Alternatives for Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds are the viral seed from the mustard plant used in various cuisines worldwide. It’s used to add a characteristic pungent, somewhat spicy taste to pickling, mustard, and a range of cuisines, including curries, soups, and sauces.

The mustard seed comes in various kinds. If you don’t have a mustard seed available, you can discover substitutions that will allow you to complete the dish.

Mustard seed has a distinct flavor that may enhance the flavor of dishes such as curries, pickles, and others. Common mustard seed alternatives are horseradish, wasabi, caraway seeds, prepared mustard, turmeric, cumin, and crushed mustard powder.

Mustard Seeds Substitutes

1. Horseradish

Horseradish has a mildly pungent, slightly spicy taste similar to a mustard seed. Horseradish is a fantastic substitution for mustard seed in savory, spicy foods, and a tiny quantity goes a long way. Horseradish and mustard seeds are members of the same plant family, which gives them a similar flavor profile. There is fresh horseradish available, as is prepared horseradish, which is often vinegar-preserved and significantly spicier. Depending on how you want your meal to taste, you may need less if you buy readymade horseradish.

2. Wasabi

Wasabi, which resembles horseradish, is a prominent ingredient in Asian cuisine. It has the same Sicilian solid flavor as mustard seed and horseradish. Wasabi’s natural spiciness makes it an excellent alternative for mustard seeds. However, because it’s also incredibly potent, start with half the quantity of wasabi you’d use for horseradish. Wasabi is best utilized in meals that require a lot of spicinesses to replace mustard seeds. Wasabi will also assist in enhancing the flavor of the meal.

3. Caraway seeds

Caraway seeds have a flavor similar to mustard seeds in that they are warm, delicious, and spicy, and they give flavor to any food they are added to. Caraway seeds may be substituted for mustard seeds in the same amount and give a fantastic flavor to the meal. You may also add cumin to the recipe for a more pronounced taste. This will enhance the flavor and make it more reminiscent of mustard seeds.

4. Turmeric

This Asian spice is well-known for its brilliant orange color and its medicinal properties. It is commonly used in Indian and other South Asian cuisines. Turmeric is an excellent alternative for mustard seeds since it has a spicy, savory flavor comparable to mustard seeds and adds a lot of flavor to any recipe. Turmeric has a milder flavor than horseradish or caraway, but it still has a fantastic flavor similar to a mustard seed, just not as powerful. If you want to boost the spiciness, a pinch of horseradish can be added.

5. Prepared mustard

You might not always have mustard seed on hand in your kitchen, but you might have prepared mustard on hand. It is created from mustard seed, prepared mustard has the same flavor, and if you’re in a hurry, mustard is ideal. Add a few tablespoons to give your food a bit of a kick. Dijon mustard is flavored since it is stronger and slightly spicy, but plain American mustard would work if you don’t have any on hand. If you have mustard seeds, you may make your mustard, which will keep in the fridge for about a month.

6. Other color mustard seeds

What’s the best part? There are several mustard seed kinds, but the three most common are black, brown, and yellow mustard seeds. They are easily available at your local food store. Yellow mustard seeds are the mildest, but black and brown mustard seeds are hotter and more potent. To substitute yellow mustard seeds, use roughly half the number of black or brown seeds. Use additional yellow mustard seeds in place of black or brown mustard seeds.

7. Cumin

This is another great spice to have on hand, and it is commonly used in Indian cooking, particularly in curries. Cumin has a strong flavor, and while it does not taste precisely like a mustard seed, it may be used as a substitute due to its citrus flavor. Cumin may be used with other flavoring agents, such as wasabi or horseradish, to enhance the flavor even more, and it will still add a fantastic flavor to any cuisine.

8. Mayonnaise

Although it may appear unusual, mayonnaise works well as a substitute for mustard seeds, but only yellow mustard seeds. Yellow mustard seed is the mildest of mustard seeds and is frequently used to thicken the consistency of foods. If you don’t have a yellow mustard seed, a spoonful of mayonnaise will give you the same consistency but not the same taste. Make careful to use a small amount, so it doesn’t overpower the flavor of your food, and use another replacement to aid with the flavor as well.

9. Ground mustard powder

If you can’t locate mustard seed, the powdered mustard powder is frequently available in the spice area of your local grocery. This powder will give you the same effects as a mustard seed and last long. The powder will not work in a recipe for a whole mustard seed. As a result, you’ll need to hunt for a different substitute, such as various sorts of mustard seeds. Ground mustard seed will work in most meals and provide the same distinct taste as a whole mustard seed.

10. More spices

If you can’t locate a substitute for mustard seed, the best thing you can do is use more of the spices you have on hand to obtain the greatest taste profile possible. You may guarantee that the meal tastes the way it’s meant by adding more of the spices you have on hand. Even if you don’t have a mustard seed on hand, you can still cook a tasty supper.