Substitute For Mustard seeds

Mustard seeds are the tiny seeds from the mustard plant and has many culinary uses. It is a vital spice to many regional cuisines.

If you find yourself without any mustard seeds, ground mustard or mustard powder there are replacements that you can go for.

There are different types of mustard seeds that is used for cooking. The intensity of the flavour depends on the colour and size of mustard seeds.

Regardless of the type, the underlying taste of mustard spice is similar with a slight variation in the strength depending on the variety of plant it comes from.

What Are The Best Substitute For Mustard Seeds

If you enjoy cooking, then I would surely recommend keeping them in hand as they are so easy to use.

The unique subtle taste of mustard seeds makes it difficult to replicate the flavour. If you do not have them then you can easily omit them for the recipe.

The alternative to mustard seeds depends on the type of mustard you wish to replace.

Substitute for Mustard Seeds

Option 1 – For a hint of pungency that mustard seeds brings to the dish you can substitute 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds with 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard powder or 1/2 teaspoon of mustard sauce.

Option 2 – For the crunch you get from mustard seeds add sesame seeds or poppy seeds instead.

Substitute for Ground Mustard

Option 1 – Horseradish

Option 2 – Wasabi

Substitute for Mustard Paste

Option 1 – Mustard powder soaked in water to make paste

Option 2 – Wasabi

Difference Between Mustard Seeds and Ground Mustard

It is clear that mustard seeds are the tiny whole seeds while ground mustard is when the whole seeds are ground into powder.

Ground mustard can be dry, wet or even pasty.

Taste

Mustard seed are less strong to taste and have a mellow flavour when compared to ground mustard or mustard sauce.

Texture

Ground mustard is smooth and powdery while mustard seeds are tiny round slippery seeds.

Usage

Mustard seeds are normally added to curries or dishes raw or tempered in oil.

Ground mustard can also be added raw or during the cooking process.

Can You Use Ground Mustard Instead of Seeds

You can easily substitute any type of mustard seeds ie. yellow, brown or black with whichever variety you have.

Apart from flavour the role of mustard seeds is to add texture to the dish.

However, when it comes to replacing seeds with ground mustard mustard the quantity of ground mustard used will be much lesser.

For example if the recipe suggests 1 tsp mustard seeds, you will need to replace it with 1/2 tsp ground mustard added during the cooking process as opposed to in warm oil like you would when you temper whole spices.

Best Food Pairings

Being a mild neutral spice, whole mustard seeds are versatile and goes well with most food items.

Best food pairing: green beans, cabbage, cauliflower, peas, potatoes, ginger,chicken, lamb, meat, eggs, seafood, rice, curries

Best spice pairing: asafoetida, cardamom, nigella seeds,sesame seeds, ground ginger, cloves, cumin seeds, dry chilies, coriander seeds

Where To Buy Mustard Seeds?

Depending on the type of seeds you wish to buy, you may have to choose the appropriate store.

Yellow seeds are available from most supermarkets.

You will have to visit an Indian or ethnic grocery store to get the brown or black variety.

Wherever you choose to buy them make sure it is from a trusted source.

Below is my recommended product to buy mustard seeds online.

How To Store Them

It is best to store them in an airtight container away from direct sunlight and humidity.

Well stored seeds will keep its character and flavour for a least 12 months.