🍯 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.

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

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.