Mustards have always been a fascination for many. How a tiny seed can produce such a huge tree has surely been a wonderful mystery for centuries. If you had no idea that mustard is a tree and not just one of your favorite condiments, then you are welcome.
Speaking of condiments, there is a style of prepared mustard called the Dijon Mustard, also known as Moutarde de Dijon, which originated from the town of Dijon in the Burgundy region of France. It has been considered as the best mustard for more than two hundred and fifty years as the town of Dijon is home to the most prominent wines – which is a major ingredient in creating the Dijon Mustard – and the region of Burgundy contains one of the richest culinary histories in the world. To be more specific, the traditional recipe for the Dijon Mustard is finely ground brown or black mustard seeds and white wine or verjuice (the juice made from unripe grapes) along with salt, water, and other spices.
Dijon Mustard is a bit spicy, has a pale yellow color, slightly creamy uniformity, and smoothly coarse texture. If you love spicing things up with your food (especially salads and sandwiches), you may find that adding some Dijon Mustard may give it the miraculous touch of flavor you didn’t even know you needed. It also works great when used with vinaigrettes, mayonnaise, and sauces.
The Best Dijon Mustard Substitutes
Mustard has been around for the longest time, and it is even dubbed as the oldest condiment known to man. Previously, we shared that the best one out there is the Dijon Mustard. This flavorful condiment is versatile, and there is a wide array of uses for it ranging from salad dressing to even marinating meat.
But let's be honest, Dijon Mustard is not always a staple in several households. It’s also highly likely that you have never heard of it before until now. So if there's something you want to do or a recipe you want to try that involves the use of Dijon Mustard but the moment you forage your kitchen for some, and there's none, you don't have to worry nor fret even when you also went to the grocery store, and there's none there as well.
There are substitutes that you can use to replace the Dijon Mustard and still get that desired outcome close enough. Below, you may find the list of the best Dijon Mustard substitutes.
Yellow Mustard
The most common condiment of the mustard bunch and usually called the American yellow mustard is the yellow mustard. As far as substitutes can be, this can be your best bet as it is available and accessible in both local grocery stores and online markets. There is also a chance that you already have it lying somewhere in your kitchen or fridge, so it is indeed the simplest and easiest substitute.
Yellow Mustard has a bright yellow color due to the grounded yellow mustard seeds and the addition of turmeric powder. It also has a tarter flavor compared to the Dijon Mustard so expect a gap in the taste department. It is a great option if you appreciate the health benefits it brings and is not that much into spicy food.
You may add some tang and zing to your recipes using this. Just make sure you add it in moderation and never put too much as it has a distinctive sour taste, but of course, this still depends on your preferences. For best results, always keep your bottle refrigerated after opening so you can preserve its freshness.
Spicy Brown Mustard
Another good substitute for the Dijon Mustard is the Spicy Brown Mustard as they have the same texture, albeit the Spicy Brown Mustard is spicier and zestier than the Dijon Mustard. So if you love spicy food, this will be the perfect replacement. The brown mustard seeds used for making the condiment is saturated in less vinegar and used in a higher concentration which then allows the spice to dominate the taste and the flavor to be more pronounced.
Spicy Brown Mustard is also identified as the deli mustard because its strong flavor complements well with meat such as sausage, roast beef, ham, and meaty sandwiches. It can also be mixed with other spices like cinnamon and nutmeg if you desire an earthy undertone flavor.
Honey Mustard
If you are a certified sweet tooth, this is the best (and sweeter) alternative for you if you don’t have a Dijon Mustard. As obvious as it could be, honey mustard is a great combination of honey and mustard generally in a one is to one ratio. This would then result to the sweet sauce that retains the mustard density while defusing the spicy side which makes it the perfect dipping sauce and salad dressing.
Honey Mustard is a big hit when it comes to recipes involving chicken and pork. Most restaurants even found the best combinations in their menu by pairing honey mustard with French fries, potato dishes, salads, and various vegetables that are either grilled or steamed. Children also prefer honey mustard because of its distinctive sweet taste, so this would be a better option if you are serving kids.
The best thing about the honey mustard is it is easy to find anywhere. You can even make it yourself by simply mixing honey and yellow mustard equally or by preference. Adding a few herbs such as thyme or rosemary into the concoction can also make the taste more interesting.
Whole Grain Mustard
Out of the bunch of prepared mustards, Whole Grain Mustard is basically the mustard sauce that has visible mustard seeds. The seeds were only grounded enough without fully breaking the seeds down so that it can form a paste with a thick and coarse quality. This one is a decent substitute to the Dijon Mustard as there is no base formula for creating it and the ones you can find in the market are made out of the Dijon recipe.
There's little difference with the original Dijon Mustard recipe and the Whole Grain Mustard recipe, to be honest. Besides the visible whole grain mustard seed in the sauce, Whole Grain Mustard usually uses black and/or brown mustard seeds instead of the yellow ones. So if you run out of Dijon Mustard and the only ones available around you is the Whole Grain Mustard, don't be afraid to try it out. It makes a great choice for ham sandwiches, dressings, and many others.
Hot English Mustard
English Mustard is made from white, black, and brown mustard seeds. As the name implies, this is made in the UK using their traditional English recipe. You may find this quite similar in bright yellow color like the classic yellow mustard since turmeric is also a main ingredient together with flour and vinegar. However, this variant of the prepared mustard is one of the hottest there is around so the mild taste of the yellow mustard cannot compare to it.
If you really enjoy the spiciness of the Dijon Mustard, this is a good replacement. If you are looking for hot mustard, you found what you are looking for. Add a strong kick to your meat roasts, sandwiches, and sauces with the Hot English Mustard.
German Mustard
Germany has a huge love for mustards like the Americans, so it is no wonder that they also made a kind of their own. German Mustard is a bit like the Dijon Mustard but with a little bit more heat. However, the mustards from Germany do not only come in spicy. In fact, their mustards can range from spicy to sweet flavor and from coarse to fine texture.
If your German Mustard came from the west part of the country – more specifically in Düsseldorf – then expect your mustard to heat things up as the main ingredients are brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and more spices. If your German Mustard came from the south part of the country – most specifically in Bavaria – then expect your mustard to be more on the sweeter side since they add honey, brown sugar, and apple sauce to the concoction. This alternative will be perfectly paired for grilled sausages (wurst) and freshly baked soft pretzels.
Beer Mustard
Instead of using wine or vinegar, Beer Mustard uses beer as its liquid base to create the prepared mustard variety. This will be a good alternative for Dijon Mustard if you need to make a dip sauce. Most people even prefer it to be used as a dip instead of spreading it on sandwiches and salads because this would be the best way to experience its distinctive flavor. When it comes to the flavor, you may find mustards made with beer fierier since beer has less acidity.
Wasabi
Going back to the spicy edge of the Dijon Mustard, Japan offers another alternative that caters to its spiciness – Wasabi. If you loved the spicy side of Dijon Mustard and you think you can still tolerate more heat, Wasabi is the most suitable replacement for you. But keep in mind that even a dab of Wasabi is enough to spice up your food so don’t add too much as it can be physically painful. It also does not have the same saucy composition unlike with the Dijon Mustard and is more on the creamy side.
Wasabi is popular as a sushi accompaniment, and a little bit of this paste goes a long way. Once again, make sure you don't eat a lot of this in one sitting, or you'll be setting fire to yourself. If you have tasted Wasabi before, you know exactly what we are talking about.
The good thing is that this is widely obtainable anywhere – whether in supermarkets and online. So if you need a spicy sauce, but you can't find a Dijon Mustard, you can always opt for some Wasabi.
Horseradish Sauce
Unbeknownst to many, the name of the Horseradish is a misnomer in some way as it is not really a radish of any kind but a root vegetable native to Russia and Hungary. In fact, the plant itself is included in the mustard family like kale and Brussel sprouts. This root vegetable is often used as a condiment; simply grate the root and puree it with some other ingredients and we get the Horseradish Sauce with a sweet and spicy flavor. It is a great substitute when you have no Dijon Mustard available.
Horseradish Sauce is hot and pungent so the taste can be a bit overwhelming if you happen to put a lot accidentally so make sure you portion it well. When it comes to pairings and partnerships, Horseradish Sauce is best complemented with beef dishes, but you can also partner it up with lamb, oyster, and fish.
Mayonnaise
We have focused on the spicy substitutes for Dijon Mustard so far so it is about time we introduce one that would cater to the ones who are not a fan of even the tiniest bit of spiciness. Mayonnaise is a dressing made from oil, egg yolks, seasonings, and lemon juice or vinegar. Both Mayonnaise and Dijon Mustard contain vinegar in their ingredients so you can still get that tangy taste. Real Mayonnaise – the ones made from the ingredients stated above – is also a great emulsifier.
The next time you are on the lookout for a good alternative without the hint of spicy or want to use a vegan substitute, you can always go for Mayonnaise. It is easy to find anywhere, and the ones you can buy in the commercial market can even last up to six months as long as it is stored properly.
Worcestershire Sauce
Like the Dijon Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce is another condiment that traces its roots to a particular place. It is a sauce that was first made by a company in Worcestershire, England which basically explains the name of the sauce. Worcestershire Sauce contains a whole lot of ingredients including but not limited to vinegar, fermented onion, fermented garlic, molasses, tamarind paste, salt, cured anchovies, and some kind of a seasoning mixture made from different spices. Now you know that there is a lot – and we really mean a lot – inside a Worcestershire Sauce which also means there is a whole lot of flavor going on.
This sauce also makes a wonderful alternative if you don’t have a Dijon Mustard because there is a high chance that you have this somewhere in your kitchen and you don’t even have any idea why. The good thing about Worcestershire Sauce is that you don’t have to worry if it has been forgotten around your home for years because you can still use it but expect some flavor changes through time. In fact, this sauce can last so long you can even say “the limit does not exist” just like Cady Heron of Mean Girls.
Originally, Worcestershire Sauce is sugary with a tinge of tang due to the vinegar ingredient. It is a thick and flavorful sauce mainly because of all the components making it. You can consider this as an umami ingredient, and it is perfect to be used in marinades and vinaigrettes.
Egg Yolk Powder
As unbelievable as you may find it, Egg Yolk Powder exists, and they can be used as an option if you have no Dijon Mustard available for your recipe – especially if you need it as an emulsifier and in making vinaigrettes and dressings. Most of us are familiar with egg white powder mainly used in protein shakes, but this might be the first time you hear about Egg Yolk Powder. This substitute is made out of spray dried pasteurized egg yolks and is rich in lecithin.
If you are doubtful about using egg yolk powder instead of the egg yolk itself from fresh eggs, you can be rest assured that the products out in the market are pasteurized for the safety of use and follow the highest quality assurance by the Strict Orthodox Union Certification Standard. It even has a longer shelf life than fresh eggs and can be easily reconstructed with water. Just make sure that you always check what you are purchasing.
Lecithin Powder
Last but not the least in our list of Dijon Mustard substitutes is the Lecithin Powder. This compound is usually found in eggs, beans, and seeds. Although a little eccentric than the ones listed before, Lecithin Powder is a unique ingredient you may want to try using as a replacement for thickening and emulsifying a recipe. It is a good supplement that is becoming increasingly popular in the market. Lecithin powder can even be used in making candy and dressings, so it is a multipurpose ingredient.
The ones that are available in the market are made from soybeans, canola or sunflower seeds, and eggs. Lecithin powder is not only a culinary ingredient but also offer a wide number of health benefits which is why it is becoming common as a supplement. If you also want to try it as a supplement, make sure that you have consulted your doctor first.
Conclusion
Condiments offer a whole new world of flavor when mixed together with food. We can say that condiments and food are better when they are together. Mustard is just one of many and the best one considered for centuries is the Dijon Mustard. But as we have shared in this article, you may not always find this variety in your area so you can always choose one of the substitutes we have listed. Your recipes also vary in requirement so one substitute may be more suitable than the other.
If you want to have mustard as your replacement still, you can opt for the prepared mustards in the list like the classic yellow mustard and honey mustard instead of wasabi and egg yolk powder. There may also be times that you may need to compromise and experiment when one substitute is not available than the other. This is totally fine so don’t be afraid for who knows, you might even concoct something awesome with the flavors you tried.
Very well written information. It will be valuable to anyone who utilizes it, including me. Keep doing what you are doing – can’r wait to read more posts.