6 Best Substitutes for Ground Mustard

In this article, we will help you figure out a substitutes for ground mustard in your recipes. Whether you are allergic to mustard or have simply run out of it, use one of these substitutes for that tangy flavor in your cooking.

You know that special taste that ground mustard has? That tangy, savory, almost cheese-like flavor? Ketchup doesn’t compare.

This light and slightly sweet condiment is a staple in many kitchens. It’s delicious in countless recipes and makes a fancy entree shine with personality.

However, if you’re not a fan of ground mustard for health reasons or want to try something new at dinner time, we have compiled a list of our favorite homemade substitutes for ground mustard!

What Is Ground Mustard?

Ground mustard comes from drying and grounding mustard seeds. To use for various recipes, people sell the powdered form in jars. You can use it to spice up pasta, sauces, and other dishes. And it’s usually a secret ingredient in homemade mac and cheese!

Hot chicken wings or thick sandwiches use ground mustard as a condiment or garnish. However, many people use this type of mustard only when eating out at restaurants.

While being a solid-tasting ingredient, it is worth noticing that ground mustard does not consist of any chemicals or extra preservatives.

This post will provide you with 6 of the best substitutes for ground mustard. You can use these replacements in recipes that require a robust and distinctive taste that comes from the use of ground mustard.

Whether you are looking for a substitute or want to explore different flavors, here are six ideas for you.

Substitutes for Ground Mustard

Asian and Middle Eastern recipes commonly use turmeric. People frequently add it to rice and curry dishes. However, one can also sprinkle it on top of vegetable soups or fried fish.

Turmeric adds a peppery or earthy taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste that people might find somewhat off-putting or love it.

This is a good replacement for mustard as it color and earthly flavor are similar to mustard. Just remember a little goes a long way.

“Most wasabi* powder and pastes that you find in your local store is made from mustard as the major ingredient. While almost interchangeable when they are used as a condiment, they are not the same.” (source)

Wasabi is also known as Japanese Horseradish.You can use hot water for preparation, and most people use the water to add some heat to dishes. However, wasabi powder is also an excellent substitute for ground mustard. Usually, people add it to soups and sauces as well as on top of sushi.

However, one cannot consume Amaranth seeds on their own; instead, they are ground up, dried, and then used as a substitute for ground mustard. For example, amaranth seed powder can be used in ground mustard whenever eggplant is being roasted.

The flavor ranges from mild and earthy to nutty, and you can substitute one-to-one with ground mustard.

Prepared mustard (yellow, whole grain, dijon, etc…) will be the closest substituted for ground mustard, since it uses ground mustard in the ingredients.

The tricky thing is if the recipe you are preparing needs to be dry, for example a dry rub. One way to help you overcome this problem is by rubbing the mustard on the cut of meat and using it as a glue to adhere the dry rub.

GOOD RULE OF THUMB – 1 tablespoon prepared mustard for 1 teaspoon dry mustard

However, you may not find the sharp taste you’re looking for since ground mustard has an earthy-ground taste. On the contrary, you’ll find honey mustard to have a sweet-savory tinge to it.

While some people love this, others think the sweetness doesn’t belong where ground mustard does.

Nevertheless, you can absolutely add honey mustard on top of potatoes, chicken wings, steaks, etc. And it can be used in many recipes. Just be careful how much you use since it will add sweetness.

“Mustard seeds contain a compound called sinigrin which is a glucosinolate (a natural component of certain pungent plants such as mustard, horseradish, and cabbage).” 

Since both horseradish and mustard come from the same family, they have some similarities in taste. But keep in mind that horseradish is much more pungent and hot then mustard.

Ground horseradish is the best substitute for mustard but fresh/jarred will work as well.

Final Thoughts on Subs for Ground Mustard

Now that you’ve learned about some of the top mustard substitutes try some out for yourself! Different types of mustards have distinctive flavors that are uniquely their own. What’s more, you can incorporate each one of these ingredients into various recipes to give your dish a little something extra.

If you want to learn more on different herbs and spices to cook with then check out our page on using them in the kitchen.