Out of horseradish?

Horseradish substitutes

Find the best alternatives to horseradish for spicy condiments and sauces.

Use this

Wasabi

Use the same amount as the horseradish you are replacing

Best for When you want similar heat and pungency

Wasabi or mustard + hot sauce are the best substitutes for horseradish.

At a glance

Every horseradish substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Horseradish substitutes compared
#	Substitute	Instead of horseradish, use
1	Wasabi	Same amount
2	Mustard + Hot Sauce	1 tbsp mustard + ½ tsp hot sauce
3	Radish (Grated)	Same amount
4	Ginger + Mustard	½ tsp ginger + ½ tsp mustard
5	Black Pepper + Vinegar	½ tsp pepper + ½ tsp vinegar

Every horseradish substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

1. Wasabi
Use the same amount
Similar pungent, spicy flavor
What changes
Best for
When you want similar heat and pungency
Covers
Heat (pungency)
Aroma & flavour identity
Use the same amount as horseradish
2. Mustard + Hot Sauce
1 tbsp mustard + ½ tsp hot sauce
Tangy and spicy combination
What changes
Best for
When you want tangy heat
Covers
Heat (pungency)
Misses
Aroma & flavour identity — not covered
Mix mustard with hot sauce
3. Radish (Grated)
Use the same amount
Similar pungent flavor
What changes
Best for
When you want fresh, pungent taste
Covers
Aroma & flavour identity
Misses
Heat (pungency) — not covered
Grate fresh radish
4. Ginger + Mustard
½ tsp ginger + ½ tsp mustard
Spicy and tangy combination
What changes
Best for
When you want spicy tang
Covers
Heat (pungency)
Misses
Aroma & flavour identity — not covered
Mix grated ginger with mustard
5. Black Pepper + Vinegar
½ tsp pepper + ½ tsp vinegar
Simple spicy and tangy alternative
What changes
Best for
When you want simple heat
Covers
Heat (pungency)
Misses
Aroma & flavour identity — not covered
Mix black pepper with vinegar

What horseradish does in a recipe

Horseradish is a sinus-clearing pungency plus a sharp, mustardy smell, and the only real difference between the swaps below is whether they bring the burn, the smell, or just one of the two.

Tips for substituting horseradish

Horseradish has a sharp, pungent heat that hits the sinuses

Questions about horseradish substitutes

What's the difference between this ingredient and similar ones?

Fresh horseradish is much stronger and more pungent, while prepared horseradish is mixed with vinegar and other ingredients.

Why does horseradish make my eyes water?

Horseradish contains compounds that release volatile oils when cut, which irritate the eyes and nasal passages.

Need a different ingredient?

Browse the full index, or the rest of this category.

Browse all substitutes More spices & herbs

At a glance

Every horseradish substitute

1. Wasabi

2. Mustard + Hot Sauce

3. Radish (Grated)

4. Ginger + Mustard

5. Black Pepper + Vinegar