade feel or blend it if you like it smooth
This sauce will keep in the refrigerator for about one week.

What To Serve With Homemade Currywurst Sauce

For an authentic German currywurst experience, I recommend you use a good German bratwurst (I am partial to Schaller & Weber’s Bratwurst). Sautee it, cook it in some fat, or roast it. Then you cut into into bite-size pieces that you top with a good helping of your homemade currywurst sauce. On the side, you can either serve with classic German bread rolls or some French fries with mayonnaise (in true German style).

jar with currysauce in front of German sausages and jar of curry powder

Currywurst Sauce FAQs

What does currywurst sauce taste like?

It’s a rich, tangy, slightly sweet tomato-based sauce with curry spices. Think of it essentially as a flavorful blend of ketchup and curry powder

Is currywurst sauce spicy?

Traditionally, it’s mild but you can easily spice it up with chili powder, cayenne, or some hot sauce, all depending on your personal preference.

Can I make currywurst sauce ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up 7 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use ketchup instead of tomato paste?

You could, but it will be sweeter, less concentrated, and less flavorful. If using ketchup, reduce or omit the sugar and adjust the other ingredients to balance the flavor.

Can I use this sauce for other dishes?

Yes! It’s delicious on French fries, burgers, grilled chicken, or even as a dipping sauce.

Currywurst Sauce

Prep Time5 minutes

Cook Time10 minutes

Total Time15 minutes

Course: Condiments

Cuisine: German

Servings: 5 servings

Calories: 94kcal

Author: Anja | Our Gabled Home

1 TBSP oil
1 small onion, diced
1 clove garlic, chopped
6 oz tomato paste (one can)
6 oz water
½ c apple sauce
2 TBSP apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 TBSP curry powder
2 TBSP sugar
¼ tsp salt

Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

Over medium heat in a small sauce pan heat the oil.
Add the chopped onion and garlic and sautee until translucent and fragrant.
Add the tomato paste, and while stirring, cook for 1 minute.
Add the remaining ingredients and, while stirring, cook for a few minutes.
Either keep the sauce chunky for that homemade feel or blend it into a smooth consistency with an immersion blender.

This sauce will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Adjust the spices to your personal preference.
You can make this curry sauce spicy by adding some cayenne powder, chili flakes, or tabasco sauce.

Source link