Need dijon mustard for a recipe but have run out? Or maybe you need a swap for a mustard allergy. Don’t worry, these easy dijon mustard substitutions will work perfect in any recipe!
Dijon Mustard is the French variety of mustard made from both black and brown mustard seeds, giving it that classic tangy flavor.
It is often used in a variety of recipes from sauces, dressings, glazes, and of course, on top of sandwiches.
This list shares some easy and inexpensive best substitutes for dijon mustard in any and all recipes. Both mustard and mustard free replacements are included!
Jump to:
What is mustard?
Mustard is a plant of the Brassiacaceae family. There are a few different types of mustard, giving us the variety of flavors, tanginess, and heat. Yellow and white mustard seeds are used in more mild varieties while brown and black mustard seeds are used in more flavorful and spicy varieties.
However, it is a very common food allergy, particularly in parts of Europe. Read this for more info on a mustard allergy and see if you have one.
Including Mustard
Honey Mustard
Best substitution in: Marinades (especially for chicken and pork), sauces, salad dressings, glazes, dipping sauces, and on sandwiches
Honey mustard is a combination of dijon mustard with honey added, as the name implies. Due to its sweet and tangy nature, honey mustard is often used in dipping sauces, on french fries, or with pretzels. Since it is made with Dijon mustard, this the best dijon mustard substitute for recipes that call for Dijon mustard.
Yellow Mustard
Best substitution in: Sandwiches, Savory recipes, Salad dressings
It is sweeter and tangier than Dijon mustard but is a staple ingredient for many houses! Use it in a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for Dijon Mustard. This mustard has a milder flavor than traditional dijon thanks to the use of only yellow mustard seeds. Yellow mustard is traditionally what people think of when they think of regular mustard condiments.
To make it even more like Dijon, add a splash of white wine vinegar and stir well to combine. This will make your yellow mustard even more like Dijon in any recipe! This is a good substitute that most people will probably have in their pantry.
Stone Ground Mustard
Best substitution in: Sandwiches, savory recipes, salad dressings
Made from brown mustard seeds, stone ground mustard is a perfect substitute for Dijon. Since it is made from only one type and is not paired with as many sour elements, it will be slightly sweeter than Dijon. However, in cooking recipes, there is almost no difference in the final result.
German Mustard
Best substitution in: Meats, sauces, dipping sauces, marinades, on sandwiches
German mustard is unique in that it uses not only ground mustard but also whole grain mustard seeds in the final condiment. These seeds are mild and add a nutty flavor to the mustard. There are many flavor varieties that include the different types of mustard seeds, from mild to spicy to sweet!
Spicy Brown Mustard
Best substitution in: Cooking, marinades, salad dressings, on bagels
Unlike yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard is made entirely from the brown mustard seeds. It is soaked in less vinegar than the common yellow mustard. This combo of a more spicy mustard seed and less vinegar is what gives spicy brown mustard its spice!
This mustard also has a more rustic and coarser texture than other mustards because the bran of the mustard seed is not removed. Spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg are often added to round out the flavor profile of this type of mustard.
If using it to replace Dijon mustard, be sure to use less than recommended as this type of mustard packs a punch!
Without Mustard
French Four Spice Powder
Best substitution in: Sauces, marinades, salad dressings, savory recipes
Made from a combination of ground black pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger, this French spice blend is a great substitute for Dijon mustard in recipes. The spiciness of this blend mimics the tanginess of mustard.
To make your own, mix equal parts of pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger together. Keep it in a spice jar for up to 6 months.
Homemade Mustard-Free Sauce
Best substitute in: Sandwiches, salad dressings
Mix turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Add this to a raw egg yolk and whisk for 3 to 5 minutes until you get a thick paste that is similar to mustard.
The turmeric gives the color and earthyness to this swap. The chili powder brings the heat. Salt to help balance all the flavors. And the egg yolk mimics the creamy texture of a ground mustard.
Egg Yolks
Best substitute in: Salad dressings, sauces, marinades
A large part of adding Dijon mustard to sauces, marinades, and salad dressings is that the Dijon helps to bind the ingredients together. A raw egg yolk can also do just that, making this a good dijon mustard substitute in recipes such as sauces and dressings.
The proteins in the egg yolk help to bind ingredients together, emulsifying the ingredients, and making for a smooth sauce. That makes this a great for recipes that you don't need the tangy taste of mustard, just the binding ability. To add flavor to this, you can use one of the other substitutes here, or even a bit of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
1 egg yolk will replace up to 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard in recipes.
Wasabi
Best used: Sandwiches, savory recipes
Wasabi is best known for being the spicy green paste you get with sushi. Wasabi is a member of the Brassiacaceae family, of which mustard, radishes, and horseradish are all members.
Important! Make sure you are purchasing true wasabi and not a fake wasabi as fake wasabi often has mustard added to it. If you are allergic to mustard, this can be dangerous.
I don’t recommend that you use this in a 1:1 ratio when replacing Dijon mustard in your recipes. That would make a flavor that is too much wasabi! Start with a quarter the amount called for and adjust your recipe from there.
Horseradish sauce
Best substitute in: Meat dishes, especially beef, lamb, or fish
Horseradish is a member of the Brassiacaceae family, of which mustard, radishes, and wasabi are also members. They are known for their spicy and sinus cleaning properties!
To make horseradish more like Dijon mustard, mix a spoonful of horseradish with half a spoonful of honey and a splash of cream or a spoonful of sour cream. This will help give it a creamy and sweet tang just like Dijon.
Mayonnaise
Best substitute in: Any recipe that calls for Dijon mustard
Sweet and tangy but with a more mild flavor profile, mayonnaise makes for a great Dijon mustard substitute.
Worcestershire sauce
Best substitute in: Marinades, salad dressings
Important! If allergic to fish, do not use as many Worcestershire sauces contain anchovy.
Made from molasses, vinegar, tamarind paste, onion, sugar, and anchovy, Worcestershire sauce can make for a bold substitute for Dijon mustard.
Worcestershire has a deep and tangy flavor that brings an umami element to any dish. Keep in mind that because this sauce is more liquidy than mustard, you may have to adjust your recipe.
To make it more like Dijon mustard, add a spoonful to another spoonful of plain greek yogurt to give it that creamy tangy flavor combo similar to Dijon mustard.
Want more substitution articles? Check these out!
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