Mustard sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate the flavor of many dishes, from grilled meats to sandwiches and roasted vegetables. Whether you prefer a creamy, tangy, or slightly sweet mustard sauce, making it at home is easier than you might think. In this article, we’ll explore different methods and recipes for making mustard sauce, so you can find the perfect one for your taste and cooking style.
What Is Mustard Sauce?
Mustard sauce is typically made by combining mustard (either prepared mustard or mustard powder) with other ingredients like vinegar, cream, honey, or herbs to create a flavorful sauce. It can be smooth or grainy, mild or sharp, and can be served warm or cold depending on the recipe.
Basic Ingredients You’ll Need
– Mustard (Dijon, grainy, or yellow mustard powder)
– Vinegar (white distilled or white wine vinegar)
– Cream or mayonnaise (for creamy versions)
– Sweeteners like honey or agave (optional)
– Spices such as garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper
– Olive oil (for emulsifying creamy sauces)
– Herbs like thyme or bay leaf (optional for warming flavors)
How to Make a Simple Creamy Mustard Sauce
One of the easiest ways to make mustard sauce is a creamy blend that pairs well with chicken, fish, or sandwiches.
Ingredients
– ½ cup mayonnaise or hummus
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl or food processor, combine mayonnaise or hummus, Dijon mustard, onion powder, paprika, lemon juice, and honey.
- While whisking or with the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil to emulsify the sauce until creamy.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed.
- For a thicker sauce, add more mayo or hummus; for thinner, add a bit more olive oil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
This method takes about 5 minutes and requires no cooking, making it perfect for a quick sauce.
How to Make a Classic French Mustard Sauce (Béchamel-Based)
For a warm, comforting mustard sauce, the French béchamel-based mustard sauce is a great choice. It’s excellent with chicken, fish, or toasted sandwiches.
Ingredients
– 15 grams butter
– 15 grams flour
– 250 ml milk
– 1 small shallot
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 twig of thyme
– 2 cloves
– Salt and pepper
– 3-4 tablespoons cream
– 1 tablespoon grain mustard
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
– 1 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pan, then stir in flour to make a roux; cook for 2 minutes.
- Cool the roux completely (chilling helps).
- Simmer milk with shallot halves (each studded with a clove), thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Strain half the milk into the roux off the heat and whisk to combine, then add the rest of the milk.
- Heat gently, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and lightly boils.
- Reduce heat, stir in cream, vinegar, and mustards. Avoid boiling after adding mustard.
- Adjust consistency with more cream if needed.
This sauce is rich, smooth, and full of flavor, perfect for elevating simple dishes.
How to Make Homemade Yellow Mustard (From Mustard Powder)
If you want to make mustard sauce starting from scratch, homemade yellow mustard is a great base.
Ingredients
– 1 cup cold water
– ¾ cup yellow dry mustard powder
– ¾ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon turmeric
– 1 teaspoon garlic purée or ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
– ⅛ teaspoon paprika
– ½ cup white distilled vinegar
Instructions
- Whisk water, mustard powder, salt, turmeric, garlic, and paprika in a non-reactive saucepan.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until thickened to a paste (30-45 minutes).
- Whisk in vinegar and cook until desired consistency (7-15 minutes).
- Cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months.
This mustard will be pungent at first but mellows with time. Use cold water and low heat to avoid bitterness.
Quick and Sweet Honey Mustard Sauce
For a fast and tasty honey mustard sauce, perfect as a dip or dressing:
Ingredients
– ¼ cup Dijon mustard
– ¼ cup honey
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
- Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate.
This sauce comes together in under 5 minutes and is a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Making the Best Mustard Sauce
– Use a non-reactive pan (stainless steel or enamel) when cooking mustard to avoid off-flavors.
– Adjust thickness by adding more cream, oil, or mayo depending on your preference.
– Let homemade mustard rest for a few days to mellow sharpness.
– Experiment with different mustards (Dijon, grainy, yellow) to find your favorite flavor profile.
– Add herbs and spices like thyme, paprika, or garlic powder for extra depth.
Making mustard sauce at home allows you to customize the flavor and texture to perfectly complement your meals.
Making mustard sauce is surprisingly simple and rewarding. Whether you want a creamy dip, a warm French sauce, or a tangy homemade mustard, these recipes offer a variety of delicious options to try. Enjoy experimenting and enhancing your dishes with this flavorful sauce!