Whether you’re spicing up a salad dressing, mixing a sauce that packs a punch, or adding a quick burst of flavor to a sandwich, a dollop of good mustard can go a long way. While a serving of Heinz’s Yellow Mustard will do in a pinch, any aspiring foodie knows that for the best experience a sharper, stronger mustard is a necessity.
This is where a classic like Dijon mustard really stands out from the crowd, but what do you do if you don’t have any in your cupboard? What can I substitute for Dijon Mustard? We’ve pulled together a list of our favourite Dijon mustard substitutes for any situation.
Here’s a sneak peak at our favourite substitutes for Dijon Mustard:
- Yellow mustard
- Wasabi
- Garlic, salt and chilis
- Mayonaisse
- Horseradish
- Worcester Sauce
- Your own creation
Dijon Mustard Alternatves
What Is Dijon Mustard?
Dijon mustard has a long and proud history – its first recorded use is way back in 1336 France at the court of King Philip VI, where it was a staple at his royal banquets. While invented in the town from which it inherits its name, Dijon mustard is no longer necessarily made in Dijon itself. In fact, 80% of mustard seeds used in producing the condiment are nowadays sourced from Canada.
However, the recipe has remained unchanged throughout the centuries. Black mustard seeds are first soaked in water until swollen, at which point vinegar is added to the mixture. The seeds are then ground into a coarse or fine paste depending on the specific recipe, but regardless of the method used, the resulting mustard is noteworthy for its rich, sharp flavour.
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A Trip to Dijon, France
6 Dijon Mustard Substitutes
If you look in your fridge or cupboard but realize that you don’t have any dijon mustard, don’t worry. We have six suggestions for the best substitutes that you’ll want to consider. What can I substitute for Dijon Mustard? Wonder no more!
YELLOW MUSTARD
While this basic mustard is less sophisticated and flavorsome than the Dijon variety, it’s a staple of the American home, and you’re much more likely to find some lurking in your cupboard. Condiment connoisseurs may turn up their noses at such a garden-variety ingredient, but often a helping of Yellow Mustard is all you need.
As a substitute for Dijon Mustard in a recipe, this is an obvious choice and it often doesn’t make a huge difference in terms of taste and results.
WASABI: A SUBSTITUTE FOR DIJON MUSTARD
If all you’re trying to do is add a bit of spice to your life, then you might try swapping out Dijon mustard for a little wasabi paste. What it lacks in richness and smoothness, it more than makes up for in punch. Remember to be careful if you go for this option, as a little wasabi goes a long way.
GARLIC, SALT, CHILI PEPPERS
If you’re feeling a little more ambitious, you can try to replicate the key features of Dijon mustard using simple ingredients you’re more likely to have in your store cupboard. Grind and mix together some garlic to approximate the mustard’s body, chili peppers for the spice and salt to taste. You’ll have a paste that might not satisfy the palate the way Dijon mustard can, but it will come surprisingly close.
MAYONNAISE: SUBSTITUTE DIJON MUSTARD
For a non-spicy alternative that you’re sure to have in your refrigerator consider using a simple mayonnaise. Both mustard and mayo contain vinegar as a key ingredient, so you won’t lose that mustardy tang. This makes the latter an excellent substitute for anyone who can’t stand mustard’s heat. As a bonus, mayonnaise is a great emulsifier, so if you’re making a dressing or sauce you might even get an even smoother result.
HORSERADISH OR WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
Before you give up on your craving check the back of your store cupboard for these lesser-known sauces. While they taste quite different, they both provide a tangy and pleasant experience to rival the original. You may want to check you like the taste before adding a spoonful to your recipe, but a little experimentation might lead you to some interesting results.
YOUR OWN CONCOCTION FOR DIJON MUSTARD SUBSTITUTE
Are you more confident in the kitchen? Or do you fancy yourself a bit of a culinary scientist? Then why not try to come up with your own alternative? There are no wrong answers when it comes to cooking, and some of the best inventions were made by accident. Try combining some likely ingredients and see what happens. A little tip is to try to pick out the feature of mustard that’s most important to your recipe.
Perhaps you want a spice for a salad dressing (check out our best salad spinners), an emulsifying agent for a sauce, or some flavor for a sandwich. Once you’ve identified the effect you want to produce, have a look at the ingredients you have in your kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
How to Make Dijon Mustard From Scratch
If you want to know how to make dijon mustard, it’s simpler than you might think. Check out this short video for homemade dijon mustard. It basically requires mustard seeds, vinegar, white wine, shallots and a few other spices.
Or, check out one of our favourites here: Dijon Mustard Recipe.
Order Some Today
Of course, if you want to make a sandwich, or have a recipe that calls for this kind of mustard, it’s best to just use the real thing. It keeps in the fridge for a year or two, or indefinitely if not opened in your cupboard. So, there’s really no excuse not to have a bottle or two on hand.
You can check out some of our top picks here:
Serving Suggestions for Dijon Mustard
More obvious uses for Dijon mustard or an alternative include topping off a roast beef or chicken sandwich, or spicing up a salad dressing, but we’ve found a couple more unusual situations we think will spark your interest. Fancy a light lunch or appetizer? Try mixing your condiment with some parsley, cream, garlic, and pieces of salted meat to make a delicious soup.
Hosting a barbecue and want to serve your guests something they haven’t tried before? Slather your meat in one of the hotter of these sauces to create a spicy and full-bodied barbecue rub.
Conclusion for Dijon Mustard Substitutes
Few things are more frustrating than having a craving you can’t satisfy, or getting halfway through a recipe before you realize that you forgot to buy a key ingredient. We hope this collection of Dijon mustard substitutes comes in useful next time you reach for the jar only to find it empty. Experiment with the alternatives in this list, and you’re bound to find a recipe that makes your mouth water.
6 Substitutes for Dijon Mustard
Substitutes for Other Common Cooking Ingredients
If you’re looking for some other common substitute ingredients, you’ll want to check out the following:
Dijon Mustard Substitutes: Have your Say
Do you have any go-to substitutes if you’re out of dijon mustard? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think.
Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other mustard enthusiasts, like yourself find this useful resource.
Last update on 2020-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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