🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Zatarain's Creole Mustard Substitute: Best Alternatives & Homemade Recipe

Find the best substitutes for Zatarain's Creole Mustard including whole grain mustard, homemade recipes, and store-bought alternatives. Learn how to recreate that authentic Louisiana flavor.

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Quick Answer

The best substitute for Zatarain's Creole Mustard is whole grain mustard (1:1) or homemade Creole mustard made with brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and spices. Stone ground mustard and German mustard also work well as direct replacements.

Best Substitutes

Whole Grain Mustard

1:1

Whole grain mustard is the closest match to Zatarain's Creole Mustard, offering the same coarse texture and spicy flavor profile that makes Zatarain's unique.

Best for:

po' boy sandwichesremoulade saucegumbojambalayapotato saladmarinades

This is the most authentic substitute for Zatarain's Creole Mustard. Look for brands with visible mustard seeds and similar spiciness level.

Homemade Zatarain's-Style Mustard

1:1

Make your own Creole mustard using brown mustard seeds, vinegar, and spices to closely replicate Zatarain's flavor profile and texture.

Best for:

authentic Creole cookingwhen you want exact flavor matchlarge quantitiesspecial occasions

Soak 1/2 cup brown mustard seeds overnight, drain, then grind coarsely. Mix with 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/8 tsp paprika.

Stone Ground Mustard

1:1

Stone ground mustard has the same coarse texture as Zatarain's and provides similar spiciness. It's made by grinding mustard seeds with a stone mill for authentic texture.

Best for:

sandwichesmarinadessaucescookingwhen you want authentic texture

Very similar to Zatarain's in both texture and flavor. Look for brands that use brown mustard seeds for the closest match.

German Mustard

1:1

German mustard has a coarse texture and spicy flavor similar to Zatarain's Creole Mustard. It's typically made with a combination of brown and yellow mustard seeds.

Best for:

sandwichesmarinadessaucescookingwhen you want European-style coarse mustard

Similar texture and spiciness to Zatarain's. Works well as a substitute in most applications where you need that coarse, spicy mustard flavor.

Dijon Mustard + Horseradish + Spices

1:1 with 1 tsp horseradish per 2 tbsp Dijon

Mix Dijon mustard with prepared horseradish and Creole spices to recreate Zatarain's complex flavor profile and spiciness.

Best for:

sandwichesmarinadessauceswhen you need quick substitutecooking applications

Add 1 tsp prepared horseradish, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/8 tsp paprika per 2 tbsp Dijon mustard for closest match to Zatarain's.

Tabasco Brand Creole Mustard

1:1

Tabasco also makes a Creole mustard that's very similar to Zatarain's. It has the same Louisiana roots and similar flavor profile.

Best for:

authentic Creole cookingwhen you want Louisiana brandall applicationsdirect replacement

Tabasco's Creole mustard is made in Louisiana and has a very similar flavor profile to Zatarain's. It's often available in the same stores.

Brown Mustard + Hot Sauce

1:1 with 1-2 tsp hot sauce per 2 tbsp mustard

Mix brown mustard with Louisiana-style hot sauce to add the spiciness and complexity that makes Zatarain's Creole Mustard unique.

Best for:

when you have brown mustard on handquick substitutecooking applicationsmarinades

Add Louisiana-style hot sauce like Tabasco or Crystal to brown mustard for extra heat. Start with 1 tsp and adjust to taste.

Yellow Mustard + Creole Seasoning + Hot Sauce

1:1 with 1 tsp Creole seasoning and 1 tsp hot sauce per 2 tbsp mustard

Mix yellow mustard with Creole seasoning and hot sauce to create a quick substitute that captures some of Zatarain's flavor complexity.

Best for:

emergency substitutewhen other options unavailablebasic applicationsquick cooking

This is a basic substitute that won't have the authentic texture but can work in a pinch. Use Zatarain's Creole Seasoning if available.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Zatarain's Creole Mustard is essential for authentic po' boy sandwiches - use whole grain mustard as the best substitute
  • 💡For authentic remoulade sauce, combine your substitute with mayonnaise, pickles, and Zatarain's Creole Seasoning
  • 💡When making gumbo, add your Zatarain's substitute during the last 10 minutes of cooking for authentic Louisiana flavor
  • 💡Zatarain's Creole Mustard works great in marinades for shrimp, crawfish, and chicken - let marinate for at least 30 minutes
  • 💡For authentic Creole potato salad, mix your substitute with mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, and Zatarain's Creole Seasoning
  • 💡Zatarain's adds depth to jambalaya - stir in during the last 5 minutes of cooking
  • 💡When making Creole-style coleslaw, use your substitute in the dressing along with vinegar and sugar
  • 💡For grilled fish or chicken, brush with a mixture of your substitute, olive oil, and Zatarain's Creole Seasoning
  • 💡Zatarain's Creole Mustard is perfect for making dipping sauces - mix with mayonnaise and a splash of hot sauce
  • 💡Store homemade Zatarain's-style mustard in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for best flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for Zatarain's Creole Mustard?

Whole grain mustard is the best substitute for Zatarain's Creole Mustard as it has the same coarse texture and spicy flavor. Stone ground mustard and homemade Creole mustard are also excellent alternatives.

Can I make Zatarain's Creole Mustard at home?

Yes, soak 1/2 cup brown mustard seeds overnight, drain, then grind coarsely. Mix with 1/4 cup white vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, and 1/8 tsp paprika. Let sit for 24 hours before using.

Is Tabasco Creole Mustard similar to Zatarain's?

Yes, Tabasco's Creole Mustard is very similar to Zatarain's as both are Louisiana brands with similar flavor profiles. It can be used as a direct 1:1 substitute.

What makes Zatarain's Creole Mustard different from regular mustard?

Zatarain's Creole Mustard is coarse-ground with visible mustard seeds and has added spices like garlic powder and cayenne pepper. It's specifically made for Creole and Cajun cuisine with a unique Louisiana flavor profile.

Can I use Dijon mustard instead of Zatarain's Creole Mustard?

Dijon alone won't work, but you can mix Dijon with prepared horseradish and Creole spices to get closer to Zatarain's flavor. Add 1 tsp horseradish, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/8 tsp cayenne per 2 tbsp Dijon.

Where can I buy Zatarain's Creole Mustard?

Zatarain's Creole Mustard is available at most grocery stores in the condiment aisle, specialty food stores, and online retailers. It's often found near other Zatarain's products or in the international foods section.

What's the difference between Zatarain's and other Creole mustards?

Zatarain's has a specific spice blend and texture that's unique to their brand. Other Creole mustards may have slightly different spice combinations, but they're generally very similar in flavor and texture.

Can I substitute yellow mustard for Zatarain's Creole Mustard?

Yellow mustard can work as a basic substitute if you add Creole seasoning and hot sauce, but it won't have the authentic texture or flavor complexity of Zatarain's Creole Mustard.

How long does Zatarain's Creole Mustard last?

Zatarain's Creole Mustard lasts 1-2 years unopened and 6-12 months after opening when refrigerated. Check the expiration date on the bottle for specific guidance.

Is Zatarain's Creole Mustard gluten-free?

Most Zatarain's products, including their Creole Mustard, are gluten-free, but always check the label for the most current information as ingredients can change.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for Zatarain's Creole Mustard including whole grain mustard, homemade recipes, and store-bought alternatives. Learn how to recreate that authentic Louisiana flavor.