What Is Dry Mustard? (Uses, Substitutes + More)

Mustard is most famously known as being a wet, paste-like condiment that you can use in tons of ways in the kitchen.

If you’ve ever seen dry mustard, you might be wondering about what dry mustard is. I looked up the facts and here are some more things I discovered!

What Is Dry Mustard?

Dry mustard is powdered mustard seeds made by pulverizing and finely grinding mustard seeds. Dry mustard is also known as mustard powder, ground mustard, and sometimes English mustard. You can use dry mustard in spice rubs, soups, sauces, vinaigrettes, and more. You need to use liquid to activate the flavor of dry mustard.

How is dry mustard used? Is it the same as regular mustard? Find out more below!

What Is Dry Mustard Made Of?

Dry mustard is made up of ground mustard seeds, and the ground-up seeds themselves have no flavor.

Liquids need to be added to the mustard powder to release the oils that give dry mustard flavor and heat.

You can add any liquids you like, such as vinegar, wine, or beer, to the dry mustard.

What Are Good Substitutes For Dry Mustard?

Mustard seeds are the best substitutes for dry mustard by using a mortar and pestle to grind the mustard seeds into a powder.

Typically, this method may not produce finely ground-up powder, but it will have the closest taste and consistency to real dry mustard.

Another great alternative to dry mustard is wasabi powder, which has the same kick and overall taste, but wasabi powder is hotter and more pungent than dry mustard.

Additionally, horseradish powder is another great substitute, as horseradish powder comes from the same plant family as mustard.

However, you need to be careful when horseradish powder to your dishes because horseradish powder has a sourer taste than mustard powder.

You can also opt to substitute dry mustard with any prepared mustard you prefer., such as Dijon mustard or the classic American yellow mustard.

What Is The Difference Between Dry Mustard And Wet Mustard?

Dry mustard and wet mustard have different consistencies because dry mustard is a powder whereas wet mustard has a paste-like texture.

Additionally, dry mustard can be used as a seasoning while wet mustard is primarily used as a condiment.

Can You Use Dry Mustard Instead Of Wet Mustard?

Typically, dry mustard and wet mustard are not interchangeable in recipes. Dry mustard is best used in rubs and marinades, and dry mustard can work as an additional spice to flavor soups, sauces, and more.

On the other hand, wet mustard is more known to be used as a condiment, as a dip, or as dressings to salads.

If the recipe asks for dry mustard and you add wet mustard to it, dry mustard may affect the overall consistency and flavor of the dish.

What Is Dry Hot Mustard?

Dry hot mustard is dry mustard made from ground-up brown mustard seeds, and it is more commonly used now to make Chinese Hot mustard.

Dry hot mustard is essentially the same as dry mustard, just hotter and spicier. Additionally, dry hot mustard also has no added flavorings to it, just plain brown mustard powder.

What Is Dry Mustard Used For?

What Is Dry Mustard Used For?

Aside from being the main ingredient to making prepared mustard or wet mustard, dry mustard has a lot of uses.

Dry mustard is a great addition to spice rubs because you can add mustard to your normal mix of spice rubs for an additional tangy taste.

For example, salmon tastes great when rubbed with dry mustard, brown sugar, and a little dill. Beef and chicken also benefit from a rub made of dry mustard and various herbs.

Vinaigrettes are amazing with a sprinkle of dry mustard mixed with any oil, vinegar, or wine of your choice, especially if your vinaigrette is for a green salad.

Sauces and soups, such as those with cheese or heavy cream, are also taken to another level with a touch of dry mustard.

Aside from added flavor, the kick and tanginess of the dry mustard cut through the richness and fattiness of the sauces.

What Is The Shelf Life Of Dry Mustard?

Like all mustard varieties, dry mustard has a very long shelf life.

When stored under proper conditions, dry mustard can last up to 3 to 4 years at room temperature, sealed tightly and away from direct sunlight.

Dry mustard can also last indefinitely when refrigerated. This preserves the mustard’s quality and makes it last longer without losing its flavor or potency.

If you want to learn more about mustard powder, yellow mustard, and if mustard powder goes bad, take a look at our related articles.

Conclusion

Dry mustard can essentially be used as a spice, as flavoring, or used to make the condiment.

Dry mustard is a very versatile powder that has so many uses and is now used all over the world.

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