Out of Dijon, one case
Can you substitute yellow mustard for Dijon?
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Yellow mustard
1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of Dijon
Yes, in the same amount. Yellow mustard is milder, tangier and brighter in color, so dressings and sauces taste a little sharper with vinegar and less hot with mustard. For a closer match, stir ¼ teaspoon of dry mustard powder into each tablespoon of yellow mustard.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- The tweak —
- Taste before adding other acid; yellow mustard is more vinegary than Dijon.
- Best for —
- vinaigrettes and marinades
- Pantry —
- Likely in your cupboard
One casethe full Dijon mustard card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of 1 tbsp Dijon | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yellow mustardvinaigrettes and marinades | 1 tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Yellow mustard + dry mustardcream sauces and pan sauces | 1 tbsp + ¼ tsp mustard powderTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Spicy brown mustardsauces and glazes | 1 tbspWorks | Works |
| 4 | Honey mustardglazes | 1 tbspYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
Yellow mustard
milder and more sour; bright yellow
Made from milder yellow seeds with vinegar and turmeric. It emulsifies a dressing as well as Dijon does.
- Best for
- vinaigrettes and marinades, potato salad, deviled eggs and sandwiches, glazes for ham and chicken
- Prep
- Taste before adding other acid; yellow mustard is more vinegary than Dijon.
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Pan sauces and French dishes where the wine-like sharpness of Dijon is the main flavor.
Yellow mustard + dry mustard
closer to Dijon in bite
Mustard powder adds the heat yellow mustard lacks.
- Best for
- cream sauces and pan sauces, mac and cheese, dressings
- Prep
- Stir together and let it stand 5 minutes for the heat to develop.
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Nothing in particular.
Spicy brown mustard
a little earthier, slightly grainy
Made with brown seeds like Dijon, so the heat is similar. It is coarser and a shade darker.
- Best for
- sauces and glazes, sandwiches and sausages
- Suits
- vegan
- Where it fails
- Smooth pale sauces, where the specks show.
Honey mustard
sweet
Mustard that is already sweetened.
- Best for
- glazes, chicken marinades
- Prep
- Leave out or reduce any honey or sugar in the recipe.
- Where it fails
- Vinaigrettes and savory sauces that should not be sweet.
Tips for substituting Dijon
4 tips- In a vinaigrette, 1 tsp of any prepared mustard holds about ¼ cup of oil in emulsion; the swap does not affect that.
- For color-sensitive sauces, expect a brighter yellow from the turmeric in yellow mustard.
- A few drops of white wine or white wine vinegar bring yellow mustard closer to Dijon in a pan sauce.
- Going the other way is also one for one: Dijon for yellow gives a sharper, less sour result.
Questions
4 questionsIs yellow mustard the same as Dijon?
No. Dijon is made with brown mustard seeds and white wine or verjuice, so it is hotter and less sour. Yellow mustard uses milder seeds, vinegar and turmeric.
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon in salad dressing?
Yes, the same amount. The dressing emulsifies the same way and tastes a little tangier.
Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon in a marinade?
Yes. The difference is hard to notice once the meat is cooked.
How do I make yellow mustard taste like Dijon?
Add ¼ teaspoon of dry mustard powder and a few drops of white wine or white wine vinegar per tablespoon.