The Best Substitute to Dry Mustard: 11 Great Alternatives
Updated on March 20, 2023
When you’re out of dry mustard, you can stop cooking, run to the nearest store to buy some, or use a substitute. Read on to discover the best substitutes for dry mustard in cooking.
Before looking for an alternative to dry mustard, here are some interesting facts about this cooking ingredient:
- Dry mustard is a type of ground mustard seed that has been dried and powdered.
- It is also known as mustard powder or ground mustard.
- Dry mustard has a pungent, slightly bitter flavor that adds a punch of spice and heat to dishes.
- It is high in antioxidants and contains compounds linked to various health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved digestion.
- Dry mustard is often used to spice dishes like deviled eggs, potato salad, and barbecue sauce.
- Homemade condiments like mustard and mayonnaise usually may contain dry mustard.
- When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, dry mustard lasts up to two years.
This article discusses the best substitutes for dry mustard: ground mustard seeds, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, stone-ground mustard, horseradish root, wasabi powder, and a combination of turmeric powder and cayenne pepper powder. Keep reading to discover more information about each option. You can also consult the FAQs section below.
1. Ground mustard seeds
Mustard seeds are a fantastic substitute since dry mustard is obtained by grinding these seeds into powdered form. To turn the seeds into powder, use a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or coffee grinder. Before grinding the seeds, toast them in a heavy-set pan until they make a popping sound to bring out their flavor.
Using ground mustard seeds is a near-perfect alternative to dry mustard since you can use this ingredient in the same dishes. However, it is important to adjust the substitution ratio since the crushed seeds pack a bigger punch than dry mustard. Apply the 1:2 ratio when using ground mustard seeds instead of dry mustard. For example, if the recipe calls for a 1 tablespoon of dry mustard, use 1/2 tablespoon of ground mustard seeds.
2. Dijon mustard
Dijon mustard is an excellent substitute for dry mustard since the two are quite similar. It is prepared by grinding brown and black mustard seeds, then mixing them with vinegar and sometimes wine. Dijon mustard has a tangy flavor with hints of sweetness; it’s milder than dry mustard and with a smoother texture. The key difference between the two is that Dijon mustard is wet, so you can use it in recipes that don’t depend on the dryness of powdered mustard. For example, use Dijon mustard as a condiment for sandwiches or as an ingredient for salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. However, Dijon mustard is not ideal for making a dry rub or a spice blend.
Since Dijon mustard has a milder flavor than dry mustard, you can use it more liberally in recipes. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dry mustard, use 1 tablespoon of Dijon.
3. Yellow mustard
Yellow mustard is a decent substitute for dry mustard if you have run out of other options. The two have different flavor profiles; yellow mustard has a less pungent taste and contains more ingredients, such as vinegar, water, and other seasonings. Yellow mustard is often used as a topping for hot dogs or sandwiches.
When replacing dry mustard with yellow mustard, start with a pinch and add more to taste. Since yellow mustard contains additional ingredients, you might have to reduce them from your recipe, particularly spices.
4. Stone-ground mustard
Stone-ground mustard is another decent substitute for dry mustard since they have different tastes and textures. Stone-ground mustard is made by grinding whole mustard seeds along with other ingredients such as vinegar, water, and spices. This results in a thick and slightly chunky texture with a strong, pungent flavor. Stone-ground mustard is often used as a condiment for sandwiches, meats, and cheeses.
Similar to yellow mustard, the taste of stone-ground mustard is not as sharp as dry mustard since it is diluted with liquid ingredients. When replacing dry mustard with stone-ground mustard, start with a pinch, taste, and add more as needed.
5. Horseradish root
Horseradish root is a good substitute for dry mustard since they both have a sharp and spicy flavor. Both belong to the Brassicaceae family and can be used as a spice or condiment in cooking.
When using horseradish root in place of dry mustard, it can be fresh, dried, or powdered. To prepare fresh horseradish, you must cut or grate it. Since it stings like an onion, it is best to use a food processor.
Horseradish root has a more intense, hot, spicy taste and aroma profile than dry mustard, so use it in moderation. Start with half the quantity of dry mustard needed in the recipe and add based on taste. For example, if a recipe asks for 1 tablespoon of dry mustard, use 1/2 tablespoon of horseradish root, taste, and add more if needed. To reduce its intensity, mix horseradish with distilled vinegar before adding it to your dishes. Freshly grated horseradish root loses its flavor and scent when exposed to heat and air, so add it at the end of your cooking. It is great for sandwiches, mayonnaise, mustard, and sauces.
6. Wasabi powder
Wasabi powder is a good substitute for dry mustard since it has a similar potent flavor. However, it’s a bit spicier. Like mustard, wasabi belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It also has a potent flavor similar to that of mustard and horseradish.
When replacing dry mustard, it is possible to use wasabi in the dry and powder form, depending on what you can find at the shop. The powdered form has a longer shelf life (3-4 years). Since it is spicier than dry mustard, start with a pinch of wasabi powdered and add to the taste.
7. Turmeric powder + cayenne pepper powder
If you’re out of dry mustard, turmeric powder and cayenne pepper powder can be a great substitute. Turmeric powder adds a warm, earthy, slightly bitter flavor, while the cayenne pepper powder provides heat and spiciness.
To make the substitution, keep the same proportions and mix the turmeric powder with a pinch of cayenne pepper. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dry mustard, use 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder.
FAQs
Learn more information about substitutes for dry mustard in cooking.
Can I use regular mustard instead of dry mustard?
Yes. But it’s best to keep regular mustard as a last-resort since it has a significantly milder flavor, so your dish won’t have the same spicy kick.
What’s the difference between mustard and dry mustard?
Mustard and dry mustard are both derived from the same plant, but they have different uses in cooking. Mustard is typically made by grinding mustard seeds with vinegar or other liquids to create a paste or sauce that can be used as a condiment or ingredient in recipes. Dry mustard, on the other hand, is simply ground mustard seeds that have been dried and powdered. It has a more concentrated flavor than prepared mustard and can be used in rubs, marinades, dressings, and sauces. While both types of mustard add a tangy kick to dishes, dry mustard tends to pack more of a punch due to its higher concentration of mustard oil.
How do you make dry mustard?
To make dry mustard, start by choosing the type of mustard seed you want to use. Yellow and brown mustard seeds are the most commonly used varieties. Toast the seeds in a dry skillet for a few minutes until they become fragrant, then grind them in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until they form a fine powder. If you want your dry mustard to be less pungent, mix it with flour or cornstarch before storing it in an airtight container. You can also add other spices like turmeric, garlic powder, or paprika to customize the flavor of your dry mustard.
What are the ingredients of mustard?
Mustard typically includes mustard seeds, vinegar, water, and salt. Some variations may also include sweeteners or additional spices such as turmeric or paprika.
Is ground mustard the same as dry mustard?
Yes, ground mustard is the same as dry mustard. It also goes by mustard powder.
Can you substitute prepared mustard for dry mustard?
Yes, you can replace prepared mustard with dry mustard. The best-prepared mustard sub for dry mustard is Dijon mustard.
Conclusion
Dry mustard is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and flavor to any dish. However, if you find yourself without it in your pantry, several viable substitutes are available. The best ones are ground mustard seeds, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, stone-ground mustard, horseradish root, wasabi powder, and a combination of turmeric powder and cayenne pepper powder. Feel free to experiment with these options to find the best combo that suits your culinary preferences.