Mustard powder is a ground powdered form of dry mustard seeds. This spice adds a little heat to a dish while also adding the unique flavor of mustard to your dish.
If you need a substitute for mustard powder, what should you use?
Check out these excellent substitutes below.
1. Dijon mustard
You can use Dijon mustard in place of mustard powder. All you have to do is use the following formula.
1 teaspoon of mustard powder = 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (or 3 teaspoons).
Because Dijon mustard comes in a jar and is more of a condiment you will need to make sure that you mix it thoroughly into your dish.
If you need a dry substitute then you can look at some of the options below.
2. Turmeric powder
Turmeric powder is an excellent substitute for mustard powder albeit without heat.
This spice does offer the same bitter tones and a similar tanginess, in which case it does make a brilliant alternative for adding to the overall flavor of a dish.
With turmeric, you should be careful to not add too much. With ¼ teaspoon being plenty in most dry rubs or mixes.
If you want to add some spice then try the following:
¼ teaspoon of turmeric + ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
This blend won’t taste the same but the similarities are striking and it still tastes delicious.
3. Horseradish powder
Horseradish powder does not have the same base note flavors as you get with Turmeric powder, but it does add heat. The mid notes are more similar to mustard because the plants come from the same family/species group.
Horseradish powder can be more bitter than mustard so you should halve the ratios that are suggested in any recipe you are following or to the amount you would normally use.
You should only use horseradish as a replacement for mustard powder in dry rubs as it loses pungency and spiciness when it is heated. You should also make sure to use the powder and not the grated condiment variety which can be vinegary and affect textures.
Horseradish powder should be used as a sub for mustard powder when it is intended for a dry rub or some other use where you don’t need to heat or ‘cook’ it.
4. Ground mustard seeds
Mustard seeds are a suitable replacement for mustard powder – so long as you can grind them – as this is what mustard powder is!
You can use a pestle and mortar or other grinders that you don’t mind using such as a coffee grinder. Failing that you can use other objects so long as you’re prepared to use a bit of force, such as a kitchen spoon or underside of a pan.
You will get the same flavors and therefore taste with ground mustard seeds, but you should take into account that the ground spice is fresher and therefore more concentrated.
So you should use a little less than what your recipe would usually call for, but of course, season to taste.