Substitutes for Mustard Seed

For all the best substitutes for mustard seed, check out this helpful list of alternate ingredients. Good for a spicy or pickling recipe. When you have a recipe that lists mustard seed as an ingredient and you do not have it, using a substitute or an alternate can be done. 

For alternatives when you do not have mustard seeds, this list includes so many choices to use in a pinch. You probably already have some in your pantry or refrigerator. There are many quick replacements that can be used instead. But if you don't, I have also shared a quick recipe for the best substitute for mustard seed when you need a strong or spicy flavorful alternate. 

Using any type of mustard seed in a recipe adds a pungent bite and endless flavor. The color of the mustard seed may or may not matter to the dish you are making. Either way, all of the alternatives outlined here today are great in all sorts of recipes that call for mustard seeds whether for cooking, pickling, or raw.

Jump to:

• What is Mustard Seed?
• What Does Mustard Seed Taste Like?
• Best Mustard Seed Substitutes for Cooking
• Black Mustard Seed Substitutes
• Brown Mustard Seed Substitutes
• Yellow (White) Mustard Seed Substitutes
• Best Substitutes for Pickling
• Best Spicy Substitutes
• Other Great Substitutes by Recipe Type
• Dijon or Yellow Mustard as a Substitute
• FAQ
• Best Homemade Substitute for Mustard Seeds

What is Mustard Seed?

Mustard seeds are the small colorful round seeds of various mustard plants. They can be one of 3 possible colors and range from mild to spicy in flavor or heat. They are used in a variety of condiments, spreads, and in many dishes native to India.

Mustard seeds add a lot of flavor even with a small amount to many Asian and Mediterranean dishes. Mustard seeds have many health benefits, including a good source of Vitamin C, K, & thiamin. They are a spice you should have in your pantry but when you don't - no worries, find something to use instead.

What Does Mustard Seed Taste Like?

Understanding what mustard seed tastes like and adds to a recipe, helps uncover the best alternatives to this classic spice. Your first thought about mustard seeds is that they are spicy. That is only a small part of the flavor profile that they lend to a recipe.

Mustard seeds offer complex flavors. They are nutty, aromatic, pungent, & can be spicy. They range from mild to strong in flavor. Plus how they are used lends to the level of heat, strength, & pungency. Toasting mustard seeds for example brings out the flavor in a subtle way resulting in a nuttier almost smoky flavor.

Best Mustard Seed Substitutes for Cooking

There are a few keys in substitute cooking. First, make sure you use the same flavor profile when using an alternate ingredient. Also, take into account more than just taste. Think of color, texture, allergies, & ease of use.

Below are the best substitutes you can use when a recipe calls for mustard seeds but you need to use something else. Whether you run out, cannot find any at the store, or have an allergy or aversion to mustard seeds, try one of these replacements instead.

Black Mustard Seed Substitutes

Black mustard seeds are the darkest in the color of the 3 types. They are used when you want pungent heat added to a recipe. They are referred to as black mustard seeds even though when you look closely they are dark brown with a reddish hue.

They are used mostly in Indian cooking and pickling. No matter what you use black mustard seeds for, here are some easy alternative ingredients to use instead.

• Brown Mustard Seeds - are not as strong or pungent but it's the ideal substitute for black mustard seeds. Use a 1:1 ratio.
• Yellow (White) Mustard Seeds - the mildest of the 3 colors of mustard seeds but still a great replacement. Because of the mild flavor, I suggest using more at a ratio of 1.5 teaspoons for every 1 teaspoon of black mustard seeds required.
• Mustard Powder - if no seeds are available, try the dry mustard powder. Use ¾ teaspoon of dry mustard powder per teaspoon of mustard seeds needed.

Brown Mustard Seed Substitutes

Of the 3 colors of mustard seeds, brown ones have a medium flavor. They are not as strong as the black seeds but spicier than the mild yellow/white mustard seeds.

They can be used in sauces, condiments, & spice blends. Most people consume brown mustard seeds in the condiment form, spicy brown or whole grain mustards. Also prevalent in Indian cooking.

• Black Mustard Seeds - are stronger in flavor but it's the ideal substitute for brown mustard seeds. Use a 1:1 ratio.
• Yellow (White) Mustard Seeds - the mildest of the 3 colors of mustard seeds but still a great replacement. Because of the mild flavor, I suggest using more at a ratio of 1.5 teaspoons for every 1 teaspoon of brown mustard seeds required.
• Mustard Powder - if no seeds are available, try the dry mustard powder. Use ¾ teaspoon of dry mustard powder per teaspoon of mustard seeds needed.

Yellow (White) Mustard Seed Substitutes

etc

Best Substitutes for Pickling

Mustard seeds are commonly used in pickling recipes. Both canning and refrigerator pickles may call for mustard seeds. I often like to throw a few extras in for added flavor when I reuse pickle brine to make more pickles.

Here are the best alternatives for mustard seeds when pickling. They work great in easy pickle recipes and other recipes thanks to the similar warm, spiced, & heat they lend to recipes.

• Coriander Seeds - most similar to mustard seeds and also used in most recipes for pickles. Use in a 1:1 ratio.
• Caraway Seeds - is another good alternative. Use in a 1:1 ratio.

Best Spicy Substitutes

If you are mixing mustard seeds into a recipe to add heat, these are the replacement ingredients to use. All of these alternatives to mustard seeds are spicy & pack a lot of flavor into a small amount. Depending on how much heat or flavor you want, here is what I recommend for a swap-out.

• Horseradish - freshly grated or store-bought horseradish packs a pungent heat similar to mustard. Use in a 1:1 ratio as a replacement for mustard seeds.
• Wasabi Paste or Powder - this root has a ton of pungent heat, similar to horseradish and spicy mustards. Depending on the heat level use a 1:1 ratio for wasabi paste for very spicy or use ½ as much for medium spicy. Use ¼ teaspoon of wasabi powder for every 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds.
• Prepared Spicy Mustard - if you need seeds for a recipe, prepared mustard can be one of the best substitutes. Use 1 teaspoon of prepared mustard for 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds.

Other Great Substitutes by Recipe Type

Here are the best alternative ingredients based on the type of recipe you are making that calls for mustard seeds. Find what you are making & you will have the recommended substitute.

Best Mustard Seed Substitute in Curry

Indian cooking, such as curries, often calls for mustard seeds. They are toasted in a pan many times to develop a lovely flavor. For example, my recipe for Zucchini, Potato, & Chickpea Curry calls for black mustard seeds.

If you do not have mustard seeds when making curry, here are a few substitutions that can be made.

• Cumin Seeds - has a strong and pungent flavor with notes of citrus. Use ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds for each teaspoon of mustard seeds as a substitute.
• Fenugreek Seeds - another common ingredient in Indian food. It is not spicy but gives a pungent & nutty flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio for substituting.

Best Mustard Seed Substitute in Condiments

If you are making homemade mustard or another condiment, mustard seeds may be a key ingredient. There is no true replacement for mustard seeds when making real whole-grain or smooth mustard.

However, if an aioli, honey mustard dressing, or barbecue sauce calls for mustard seeds, you can use an alternative. Here is what you can use instead of mustard seeds in mayonnaise, sauces, dressings, & condiments.

• Prepared Spicy Mustard - if you need seeds for a recipe, prepared mustard can be one of the best substitutes. Use 1 teaspoon of prepared mustard for 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds.
• Mustard Powder - if no seeds are available, try the dry mustard powder. Use ¾ teaspoon of dry mustard powder per teaspoon of mustard seeds needed.

Dijon or Yellow Mustard as a Substitute

Prepared mustard makes a good substitute for mustard seeds in some recipes. Whether you want to replace black or brown mustard seeds, try using spicy dijon mustard or stone ground mustard as an alternative. Brands such as Gulden's, Grey Poupon, or

If you want a mild flavor such as that from yellow/white mustard seeds, replace it with a prepared classic yellow mustard condiment like French or Heinz.

When replacing prepared mustard with mustard seeds in a recipe, use the following conversion: 1 teaspoon of prepared mustard instead of 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds.

FAQ