As far as condiments go, mustard is one of the most versatile—and Dijon mustard is the most versatile in the family, lending its creamy texture and peppery flavor to just about anything and everything. You can spread it over sandwiches to add a burst of acidity or whisk it into a vinaigrette to take your salad up a notch. Once you know how to use it, you’ll find Dijon mustard makes a positive impact on so many of your everyday recipes.
One of the easiest ways to start playing with mustards in your cooking is to add them to sauces and vinaigrettes. Mustard adds to a vinaigrette in two ways: It adds heat, flavor and dimension, and it helps emulsify or thicken the dressing.
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It Makes Breading Better
One of our favorite ways to use Dijon is when breading meat, fish, or vegetables before baking or frying. The mustard helps breadcrumbs or panko stick to whatever youre breading, and it also adds a bit of extra flavor.
If youre following a more traditional breading method using flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, consider adding a spoonful of Dijon to the egg wash. It’ll add a subtle flavor to the final dish.
Smooth or Grainy
Dijon can be smooth or grainy—both are staples in our kitchens. The smooth, creamy varieties tend to be a little sharper overall in terms of flavor—a conservative amount adds a lot of punch. Whole-grain varieties still have some of the whole mustard seeds intact, so the flavor is slightly milder, with hints of bright acidity as the seeds burst.
The 5 Must-Have Mustards
FAQ
What is mustard most commonly used for?
How do you use prepared mustard?
What is yellow mustard good on?
What do you use mustard for?
I use it in everything from macaroni and cheese to salad dressing to sauces to marinades. It adds brightness, acidity and dimension to all kinds of dishes. Let’s explore the power and potential of mustard. What is mustard made of? The mustard plant is a member of the brassica family, which includes broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower.
How can mustard be consumed?
Mustard can be consumed as a dressing in sandwiches, hamburgers, and hot dogs. It can also be used as a main ingredient in sauces and as a flavoring in preparations.
How do you use English mustard?
English mustard is best bought in powdered form and mixed with cold water about 15 minutes prior to use, to unleash its full flavor and heat. Type of mustard seed: Yellow and brown. Heat level: High, but not as hot as Chinese hot mustard. Use: In sandwiches, roasts, or sauces. English mustard is just one variety of hot mustard.
What kind of mustard is used in Indian cooking?
Most commercial mustard is made with white (yellow) or brown seeds — or a mixture of both. Black mustard seeds are rarely used in these blends but rather sold whole, typically in Indian and international markets, as they’re common in Indian cooking.