How to Make Homemade Mustard: Simple Mustard Recipe

Mustard is a popular condiment made from the seeds of the mustard plant, members of the Brassica and Sinapis genera. Mustard seeds are sold whole, ground, or bruised. There are three primary types of mustard seeds:

• White mustard seeds, also known as yellow mustard seeds (Sinapis alba), are the mildest mustard seed. White mustard seeds are the primary ingredient in the mild yellow mustard commonly used to top hot dogs.
• Brown mustard seeds, also known as Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). The spicier brown seeds are the primary ingredient in Dijon mustard and spicy brown mustard (aka deli mustard).
• Black mustard seeds (Brassica nigra) are typically used whole in Indian cuisine or blended with white and brown mustard seeds, since they are the hottest of all the mustard seed varieties.

You can make homemade mustard using ground mustard seeds or powdered mustard (a blend of ground mustard powder, turmeric, and wheat flour). To make mustard, combine the seeds or powder with an acidic liquid, such as white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, beer, or lemon juice. The liquid helps the mustard achieve a spreadable consistency, and the acid tames the mustard’s heat.

Here are some easy ways to incorporate mustard into your cooking.

1. 1. Add to salad dressings: Mustard is a popular addition to vinaigrette for the burst of tangy flavor it adds and the emulsification properties of mustard seeds, which help keep the oil and vinegar from separating.
2. 2. Add to glazes: Combine homemade mustard with brown sugar, raw honey, or maple syrup (1 part mustard to 2 parts sweetener) and brush the mustard mixture onto baked chicken thighs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
3. 3. Make honey mustard: Combine mustard with honey in a 1:1 ratio to make an easy honey mustard dipping sauce.
4. 4. Add to barbecue sauce: In South Carolina, the predominant style of barbecue is pork slathered in a mustard-based sauce. You can make your own South Carolina–style barbecue sauce by diluting homemade mustard with extra vinegar. Learn more about mastering the art of barbecue from world-class pitmaster Aaron Franklin.