English mustard and dry mustard are both manufactured from powdered and crushed mustard seeds.
A key component and spice in many sauces, dips, vinaigrettes, dressings, salads, dry rubs, and marinades for meats, among other dishes, is ground mustard.
Spiced pulled pork, carnitas, cowboy meatballs and beans, roast beef, French dip, and other well-known meals that call for powdered mustard powder are just a few examples.
You could believe that it is difficult to locate a substitute for it when cooking a recipe that calls for the use of dry mustard since the mustard powder does impart a very characteristic bitter, acidic, and earthy flavor to the sauce or food.
In truth, there are numerous excellent substitutes for dry mustard that you may use when necessary. Turmeric, wasabi or horseradish powder, mustard seeds, arugula, and mustard are a few of them.
So, don’t rush out to the store once you realize that there is no ground mustard left on your spice rack, and try out one of these excellent alternatives instead.
Here are the most suitable dry mustard substitutes
1. Turmeric Powder
Turmeric powder is a powder made of the roots of the Curcuma longa flowering plant. It is especially common in the Indian kitchen and throughout southeastern Asia.
Turmeric powder has a vivid bright yellow color and a bitter and peppery flavor and aroma.
It has become increasingly popular in the western world due to the many health benefits of turmeric and an ingredient for different dishes.
It can easily be used as a substitute for mustard powder, and all you need to do is add the same quantity of turmeric powder as you would mustard powder to the dish for the best results.
Turmeric powder is especially appropriate for making dry rubs for marinating meat or veggies, as well as for preparing many Asian and Middle Eastern savory and sweet dishes and beverages.
Just beware that it can be a tad bitter, so we recommend that you add the turmeric powder cautiously and then add more turmeric powder after tasting it if needed.
2. Wasabi Powder
Wasabi powder is another excellent alternative to mustard powder for cooking.
It is a powdered form of the popular wasabi paste, which you have probably seen served with sushi and sashimi.
Wasabi which originates in Japan is today a very common ingredient thanks to its unique and fresh, and spicy flavor.
Wasabi powder is a great substitute for dry mustard powder as it is produced from a plant that is in the same family as mustard and horseradish.
It is suitable for adding some spice to vinaigrettes, dips, or other recipes which call for mustard powder.
Keep in mind that the wasabi powder can have quite an intensive taste, so make sure that you use about half the amount of wasabi powder as you would if you are using mustard powder.
3. Horseradish Powder
Horseradish powder is pretty similar to wasabi powder which makes it another perfect replacement for mustard powder.
Unlike the wasabi, though, the horseradish powder is slightly milder and has a stronger aroma, which makes it an excellent choice for those of you who do not like too much spice.
Horseradish powder can be used in the same quantities as mustard powder for preparing all types of recipes for dry rubs, marinades, sauces, dips, dressings, glazing, soups, and others.
Plus, you can easily find horseradish powder in most stores, making it more accessible than some of the other dry mustard substitutes on this list.
It is among the most suitable alternatives for dry mustard for any recipe which calls for the use of powdered mustard.
4. Mustard (prepared)
Prepared mustard is the liquid form of mustard powder, and as such, is an excellent alternative for preparing food that requires the use of the powdered form.
You can use any store-bought mustard or even prepare it yourself by mixing dry mustard with vinegar and water and blending them together.
For the most satisfying results, add a tablespoon of the prepared mustard for every teaspoon of dry mustard.
You can use Dijon mustard which is the prepared mustard that is closest to the flavor of the mustard powder, but you can use yellow mustard, honey mustard, or any other prepared mustard you have as an alternative for a recipe that requires the addition of dry mustard.
Related: Dijon Mustard Vs Yellow Mustard
5. Mustard Seeds
Using mustard seeds instead of mustard powder is probably the best and truest way to ensure that the flavor of the food is as desired.
After all, mustard seeds are the original form of mustard and are used for making dry mustard, so the taste is the same.
Mustard seeds can be found in different stores and markets and are usually cheaper than the other processed forms of mustard – powder or liquid.
You can make your own mustard powder from mustard seeds easily with a mortar and pestle or in a food processor, a spice grinder, or a coffee grinder. Then you can store the powder in an airtight jar or container and ensure that you always have dry mustard when you need it.
When using mustard seeds instead of mustard powder, you should add the same amount of the seeds as you would the powder.
6. Arugula
It may come as a surprise to some, but the healthy arugula is actually a pretty good substitute for mustard powder.
The cruciferous vegetable has become the top preferred ingredient for a healthy salad and diet.
Thanks to its fresh, spicy, and slightly bitter taste, arugula can safely be used as a mustard alternative for preparing different recipes.
In order to use the arugula as a mustard powder alternative, you will need to chop it down to a paste and then add it to your dip, dressing, or sauce.
Due to its texture, the arugula is not as suitable as the other powdered alternatives for dry mustard when it comes to preparing dry rubs, marinades, glazes, or soups.
When using the arugula as a substitute for the powdered mustard, use one tablespoon of the veggie paste for every teaspoon of dry mustard.
It is a superb option for preparing healthy dressings and dips.
Our top pick
The top choice for preparing a meal that requires mustard powder is, of course, mustard powder. The best and cheapest way to ensure that you always have some mustard powder available for making those delicious marinades and glazes for the meat or preparing dips and dressings is to buy mustard seeds and grind them down blend them to make the powder yourself. It can then be stored in an airtight container or jar for future use.
If you don’t have mustard seeds, the next top alternative for the recipe with mustard powder is to use turmeric powder. It is easy to find in most stores and has similar flavor qualities as mustard powder.
But any of the six substitutes we have picked will work when you have run out of dry mustard and don’t have time to go to the store.
Just make sure that you add the alternatives cautiously, especially the spicier ones like the wasabi or turmeric if you want to end up with a delicious dish.
Related: The Best Dijon Mustard Substitutes: Spice Up Your Life In Style!