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10 Marvelous Substitutes For Mustard Powder That You Should Try

For those people who love cooking a range of savory dishes, you’ll be all too aware of the unique power of mustard powder. 

Also known as either dry mustard or ground mustard, the mustard powder is a fantastic ingredient that can provide several dishes with a pungent, spicy taste that’s hard not to love. 

6 Of The Best Substitutes For Mustard Powder

Nevertheless, there’s no need to panic if you open your kitchen cupboard and find that you’ve run out of versatile ingredients as there are plenty of great alternatives you can use instead. 

This guide will take an in-depth look at six of the most effective substitutes for the mustard powder that you can use in your cooking. What’s more, we’ll also look to answer a few of the frequently asked questions related to substituting the popular ingredient.

10 Best Substitutes For Mustard Powder

SubstitutesCalories (Per 100 gm)
Wasabi Powder352.7
Turmeric Powder312
Horseradish Powder48
Arugula25
Mustard Seed508
Prepared Mustard60
Dijon Mustard66
Horseradish Sauce209
Yellow English Mustard200
Mayonnaise680

Wasabi Powder

The first substitute on our list is wasabi powder. This ingredient comes from the horseradish family and shares many of the same qualities as a mustard powder in terms of taste, consistency, and sharpness. 

Wasabi is incredibly popular in Japanese cuisine and has become a staple in many dishes around the world because of its unique, spicy flavor. It goes particularly well with raw fish dishes like sushi and sashimi. 

It’s worth keeping in mind that wasabi is notably hotter than mustard powder, so you should use it sparingly in any dishes you’re making. 

For example, if you’re substituting one tablespoon of mustard powder, you shouldn’t use any more than half a teaspoon of wasabi powder – unless of course, you want to blow your head off! 

How To Substitute

Wasabi is an incredibly popular spicy and hotter powder with a key ingredient of horseradish than mustard powder. Using it in a balanced amount may bring out a delicious taste. It works exceptionally well in sushi.

Turmeric Powder

The second alternative to mustard powder that we’ll take a closer look at is turmeric powder. This ingredient is popular in central and southeast Asia, and is well-known for its bright yellow color, as well as its distinct aroma and peppery flavor. 

What’s more, turmeric powder is considered a “super spice”, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and other related health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease and a higher antioxidant capacity in the body. 

When cooking with turmeric powder, just be mindful that it provides a subtle bitter flavor. While this is what some people love about the ingredient, it can become a little overpowering if you use too much of it. 

This unique flavor and color of turmeric make it the perfect ingredient for use in soups and as a dry marinade for cuts of meat and roasted vegetables. 

In terms of quantity, you can use the exact same amount of turmeric powder in a dish that you would use of mustard powder, making it nice and simple.

How To Substitute

Turmeric powder is the perfect and must-have ingredient of Asian cuisine. So it became an ideal choice for substitute mustard powder with a distinct bitter taste and aromatic fragrance. However, you should use it cautiously as it can mess up the flavor of your recipe if not used in a balanced amount.

Horseradish Powder 

Much like its relative, wasabi, horseradish powder is an extremely effective substitute. What’s more, it’s a lot milder and more aromatic than wasabi powder, so it can be used much in the same way as mustard powder.

So, whether you’re looking to make a glaze, marinade sauce, soup, or salad dressing, horseradish powder will provide many of the same qualities as mustard powder. 

Moreover, horseradish powder isn’t difficult to find. It’s readily available in the vast majority of grocery stores and comes in a number of different brands. 

When it comes to quantity, people use varying amounts of horseradish powder as a replacement for mustard powder. You could quite easily adopt a 1:1 ratio, but if you’re not the biggest fan of extra spice, perhaps using a little bit less of horseradish powder might be a better idea. 

Ultimately, if you’re looking for something a little hotter than mustard powder, but not quite as spicy as wasabi, horseradish powder is an excellent middle-ground option. 

How To Substitute

Horseradish is a condiment made from the ground, the roasted root of the horseradish plant, typically mixed with vinegar and salt. Horseradish has a strong, spicy, and bitter taste. It is a perfect choice to substitute mustard powder if you are looking for a hotter option.

Arugula

While this next option might seem like a bit of a strange suggestion, arugula can be used as an effective substitute for mustard powder in certain dishes if you’re really struggling. 

Also known as ‘rocket’, arugula is one of the most popular ingredients that people look to use in salads and sandwiches when following a healthy diet. 

What makes the leafy vegetable such a good alternative for mustard powder is the spicy flavor it provides. All you need to do is chop it down finely into a paste-like substance and then mix the paste into salads, dressings, and dips. 

Just be mindful that its use is a little more limited than all of the other substitutes on this list. For instance, we wouldn’t recommend using arugula for soups, glazes, or meat marinades, as the leaf can both burn and turn soggy very quickly. 

If you’re willing to give this mustard powder substitute a try, you should aim for one tablespoon of arugula for every one teaspoon of mustard powder. 

How To Substitute

Arugula is a green, leafy vegetable often used in salads and known for its slightly peppery taste. It is a healthy substitute for mustard powder but can get soggy quickly; however, they are perfect for salads, dressings, and dips.

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Mustard Seed 

Perhaps the most suitable replacement for mustard powder is the mustard seed in its truest form. To use this ingredient as a direct substitute, you’ll need to grind the seed down into a powder using either a spice grinder or a coffee grinder. 

Alternatively, if you have plenty of time on your hands, you can use a more traditional method of pounding the seeds with a pestle and mortar. Once you’ve got your mustard seed in powdered form, make sure you store it correctly in an airtight container or jar. 

In terms of availability, there are several reputable brands that sell mustard seeds, so you shouldn’t have any difficulty buying them in whatever quantity you need. What’s more, mustard seeds are actually cheaper than processed mustard, mainly due to the fact that they don’t contain any added ingredients. 

When judging how much of your ground mustard seed to add to a recipe, it’s important to be aware that different color seeds provide varying levels of strength. For example, yellow seeds are the mildest, brown seeds are mid-strength, and black seeds are the spiciest. 

Therefore, if you’re using either brown or black seeds, it’s a good idea to reduce the amount you’re planning to add to a recipe. 

How To Substitute

After grinding, mustard seeds are the best replacement for mustard powder. Since it is directly related to mustard powder, it is a perfect option. In addition, it is often used as a condiment or ingredient in salad dressings and marinades.

Prepared Mustard 

The final substitute on our list, and by certainly no means the least, is prepared mustard. While this paste-like ingredient takes a different form to mustard powder, it’s essentially the same thing, offering many of the same qualities. 

Therefore, it’s an excellent substitute and definitely won’t compromise any of the flavors that you’re hoping to achieve in your dish. 

Another benefit of a prepared mustard is the fact that you can make it easily from scratch. All you need to do is mix dry mustard, vinegar, and water together in a blender, and you’re good to go. You can also use a pestle and mortar if you prefer this method. 

In terms of the amount of prepared mustard you’ll need to use, the ideal ratio is one tablespoon of prepared mustard for every teaspoon of mustard powder. This is because the mustard powder is still in its original form compared to the prepared mustard. 

How To Substitute

Prepared mustard is the last but not least substitute in our list. With the mixture of mustard, vinegar, and water, you may prepare it in a blender. If you have time, opt for a pestle and mortar to prepare it to get the authentic flavor.

Dijon Mustard

The main difference between mustard powder and dijon mustard is that the former is made of mustard seed, salt, and other spices, while the latter is made from wine, vinegar, and herbs.

Dijon mustard is a type of mustard that is slightly more intense than standard yellow mustard. It is made from white wine vinegar, brown sugar, shallots, and mustard seeds.

The seeds are added to the liquid to help them brown and give the sauce a more complex flavor.

You may use this sauce on everything from sandwiches to grilled meats. To substitute dijon mustard for yellow mustard, you must mix a tablespoon of dijon with a tablespoon of water.

How To Substitute

To substitute mustard powder with dijon mustard, mix 1/4 cup of dijon mustard with 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme. You may use this mixture for dry mustard powder in recipes. The typical way to substitute dijon mustard for mustard powder is to use one tablespoon of dijon mustard for each.

Horseradish Sauce

Mustard powder is a popular ingredient in cooking and is often used to add a spicy kick to a dish. However, finding a substitute for mustard powder with the same flavor can be challenging if you’re trying to cut back on salt.

Many recipes call for mustard powder, a dry, fine powder made from ground mustard seeds, salt, and sometimes flour or cornstarch. However, when substituted for mustard in a recipe, the powder can make the sauce too gritty.

To remedy this, substitute Horseradish Sauce, a smooth, thick sauce with a sharp, tangy flavor and much less gritty. Substitutes for mustard powder are versatile and worth trying.

Horseradish Sauce, which has a similar taste and texture, is an excellent alternative to mustard powder and is easy to find in most grocery stores.

How To Substitute

To use horseradish sauce in your recipe, add ½ teaspoon of horseradish sauce to 1 teaspoon of mustard powder.

Yellow English Mustard

Yellow English Mustard is a popular condiment that combines ground yellow mustard seeds, ground yellow and brown mustard seeds, sugar, and vinegar.

Substituting yellow mustard powder with Yellow English Mustard will create a recipe that has a slightly different flavor and texture.

Yellow English Mustard is a must for any meal. Yellow English Mustard is great for chicken, ham, or eggs. Yellow English Mustard will do good in soups and salads. Yellow English Mustard is a must for any meal.

How To Substitute

You may use yellow English mustard to substitute mustard powder. Since yellow English mustard is a blend of flavors, you should start by adding a small amount to your recipe.

Mayonnaise

It’s easier than you think to substitute mayonnaise for mustard powder. All you need is a little creativity. For instance, if you have a recipe for mustard powder, use mayonnaise instead. 

You can use mustard powder to substitute for mayonnaise, but the flavors differ. To get the taste of mayonnaise, mix in some sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.

Out of many substitutes for mustard powder, mayonnaise is one of the creative options to try.

How To Substitute

If you want to replace the mustard powder with mayonnaise in a recipe, you can add one tablespoon of mayonnaise to every mustard powder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Mayonnaise Be Used As A Substitute For Mustard Powder? 

Surprisingly, most of the traditional mayonnaise recipes contain a considerable amount of dry mustard. Therefore, if you don’t have access to any of the alternatives listed above, you can use mayonnaise as a last resort. 

Does Mustard Powder Taste Like Mustard? 

While the mustard powder is formed from ground mustard seeds, it doesn’t have any distinct flavor or taste on its own.

Only when it’s combined with water does it release the essential oil, which is responsible for its sharp and spicy flavor. The best type of water for this is room-temperature water. Therefore, it is one of the substitutes for mustard powder.

Why Should I Use Mustard Powder In A Recipe? 

The most popular reason for adding the mustard powder to a recipe is to provide the dish with a greater depth of flavor. Compared to other types of mustard, such as ‘wet’ mustard, the mustard powder is 100% mustard without any additional ingredients.

This is reflected by the intensity of the flavor. 

Mustard powder is often used in recipes where the flavors are reduced during cooking. Therefore, anything dairy-heavy can benefit from having an extra kick of flavor and spice to cut through the creaminess.

Is Mustard Good For Weight Loss?

Eating mustard and mustard seeds can help to improve digestion, which in turn aids weight loss. However, eating mustard alone isn’t going to magically help you reach your weight loss goals.

You’ll need to add mustard to an already healthy and balanced diet in order to maximize its weight loss benefits. 

Does Mustard Oil Contain Fats? 

As is the case with the vast majority of foods, mustard does contain some fats. However, in this case, it’s important to note that not all fats are bad. 

Around 75% of the fats present in mustard oil are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, with both providing a host of impressive health benefits. 

10 Of The Best Substitutes For Mustard Powder

Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

15

minutes

Mustard powder is a spice that is used in a variety of dishes, but it can be hard to find in some parts of the world. Here are some of the best substitutes for mustard powder.

Ingredients

  • Wasabi Powder

  • Turmeric Powder

  • Horseradish Powder

  • Arugula

  • Mustard Seed

  • Prepared Mustard

  • Dijon Mustard

  • Horseradish Sauce

  • Yellow English Mustard

  • Mayonnaise

Directions

  • Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
  • Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

Jess Smith
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