Kitchen Tips

12 Dijon Mustard Replacements That Replicate Its Flavor

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Dijon mustard has a sharp, tangy flavor with a hint of spiciness. It has a distinctive kick that sets it apart, making it a flavorful condiment. As a result, finding a suitable replacement for Dijon mustard that replicates its unique flavor can be challenging, but there are a few alternatives that can come close.

These 12 alternatives that we've selected share similar characteristics with Dijon mustard but finding the most suitable among these ultimately depends on the specific dish and personal taste preferences.

1. Horseradish Mustard

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Horseradish Mustard is a fitting substitute for Dijon mustard in various culinary applications. Both condiments offer a tangy and pungent flavor profile, contributing a sharp and distinctive taste to dishes. The preparation does not require much, grab some mustard you have, horseradish sauce and vinegar (white wine vinegar for the best result) and you are all good to go. 

In terms of texture and versatility, horseradish mustard closely mirrors Dijon mustard, allowing it to be used in salad dressings, marinades, sandwiches and many more recipes. So, if you have horseradish in your pantry, this is the substitute that will work best for you. 

2. Honey Mustard

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Honey mustard is a sweet and tangy substitute for Dijon mustard. The sweetness from honey balances the tanginess of the mustard and cuts out the overall depth of the original sauce. For many recipes, the combination of mustard and honey creates a delightful condiment that pairs well with salads, sandwiches, marinades, and more.

People with a penchant for sweetness can look out for this substitute. Just combine mustard paste, honey and mayonnaise, season the mix and your mild-flavored substitute gets ready. Based on the enhanced sweetness obtained from increasing the honey content, Honey mustard will work best for kids and fans of sweet and savory combinations. 

Related: 12 Best Meatloaf Glaze That You Will Love

3. German Mustard

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German Mustard offers equal sharpness and comparable intensity of Dijon mustard. If you don't have a store-bought version, blend soaked yellow and brown mustard seeds together with vinegar, add spices and simmer the whole mix. 

Storing German mustard in the refrigerator for a few days helps to develop a complex flavor. This substitute is perfect for dishes that demand the complexity of Dijon mustard and also a hint of tanginess. Use it in salads, marinades, or sandwich spreads and let the German mustard bring its own distinctive flair to the recipes. 

4. Creole Mustard

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Creole mustard, a staple in the Southern culinary landscape, possesses distinct differences in preparation but can bring an equal amount of depth to the recipes. The yellow and brown mustard used in the preparation imparts the depth of brown or black mustard seeds the Dijon mustard recipe uses.

As Creole mustard tends to be spicier and more pungent, you may want to use a bit less Creole mustard than the amount of Dijon called for in the recipe to avoid overpowering the dish. The spices used include garlic, horseradish, paprika, and other regional seasonings that add a zesty and make the condiment much spicier. So, Creole mustard is particularly well-suited for dishes where a bit of heat and complexity is welcome.

5. Tarragon Mustard

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Tarragon mustard can be found commercially available in specialty grocery stores or can be made at home by blending mustard with fresh or dried tarragon. While both mustards share a tangy base, tarragon mustard distinguishes itself with the infusion of tarragon, providing hints of anise-like sweetness and a savory herbal undertone.

Tarragon mustard can work well in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces, particularly those where the herbal notes complement the other ingredients. However, due to its distinctive taste, it may not be suitable for all applications where Dijon mustard's neutral tanginess is essential.

6. Stone-ground Mustard Wet Rub

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If your recipe does well with the grainy texture of the mustard seeds then this substitute is something you can prepare in a go. Neither does it demand a time-consuming soaking process nor does it change the flavor profile of original Dijon mustard. 

The swift and straightforward process requires whisking of stone-ground mustard with olive oil, honey, garlic and seasonings. To make the paste familiar to the taste of Dijon mustard, increase the smoothness of the rub by adding a bit more olive oil. Additionally, consider adjusting the honey content(add honey in small increments, stirring well and tasting after each addition) to achieve a balance of sweetness similar to Dijon mustard.

7. Spicy Brown Mustard

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The spicy brown mustard can be prepared by soaking the brown mustard seeds in water overnight. A blended mix is then prepared and salt, turmeric, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper are added. As the desired texture is obtained, vinegar is added and the paste is stored in an airtight container for further use.

You can generally use an equal amount of spicy brown mustard in place of Dijon mustard. However, if you want to be cautious due to the spicier nature of brown mustard, you can start with a slightly smaller amount and adjust to taste. This DIY spicy brown mustard can be a versatile substitute for Dijon in various dishes.

8. Worcestershire Sauce

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Worcestershire sauce can serve as an alternative to Dijon mustard in certain recipes, primarily due to its complex flavor profile that includes umami, sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spiciness. The ingredients like anchovies and tamarind present in the sauce contribute depth to a dish in a manner similar to the complexity that Dijon mustard provides.

Worcestershire sauce also offers tanginess and brings a mellow acidity to the dishes. Prior to use, it's important to note that this alternative lacks the creaminess of the Dijon mustard, so adding mayonnaise can be the perfect way to make the best kind of alternative for your recipes. 

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9. Mustard Oil (for certain recipes)

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You can use mustard oil in recipes that specifically call for the pungency of Dijon mustard, but it's important to be aware that the flavor profile of mustard oil is quite intense and distinct. Mustard oil pairs well with robust and bold flavors in certain types of marinades, dressings, or sauces for hearty dishes(as they can stand up to its strong taste).

Additionally, experimenting with the balance of other ingredients, such as acids or sweeteners, can help achieve a well-rounded taste in other recipes. Mayonnaise for creaminess, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for tanginess, and honey for sweetness can offer a closer resemblance to the Dijon mustard.

10. Mustard-Flavored Mayonnaise

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By combining mayonnaise with either yellow or whole-grain mustard, you can create a flavorful alternative that captures some of the tanginess and creaminess associated with Dijon. This mustard-flavored mayonnaise can seamlessly replace Dijon mustard in a variety of recipes, such as sandwiches, salads, or dressings, providing a similar depth of flavor while maintaining a creamy texture.

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be added to the mix to introduce a hint of acidity. Many grocery stores also offer pre-made mustard-flavored mayonnaise or mustard-infused mayonnaise products that can serve as a quick and easy substitute for Dijon mustard in various recipes.

11. Spicy Relish Mixed with a bit of Vinegar

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The mix of spicy relish and a bit of vinegar may surprise you with spiciness and depth akin to that of Dijon mustard. The heat element of the spicy element of the spicy relish and the tanginess of vinegar are reminiscent of some varieties of Dijon mustard. 

Incorporating yellow or light brown color-contributing ingredients, such as turmeric or yellow mustard seeds, can further enhance the visual resemblance to Dijon mustard. Stir the mixture thoroughly to integrate the flavors, and if needed, adjust the consistency by adding more vinegar to achieve your preferred texture.

12. Mustard-Flavored Hot Pepper Sauce

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For dishes that demand both mustard's depth and spicy kick, mustard-flavored hot sauces can be the best choice to opt for. Mustard-flavored hot pepper sauce is readily available in most grocery stores and supermarkets and filling up your pantry can be life-saving when you go out of Dijon mustard. 

Also, switching to mustard-flavored hot pepper sauce can be a new flavorful twist to your normal day recipes. When used in salad dressings, marinades, or sandwich spreads, this substitute imparts a zesty and fiery flavor profile and its versatility allows it to seamlessly blend into recipes calling for Dijon mustard.