Mustard Powder Explained: What is It and How to Use It?

Author: Joost Nusselder, author of The Essential Japanese meal planner cookbook Updated September 17, 2022

What is mustard powder?

Ground mustard is also called powdered mustard, mustard powder or mustard flour. It is made by grinding mustard seeds and then sifting the seed coat out to leave a fine powder behind. This powder is not as pungent or potent as whole mustard seeds.

It’s a strong flavor so you only need a little mustard powder to get the desired effect. Plus, it’s easy to store and lasts a long time. Let’s look at what mustard powder is, how it’s used, and why you should add it to your cooking.

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Mustard Powder: A Flavorful Spice for Your Kitchen

Mustard powder is a dry, finely ground spice made from mustard seeds. It is typically made from white or brown mustard seeds, which are ground into a fine powder. This powder is then mixed with additional ingredients, such as turmeric, saffron, or other flavorings, to create the perfect flavor.

What are the Benefits of Using Mustard Powder?

Mustard powder is a great spice to add to a variety of foods. It brings a spicy, hot flavor to dishes and can be used in a variety of recipes. Some of the benefits of using mustard powder include:

• Adding flavor to grilled meats and vegetables
• Mixing with mayonnaise or other condiments to create a spicy spread
• Adding to salad dressings for an extra kick
• Using as a substitute for fresh mustard in recipes
• Easily stored in containers for long-term use

What Exactly is Dry Mustard Powder?

Dry mustard powder is a type of spice that is commonly found in the grocery store. It is made by grinding the seeds of the mustard plant into a fine powder. Unlike wet mustard, which involves mixing the powder with water or vinegar to create a spread or sauce, dry mustard is simply the ground-up mustard seeds.

The Different Types of Mustard Powder

There are different types of mustard powder available, depending on the type of mustard seed used and how it is prepared. Some common types of mustard powder include:

• Yellow mustard powder: This is the most common type of mustard powder and is typically used in making yellow mustard.
• Brown mustard powder: This type of mustard powder is made from brown mustard seeds and has a stronger, more pronounced flavor than yellow mustard powder.
• Dijon mustard powder: This type of mustard powder is based on the French-style Dijon mustard and is typically a bit hotter than regular yellow mustard powder.

How to Use Dry Mustard Powder

Dry mustard powder can be used in a variety of recipes to add flavor and spice. Here are some ways to use it:

• Add it to dressings and sauces: Dry mustard powder can be added to salad dressings, marinades, and sauces to give them a little kick.
• Use it in recipes: Dry mustard powder can be used in recipes for things like deviled eggs, potato salad, and macaroni and cheese to add flavor.
• Create your own mustard: You can mix dry mustard powder with vinegar, water, and other ingredients to create your own mustard.

Mustard Powder Substitutes

If you don’t have mustard powder on hand or simply don’t like the taste, there are several substitutes you can use instead. Some common substitutes include:

• Prepared mustard: This is the wet version of mustard and can be used in place of dry mustard powder in most recipes.
• Mustard seeds: If you have whole mustard seeds, you can grind them up in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle to create your own mustard powder.
• Horseradish: This is a spicy root vegetable that can be used in place of mustard powder to add heat and flavor to foods.

The Final Word on Dry Mustard Powder vs Wet Mustard

While dry mustard powder and wet mustard are both made from the same core ingredient, they are quite different in terms of flavor and how they are used. Dry mustard powder is a great spice to have in your kitchen if you want to add a little heat and spice to your foods. Wet mustard, on the other hand, is typically used as a condiment or spread and can be found in a bottle or jar in the grocery store. Whether you prefer dry or wet mustard depends on your personal taste and the recipe you are creating.

Mustard Powder in Cooking: Adding Spice and Flavor to Your Dishes

Mustard powder is an excellent ingredient to include in homemade dressings and sauces. Here are some helpful tips for creating a spicy and tangy sauce:

• Combine mustard powder with mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce to gain stability and richness.
• Add a pinch of mustard powder to vinaigrette to help bind the ingredients together.
• Mix mustard powder with pickle juice or sugar to create a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Use mustard powder as a rub for chicken or baked foods to add a spicy kick.

Adding Mustard Powder to Your Culinary Creations

Mustard powder is a versatile spice that can be added to a variety of dishes to enhance their flavor. Here are some examples:

• Include mustard powder in a spice blend for a tangy and spicy flavor.
• Use mustard powder in a salad dressing to give it a little kick.
• Add mustard powder to a homemade mayonnaise for a tangy flavor.
• Mix mustard powder with ground garlic and onion for a spicy and flavorful seasoning.
• Remember to start with a small amount of mustard powder and increase as desired to avoid overpowering the dish.

Dry Mustard vs “Wet” Mustard: What’s the Difference?

Dry mustard is simply ground mustard seeds that have been dried. It comes in a fine or coarse powder form and is known for its sharp, spicy flavor. Here are some things to keep in mind when using dry mustard:

• Dry mustard is a great substitute for prepared mustard when you don’t have any on hand.
• It can be combined with water to create a paste that can be added to recipes.
• The level of spiciness can vary significantly depending on the type of mustard seeds used and how finely the powder is ground.
• Dry mustard is a common ingredient in American cuisine, often used in meat rubs, salad dressings, and sauces.
• It contains no liquids, so it has a long shelf life and can be stored in a cool, dry place.

“Wet” Mustard

“Wet” mustard, also known as prepared mustard, is a condiment made by blending ground mustard seeds with liquids such as vinegar, water, or wine. Here are some things to keep in mind when using “wet” mustard:

• There are many different types of “wet” mustard available, including yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and honey mustard.
• The flavor can range from mild and sweet to robust and zesty.
• The color can vary from pale yellow to dark brown, depending on the type of mustard seeds used and the liquids added.
• The texture can range from smooth and creamy to coarse and grainy, depending on how the mustard seeds are crushed or ground.
• “Wet” mustard is a common condiment for burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.
• It reduces the need for other liquids in recipes and can help balance the flavor of a dish.

Which One Should You Use?

The type of mustard you use in a recipe depends on the desired flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you decide:

• Dry mustard is perfect for recipes that need a sharp, spicy flavor, such as meat rubs and sauces.
• “Wet” mustard is great for recipes that need a liquid component, such as salad dressings and marinades.
• If you want to substitute one for the other, keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
• If you’re going for a traditional American flavor, yellow mustard is a good choice.
• Dijon mustard is a good substitute for dry mustard in recipes that call for a fine powder.
• Honey mustard is a good substitute for “wet” mustard in recipes that need a sweet flavor.
• If you’re not sure which type of mustard to use, start with a small amount and add more as needed until you achieve the desired flavor.

Mustard Powder: A Powerful Addition to Your Health Arsenal?

Yes, mustard powder is a healthy addition to your diet. Here are some of the potential health benefits:

• Rich in glucosinolates: Mustard powder contains compounds called glucosinolates, which have been found to offer significant protection against cancer.
• Antioxidant properties: Mustard powder contains antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage and prevent certain types of cancer.
• Low in calories: Mustard powder is a low-calorie condiment, making it a great addition to your meals if you’re watching your calorie intake.
• Heart protection: Mustard powder has been found to lower blood sugar levels and facilitate DNA synthesis, which suggests it may be beneficial for heart health.
• Contains selenium: Mustard powder contains selenium, a mineral that is needed for proper body function and has been found to offer protection against cancer.

What Does the Science Say?

Research shows that mustard powder contains powerful compounds that can effectively help prevent certain types of cancer. One study found that the glucosinolates in mustard powder may be particularly beneficial in preventing cancer of the colon and rectum. Another study suggests that the antioxidant properties of mustard powder may help protect against damage to human host cells.

How Can You Add Mustard Powder to Your Diet?

Mustard powder is a versatile condiment that can be added to a variety of dishes. Here are some simple ways to incorporate it into your diet:

• Use it as a spice rub for meat or vegetables.
• Add a dash to salad dressings or marinades.
• Mix it with honey to make a sweet and spicy glaze for chicken or fish.
• Sprinkle it on roasted Brussels sprouts for added flavor.
• Use it as a remedy for sore throats by mixing it with warm water to make a paste.

Are There Any Risks?

While mustard powder is generally considered safe, some people may be allergic to it. Additionally, because it contains a compound called sinigrin, which can be converted into a sugar molecule, people with diabetes should consume it in moderation.

Conclusion

So there you have it- mustard powder is a spice made from mustard seeds, used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. 

It’s not as strong as mustard paste, but it’s much easier to use. I hope this guide has been helpful and you now know a little more about mustard powder.

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Bitemybun's family recipes with complete meal planner and recipe guide.

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Joost Nusselder, the founder of Bite My Bun is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with Japanese food at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.