When a recipe calls for Dijon mustard and you don’t have any on hand, you may be wondering if you can substitute ground mustard instead. The good news is that yes, you can use ground mustard as a replacement for Dijon in most recipes. While they are not exactly the same, ground mustard makes a perfectly acceptable substitute in a pinch.
What is Dijon Mustard?
Dijon mustard originated in Dijon, France and is known for its pale yellow color and tangy, spicy flavor. It is made from brown or black mustard seeds mixed with unfermented grape juice, salt, water, white wine, and other spices and ingredients. The mustard seeds lend Dijon its signature pungent and robust flavor.
Traditional Dijon mustard has a smooth, creamy texture. It can range from mild to very spicy depending on the type and quantity of mustard seeds used. Dijon is a very versatile mustard used in many culinary applications such as salad dressings, marinades, sandwiches, dips and more.
What is Ground Mustard?
Ground mustard is simply made from crushed or ground mustard seeds. The two most common types are yellow mustard seeds, which produce a milder mustard, and brown or black mustard seeds which impart a spicier, more pungent flavor.
Ground mustard can come in powdered, crushed or whole grain forms. Powdered ground mustard has the finest texture, while whole grain mustard contains some larger pieces of crushed mustard seeds. The mustard seeds may be combined with other ingredients like spices, salt, oil or vinegar to create different types of prepared mustard.
Compared to Dijon, ground mustard typically has a stronger, spicier and more pungent flavor. It also has a thicker, grainier texture and may have some visible specks of mustard seeds. The intensity depends on the type of mustard seeds used.
Substituting Ground Mustard for Dijon
In most recipes, ground mustard can be used in place of Dijon mustard without drastically altering the end result. However, there are some differences to keep in mind:
- Ground mustard is spicier and more intensely flavored than Dijon. Use about half the amount of ground mustard as you would Dijon to achieve a similar flavor level.
- Dijon has a smooth, creamy texture while ground mustard is grainier. The texture of your finished dish may be slightly different.
- Dry ground mustard works best as a sub in dressings, marinades and sauces. Prepared ground mustard with vinegar or oil can be used for spreads and sandwiches.
- If the recipe already contains dry mustard powder, you may need to reduce or omit additional ground mustard as a Dijon sub to prevent the flavor from becoming overpowering.
- For recipes where Dijon’s flavor really stands out, like honey mustard dressing or chicken with Dijon sauce, you may want to use real Dijon if possible for the best results.
Ground Mustard Substitution Ratios
Here are some recommended substitution ratios when using ground mustard in place of Dijon:
| Dijon Mustard | Ground Mustard Substitute |
|---|---|
| 1 teaspoon | 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard |
| 1 tablespoon | 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard |
| 2 tablespoons | 1 tablespoon ground mustard |
| 1/4 cup | 2 tablespoons ground mustard |
As you can see, use about half as much ground mustard as the amount of Dijon called for. You can then adjust to taste after making the dish to get the flavor just right.
Other Possible Dijon Substitutes
In a pinch, there are a few other ingredients that can work as stand-ins for Dijon mustard:
- Yellow Mustard – The most common replacement, yellow mustard has a milder flavor than Dijon but can work well in many recipes.
- Spicy Brown Mustard – Has more bite than yellow but less than Dijon, so it makes a good flavor compromise.
- Horseradish – Grated fresh horseradish or prepared horseradish sauce provides tangy heat similar to Dijon.
- Wasabi – The hot Japanese horseradish imparts a sharp, spicy flavor like Dijon.
- Mayonnaise – While it gives a different texture, mayo can provide acidity and richness when Dijon is unavailable.
Tips for Using Ground Mustard
Here are some tips to ensure success when using ground mustard:
- Always start with a small amount of ground mustard and add more to taste. Its flavor can become overpowering.
- Mix the ground mustard with a little water, oil, vinegar or other liquid before adding to help evenly distribute its flavor.
- Add ground mustard at the end of cooking whenever possible to retain its flavor and prevent bitterness.
- Prepared ground mustard contains spices and vinegar that give it a longer shelf life than dry ground mustard powder alone.
- Store both dry and prepared ground mustards in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator to prevent loss of flavor and quality over time.
- Ground mustard has a shorter shelf life than whole mustard seeds. Use within 3-4 months for best flavor.
Sample Recipes Using Ground Mustard
BBQ Chicken with Mustard Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1⁄4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1⁄2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper
- 6 bone-in chicken thighs
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper until combined. Set aside.
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake chicken at 400°F for 20 minutes. Flip thighs and brush with 1/4 of the mustard sauce. Bake 20 more minutes.
- Brush chicken with more sauce and bake 5-10 more minutes until cooked through and nicely glazed.
- Serve chicken topped with extra mustard sauce.
Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or 1 1/2 tsp ground mustard)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth and combined.
- Taste and adjust flavors as desired. Add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for acidity.
- Toss with mixed greens, chicken, fish, or use as a veggie dip.
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Conclusion
While Dijon and ground mustard are not identical, ground mustard can be used in most recipes that call for Dijon in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the amounts, adding less ground mustard than Dijon for a comparable flavor level. Ground mustard also has a stronger, spicier taste profile so the end result may have a different mustard kick.
For best results, look for ways to complement the bolder ground mustard like pairing it with sweet ingredients like honey or maple syrup. And as always, taste and tweak any recipe as needed when substituting to get the perfect mustard flavor.