Mustard in general is one very popular condiment that has been used in many cuisines for quite some time. Its main ingredients include mustard seeds and some kind of liquid.
There are different types of mustard and it depends on the type of mustard seeds as well as the liquid. So, if the mustard contains brown mustard seeds and water, it will be much hotter.
On the other hand, white mustard seeds and some more acidic liquids, such as certain kinds of vinegar, make milder mustards. Whole grain mustard has a very strong, complex flavor.
So, you can make great marinades to marinate some tender and delicious meat. It can also be used as a glaze for roasted meats or veggies.
Whole grain mustard is also packed with a lot of beneficial nutrients such as calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, selenium, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber.
And that is all great, but what if you don’t have any at the moment and you plan to make some marinade for your meat?
Of course, there are a few solutions in the form of whole-grain mustard substitutes. In this article, I tried my best to present to you the ultimate list of the best substitutes for whole grain mustard that can serve you just as well.
What Are The Best Whole Grain Mustard Substitutes?
Here is the list of 15 excellent substitutes for whole grain mustard that you have to try.
1. Wasabi Sauce
I chose wasabi sauce to be the first one on my list of whole grain mustard substitutes because it comes from the same family as mustard and it has a similar flavor as well.
It is a staple ingredient in many Asian cuisines and especially in Japanese cuisine, alongside Chinese and Korean. There, it is mostly used as an ingredient for noodles (like Tan Tan noodles in some cases), sushi, and some other popular Asian types of dishes.
You can buy wasabi sauce in many grocery stores, especially in some Asian stores or supermarkets, but you need to be careful because the flavor can vary greatly from product to product.
You can also make your own version at home if you have wasabi powder and mayonnaise in your kitchen.
All you have to do is to mix 10ml of wasabi powder with 15ml of water and after a while, add about 125ml of mayonnaise and blend that well.
When substituting whole grain mustard with wasabi sauce, keep in mind that 1 teaspoon of whole grain mustard is equal to 3/4 teaspoon of wasabi sauce.
2. Horseradish
Another one that belongs to the mustard family, this root vegetable that starts with H can be a great alternative to whole grain mustard. The main reasons for that are the similar heat levels and a similar bite.
In general, horseradish possesses a robust flavor but that can vary from product to product on the shelf of supermarkets.
You can find many varieties in most grocery stores, some even with creamy textures, but you can also make your own version at home.
Also, horseradish can provide you with tons of health benefits.
It is naturally antibacterial, boosts circulation, aids weight loss and speeds up metabolism, helps with digestion, supports immunity, and has anti-cancer properties as well.
Take note that 1 teaspoon of whole grain mustard is equal to 1/2 teaspoon of horseradish.
3. Yellow Mustard
Also called American mustard, yellow mustard is the one that most of you have somewhere in your fridge.
It is the most commonly used mustard in hot dogs, but it also works well in salads and various types of sandwiches.
It has a bright yellow color thanks to turmeric, a popular Indian spice. And the tart flavor is the consequence of the high amount of vinegar. That same vinegar also neutralizes vinegar heat which results in a very mildest product.
When substituting whole grain mustard with a yellow one, consider that 1 teaspoon of whole grain mustard equals 1 and a half teaspoons of yellow mustard.
4. Stone Ground Mustard Alongside Celery Seeds
Stone ground mustard can be an excellent whole grain mustard substitute since it possesses almost the same texture and a very similar flavor as its whole ground relative.
But, if you are not entirely satisfied with stone ground mustard on its own, it is not a bad idea to add some celery seeds in order to get a unique and tasty condiment.
There is not much to explain. You just have to add some celery seeds to your stone ground mustard and see where it takes you. You can adjust the amount of celery seeds to your liking until you satisfy your taste buds.
I also have to add that stone ground possesses some wonderful health benefits since it contains a high amount of antioxidants and some trace minerals such as selenium and magnesium.
It is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties since it contains one of the strongest anti-inflammatories, i.e., turmeric.
And finally, 1 teaspoon of whole grain mustard equals 3/4 teaspoons of ground mustard and celery seeds.
5. Dijon Mustard
And, finally, there is the popular Dijon mustard. It is made from brown and black mustard seeds.
Dijon mustard originates from France and it is very popular in France, America, and Canada.
Yet, it is not that easy to find it in grocery stores but when you do, it won’t disappoint you for sure.
And that is especially true if you are looking for the type of condiment that has a similar flavor as whole grain mustard with a little more spiciness.
The only problem is in texture since Dijon mustard is not completely smooth like the whole grain and yellow ones. But if you don’t mind that, Dijon mustard could be a great alternative.
If you choose this type of mustard, it is best to use it in vinaigrettes, sauces, and mayos, and use it in a 1:1 ratio.
6. Honey Mustard
As you can conclude from the name itself, this type of mustard contains honey as one of the main ingredients. Alongside honey, there are also various spices and the mustard seeds of your choice.
The flavor profile of honey mustard is the specific one since it still possesses that characteristic tanginess but with the addition of some sweet undertones due to the honey or honeycomb component.
That makes it perfect for chicken and pork dishes, as well as hot dogs, sandwiches, and salads. It can also be used in salad dressings and in various sauces.
Honey mustard has a lot of health benefits. It can boost your immune system, improve heart health, and regulate blood sugar levels.
7. Spicy Brown Mustard
If you love mustard and are a fan of spicy flavor, and at the same time do not have any whole grain mustard up your sleeve, then spicy brown mustard could be a great option to consider.
It has a sharp flavor just like yellow and whole ground mustard, but because of a lower amount of vinegar, it is packed with a lot more spiciness than the previous ones.
This mustard goes well with sausages, sandwiches, pastrami, and roast beef.
1 Tablespoon of whole grain mustard equals 1 tablespoon of spicy brown mustard.
8. Mayonnaise
And, of course, there is the good old mayonnaise. It is a staple in many cuisines and it can be used in various types of dishes.
It can also serve as a great whole grain mustard substitute since mustard is one of the main ingredients of mayonnaise alongside oil, egg yolk, and some kind of acid, either lemon juice or vinegar.
If you are looking for a similar flavor profile without that tanginess and some creamy texture, mayonnaise is your best bet.
You can add it to hamburgers, sandwiches, French fries, and salads. When substituting, just keep in mind that mayonnaise has a much higher fat content, so you don’t want to overdo it.
See Also: Can You Freeze Mayonnaise? One Tricky Question Indeed!
9. Turmeric Powder
It is not a surprise that turmeric powder found its place on this list since it is one of the main ingredients of mustard itself. Therefore, it can provide you with a similar flavor profile.
However, there are two main differences. The texture is not the same and turmeric powder is a little less pungent, which means that it is the milder version of whole grain mustard.
Turmeric powder can be used in many dishes. You can add it to roasted veggies, rice, soups, greens, etc.
According to WebMD, turmeric has some incredible health benefits. It is one of the strongest anti-inflammatories in the world, so it is good for fighting so many types of diseases.
10. Dry Mustard Or Mustard Powder
If you don’t mind the entirely different texture and just want the same flavor profile, then dry mustard powder can be a great alternative to whole grain mustard.
The main difference between these two is quite obvious since regular mustard is a sauce made from mustard seeds and liquid. And, on the other hand, dry mustard doesn’t contain any liquid.
You can use dry mustard in many types of dishes such as spice rubs, marinades, and salad dressings. When using it in place of whole grain mustard, you can replace 1 tablespoon of whole grain mustard with a teaspoon of dry mustard.
11. Whole Mustard Seeds
There are a lot of different varieties of mustard plants and the most popular mustard seeds include black, brown, white, and yellow mustard seeds.
If you have any whole mustard seeds in your pantry, you can successfully use them as an alternative to whole grain mustard sauce.
You can grind the seeds and make the mustard powder, or you can mix them with honey and vinegar and make a mustard spread.
All you have to do is to grind those seeds and mix 1 teaspoon of them with 1 teaspoon of vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of honey. That way, you will get a decent substitute for whole grain mustard.
12. Egg Yolks
This is a bit of an odd substitute for whole grain mustard, to be honest, but actually, it can serve very well in one particular case. So, if you are looking for a binder in your dish, egg yolk can be a great option.
The reason for this is the fact that mustard, besides adding flavor and texture, acts as a binder as well. So, with egg yolks, you will successfully bind different liquids and fats in your dish.
Take note that 1 egg yolk is equal to 2 tablespoons of whole grain mustard.
All this is not a surprise considering the fact that eggs are one of the most eaten foods in the world.
13. Lecithin Powder
Lecithin powder is an ingredient used a little less in terms of whole grain mustard substitutes. This powder is made from soybeans, sunflower seeds, canola, and eggs.
It doesn’t give you that same kick as whole grain mustard but if you are looking for a thickening agent for your dish, then this powder can be a decent alternative.
Also, you can make more mustard if you really want by adding some ingredients like vinegar and water as well as some spicy seasonings.
Then, you can freely add it to your favorite dips, vinaigrettes, and sauces.
14. Creole Mustard
Creole mustard is a staple in New Orleans-style cuisine and it can serve as a decent alternative to whole grain mustard. It is made from brown mustard seeds that are marinated in white wine vinegar, horseradish, and some spices.
It is very similar to Dijon mustard and the only difference is that Dijon mustard is made from white wine and Creole mustard is made from white wine vinegar.
Creole mustard is a little spicier than whole grain mustard, so feel free to add some ketchup or honey if you are not a fan of spicy food.
You can use Creole mustard in sandwiches, dips, dressings, sauces, etc.
See Also: 8 Best Substitutes For Creole Seasoning + DIY Recipe
15. Homemade Whole Grain Mustard
Your final option is to make your own delicious mustard. Sometimes, this is the best solution because you can freely adjust the flavor and texture to your own preferences, and it is the healthier option as well.
When it comes to a whole grain mustard recipe, all you will need is 1/2 cup of dried mustard, 1/2 cup of white wine, 1/3 cup of white wine vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Mix that very well and avoid heating it. It should never rise above room temperature because you will destroy the compounds that provide flavor.
Also, if you have mustard seeds, you can grind them in the food processor before adding the other ingredients.
You can use apple cider vinegar or beer instead of white wine and white wine vinegar as well.
Substitute Your Mustard The Right Way
In the end, there is not much to say except that all of these whole grain mustard substitutes can serve you well in almost any dish that requires whole grain mustard itself.
When substituting, just take all these facts mentioned above into consideration and I assure you that you can not go wrong.
