In the world of spices, few are as distinctive and interesting as brown mustard.
Slightly spicy, slightly sweet-brown mustard is a complex seasoning that can turn common foods into something extraordinary.
The consistency of brown mustard is far thicker than common mustards.
While it can be used interchangeably with other mustards in some recipes, it has much more depth in flavor to explore.
Unfortunately for those who love it, brown mustard has one major drawback: It can be difficult to find.
Many grocery stores don’t stock brown mustard, and those often have a very limited supply.
Fortunately, though, there are substitutes for brown mustard that many cooks can use when they find themselves without the real thing.
Keep on reading for five of the best substitutes for brown mustard.
What is Brown Mustard?
For those unfamiliar with brown mustard, it’s a very tangy condiment that is often used as a spread or added to recipes.
It can be found in pretty much any grocery store and eaten for hundreds of years.
Brown mustard usually comes in the form of seeds mixed with vinegar, turmeric, salt, and sometimes other spices.
The seeds can be ground and made into a paste or kept whole.
The taste is usually spicier than yellow mustard but still tangy, and of course, it has that mustard flavor.
It is used as a spread for sandwiches or hot dogs, on top of the meat to add some flavor and as part of many recipes involving sautéed onions and a bit of oil.
It is a versatile condiment that goes well with several different foods, especially those traditionally eaten during the colder months of wintery weather.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Brown Mustard
Brown mustard, known for its pungent and slightly spicy flavor, is a popular condiment used in various recipes.
However, if you find yourself without brown mustard or prefer an alternative flavor profile, there are several substitutes that can provide a similar taste experience.
In this guide, we will explore the top 5 substitutes for brown mustard, comparing their key characteristics and providing suggestions on proper ratios to ensure the best results in your dishes.
Substitute | Key Characteristics | Proper Ratio |
---|---|---|
Dijon Mustard | Smooth and creamy with a tangy flavor | Use an equal amount of Dijon mustard as a substitute |
Spicy Yellow Mustard | Vibrant yellow color with a medium heat | Use an equal amount of spicy yellow mustard as a substitute |
Whole Grain Mustard | Coarse texture with visible mustard seeds | Use an equal amount of whole grain mustard as a substitute |
Horseradish | Sharp and pungent flavor with a distinctive kick | Use half the amount of horseradish as a substitute |
Honey Mustard | Sweet and tangy flavor with a smooth, creamy consistency | Use an equal amount of honey mustard as a substitute |
Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:
1 – Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard is a creamy, mild, and tangy condiment.
It is white and usually contains small pieces of yellow mustard seeds.
Even though it’s popular and widespread, Dijon mustard did not originate from the French city known for its namesake sauce.
The actual history states that Scottish manufacturers created this type of spread during the 19 century.
In addition, Dijon mustard may be a bit expensive since it doesn’t contain large quantities of spices and ingredients.
- Key Characteristics: Dijon mustard is known for its smooth and creamy texture with a tangy flavor. It adds a subtle kick to dishes without overpowering other flavors.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Dijon mustard as a substitute for brown mustard. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.
2 – Spicy Yellow Mustard
If you’re looking for a substitute that will offer more taste and flavor, spicy yellow mustard may be the way to go.
Typically, yellow mustard is very tangy and sweet since it consists of white wine.
It is rich in turmeric and has a distinctive taste due to various seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and other spices.
One thing is clear – spicy yellow mustard offers a more intense flavor than brown mustard.
It may be a bit spicier as well, so you have to keep that in mind before using it.
- Key Characteristics: Spicy yellow mustard has a vibrant yellow color and a medium level of heat. It provides a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to dishes.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of spicy yellow mustard as a substitute for brown mustard. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.
3 – Whole Grain Mustard
This substitute is not very common; however, it can be found in most grocery stores.
Whole grain mustard is usually prepared with whole seeds instead of being ground.
This increases the flavor intensity and also changes the texture.
Overall, this alternative contains all of the similar ingredients included in plain mustard.
The only difference is that you’re getting whole seeds instead of a paste or spread.
When you add this condiment to your meal, make sure it’s not at the same time as any other ingredients since it may get soggy.
- Key Characteristics: Whole grain mustard has a coarse texture with visible mustard seeds, which adds a unique visual and textural element to dishes. It offers a bold and distinct mustard flavor.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of whole grain mustard as a substitute for brown mustard. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.
4 – Horseradish
Horseradish is a root that is related to cruciferous vegetables.
It has white flesh with a pale brown exterior.
This particular substitute is very spicy and has an intense flavor.
It’s also important to note that it may contain some cream, horseradish leaves, vinegar, water, lemon juice, or citric acid, among other ingredients.
Spicy horseradish is mostly used as a condiment for seafood, and it can also be added to meat dishes such as roast beef or used in dips and spreads.
Another thing worth noting – you should be more careful when adding this substitute since too much can cause some issues with your sinuses.
- Key Characteristics: Horseradish delivers a sharp and pungent flavor with a distinctive kick. While it is not a direct substitute for brown mustard, it can provide a similar intensity to dishes.
- Proper Ratio: Use half the amount of horseradish as a substitute for brown mustard. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.
5 – Honey Mustard
As its name suggests, honey mustard contains a combination of two ingredients – honey and mustard.
It works as a spread and can be used as an alternative to brown mustard for those who love the sweet and tangy taste.
If you want to use it as a substitute, you can add it whenever you prepare sandwiches or burgers.
You can also use it with hot dogs and sausages by brushing the sauce on top of them.
Honey mustard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months.
- Key Characteristics: Honey mustard combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. It has a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of honey mustard as a substitute for brown mustard. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.
Conclusion
Brown mustard is delicious, but it can be pretty pricey.
If you don’t want to spend too much money on food or you want to change your condiment for a few days, these substitutes will do the trick.
Depending on the substitute you choose, remember a few key details, such as the texture and the flavor intensity.
If you need further information regarding these ingredients or substitutes, contact your local grocery store or visit an online source such as Wikipedia.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Brown Mustard
Ingredients
- Dijon Mustard
- Spicy Yellow Mustard
- Whole Grain Mustard
- Horseradish
- Honey Mustard
Instructions
- Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
- Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of AmericasRestaurant.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
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