6 Best Substitutes for Mustard Powder

Powdered mustard is a combination of brown and white seeds mixed with turmeric or saffron for added flavor and color. It has no aroma when dry, but when mixed with water, it develops a strong flavor within minutes.

Made from finely ground seeds of the mustard plant, mustard powder is a common ingredient in many types of cooking. I

t is also known as dried mustard or ground mustard. It has a zesty, pungent taste that is brought out by mixing it with a liquid, which releases the flavorful oil.

Some meat dishes, vinaigrettes, and dips aren’t complete without mustard powder.

The mustard powder adds that pungent, unique taste that we all seem to love. Its absence is truly noticeable, and sauces just aren’t the same without it.

6 Best Substitutes for Mustard Powder

Here are some Substitutes for Mustard Powder

If ground mustard isn’t something you keep in your pantry or if you’ve run out of it, don’t worry.

Many good replacements could be used instead. They may not have the exact same flavor, but they make up for it in spice and fragrance.

Turmeric Powder

Turmeric powder is a very common ingredient in Central and Southeast Asia. It is famous for its vibrant yellow color and its aroma and bitter-peppery flavor.

Not only that, this powder is a super-spice due to its numerous health benefits.

This is an excellent substitute for mustard powder because it matches in flavor and color as well.

It has a subtle hint of bitterness, so be careful to not add too much to your dish. But if you like the taste of it, go ahead and splurge.

It’s also perfect to use in soups and as a dry rub marinade for meats and vegetables. The substitution is also simple, just use 1:1 to start with. If you need more, you can always add it later on

Wasabi Powder

Wasabi powder is the powdered form of the wasabi paste, which we often see in sushi restaurants.

It’s a perfect pairing with raw fish dishes like sashimi and sushi. Popular in Japan, it has now taken the world by storm because of its unique, spicy taste.

However, amidst its popularity, there are still some people who are not fans of wasabi because of its intensity. It comes from the horseradish family (which is also considered to be mustard).

This is why it’s a good substitute for mustard powder.

Wasabi powder can be used for making dips and vinaigrettes instead of mustard seed. When substituting, only use a half teaspoon of wasabi powder for every 1 tablespoon of mustard powder.

Again, remember to use this in moderation if you don’t like the dip to be too strong.

Horseradish Powder

Pretty much the same as wasabi powder, horseradish is also an excellent substitute for mustard powder. It’s milder and more aromatic than wasabi powder. Hence, it is a good option if you don’t want the dish to be too spicy.

Horseradish powder acts just like mustard powder. You can use it for any dish including marinade sauce, glaze, dips, salad dressings, and soups.

It’s also readily available in most grocery stores and comes in a range of different brands.

Substitute 1 teaspoon of horseradish powder for every 1 teaspoon of mustard powder. Truth be told, this substitution provides the same results as mustard powder.

Make sure to keep some of this in your pantry, for the next time you run out of mustard powder.

Prepared Mustard

Although prepared mustard takes a different form from mustard powder, it’s practically the same thing. Prepared mustard is just the wet form of mustard, and has a paste-like texture.

You can also prepare this yourself from scratch. All you need is water, vinegar, and some dry mustard. Mix it in a food processor or a blender.

You can also pound it with a mortar and pestle if that’s all you have at home.

For the substitution, this is where it varies. Take note that mustard powder is concentrated because it’s still in its original form compared to prepared mustard.

When substituting, use 1 tablespoon of prepared mustard for every 1 teaspoon of mustard powder. Rest assured that this substitution will retain the flavor of your dish.

Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds are the small round seeds of various mustard plants. In its truest form can be used as a substitute, because you can make a powder from it.

It’s cheaper than processed mustard because of its lack of processing and added ingredients. In fact, it’s considered a cost-effective treatment for Vitamin A deficiency.

For the substitution, just stick to what the recipe calls for.

Arugula

Arugula can be used as a substitute for mustard powder. Arugula is one of the most loved salad and sandwich ingredients for a healthier diet.

The taste of this leafy vegetable is quite spicy, making it an effective alternative for mustard powder.

All you need to do is to finely chop arugula until it’s almost like a paste. You can use the arugula paste to mix in salad dressings or dips.

It is not recommended for soups, glazes, or meat marinades because the leaf can get too soggy or burn easily.

Using Arugula as a substitute is limited to just a few dishes, but it does work well where it’s appropriate. To substitute, use 1 tablespoon of arugula for every 1 teaspoon of mustard powder.

This is green in color, but it won’t affect the color of the food that much.

So, if you have some spare arugula in your fridge, try out this substitute to make healthier dips and salad dressings at home.

FAQs

Bottom Line

Mustard powder is used as a seasoning ingredient for soups, sauces, and pickles, and to make a vinaigrette and salad dressings. Dry mustard is also used in a variety of dry spice rubs.

But it isn’t the only one. Many other substances can be used instead of mustard powder that will have similar benefits.

Turmeric Powder, Wasabi powder, Horseradish powder, mustard seed, Prepared mustard, and Arugula make great substitutes for mustard powder.