Dijon mustard is commonly called for in recipes like sauces and dressings. It’s got a unique flavor profile that is best described as pungent with a lot of heat. Becuase of this, it gives these recipes an attention-grabbing kick of flavor. However, I don’t use Dijon that often as it’s not a staple in my fridge. So it kinda sucks when a recipe actually calls for it. Luckily enough, many items already in your fridge are good Dijon mustard substitutes.
Here is a list of food staples that are perfect for when your Dijon mustard goes M.I.A. in the middle of a recipe that calls for it.
1. Yellow Mustard
This seems like a no-brainer, but yes, you can use the classic, American yellow mustard to substitute Dijon. Yellow has a tarter taste than Dijon, but it’s not as tangy. So it’s a great option if you’re not a fan of spicy foods.
Because of its mellower flavor, you can use yellow mustard in any dish that calls for Dijon mustard. However, it is especially useful if you are using it as a substitute for emulsifiers. Dijon and yellow both have similar creamy properties, so it helps the water and oil components of a sauce combine together.
2. Honey Mustard
Honey mustard is another great alternative to use in place of Dijon. Obviously, it’s going to be sweeter, but it’s perfect if you have more of a sweet tooth versus a love for hot dishes.
If you’re using chicken or pork-based recipes, then honey mustard would be a better substitution based on its flavor pairing with these foods. Not to mention, it is delicious with potato dishes (#tbt to chicken tenders, French fries, and honey mustard from the kid’s menu).
3. Wasabi
If you like the spiciness of Dijon mustard, then wasabi is a more suitable replacement. It actually packs more heat than Dijon, so you may want to add less wasabi than was called for Dijon. As wasabi does not have the same saucy composition (and a higher spice-to-size ratio), only use it in recipes that need Dijon for flavor, not as the main creamy component.
4. Egg Yolks
Shockingly, eggs whites can be used as a replacement for Dijon mustard. Just add the same amount of egg white that was called for Dijon into your recipe.
As previously mentioned, Dijon mustard is commonly added to certain sauces to help the oil and water combine better. If you needed Dijon for that purpose, but didn’t have any, then egg whites would be a better substitute. The proteins in the whites help make these recipes cream together.
5. Spicy Brown Mustard
Spicy brown mustard is another great Dijon alternative if you enjoy spicy foods. The brown seeds are soaked in less vinegar before processing, so you are left with a condiment with a ton of bite. Becuase of its processing, spicy brown mustard also has the same texture as Dijon.
The best recipes to substitute spicy brown for Dijon are ones with deli meats. Its strong flavor pairs well with meats like sausage and roast beef.
6. Mayonnaise
If you’re not a fan of spicy foods—like, at all—then mayonnaise is the perfect substitute for you. Both mayo and Dijon do contain vinegar, so you will still have that tangy flavor. By using real mayo, you will have another great emulsifier for recipes that call for the combination of water and oil.
The next time you run out of Dijon mustard (or could use a vegan substitute), try one of these food items. There is really something for every taste and preference.