Yellow Mustard
A classic American condiment with a bright, tangy flavor and vibrant yellow hue. This homemade version is incredibly easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought. Perfect for slathering on hot dogs, burgers, and pretzels.
For 16 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Combine dry ingredients
- a.In a small, non-reactive saucepan, add the mustard powder, sugar, turmeric powder, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk thoroughly to combine and break up any lumps. This takes about 1 minute.
- 2
Whisk in wet ingredients
- a.Gradually pour in the cold water and white vinegar while whisking continuously. Continue to whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This should take about 2 minutes.
- 3
Cook the mustard
- a.Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly to prevent it from sticking or burning. Cook for 5-8 minutes, until the mustard thickens to the consistency of a thin pudding. It will thicken significantly more as it cools.
- 4
Cool and store
- a.Remove the pan from the heat and let the mustard cool completely to room temperature, about 30-45 minutes. Transfer the cooled mustard to a clean glass jar or squeeze bottle. For the best flavor, seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using to allow the sharp flavors to mellow and meld.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, let the mustard rest in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. This mellows out the initial sharpness.
- 2Whisking constantly while cooking is crucial to prevent the mustard from burning and creating lumps.
- 3The mustard will seem a bit thin when hot, but it thickens significantly as it cools. Don't be tempted to overcook it.
- 4Store your homemade mustard in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
- 5For an ultra-smooth texture, you can blend the cooled mustard in a small blender or with an immersion blender for 30 seconds.
- 6Use a non-reactive saucepan (like stainless steel or enamel) as the vinegar's acidity can react with materials like aluminum or copper.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Yellow Mustard
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other dry ingredients for a spicy kick.
Honey MustardHoney Mustard
Replace the granulated sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of honey. Add the honey after removing the mustard from the heat.
Herb MustardHerb Mustard
Stir in 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh dill or tarragon into the mustard after it has cooled.
Different VinegarsDifferent Vinegars
Experiment by replacing the white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang or white wine vinegar for a milder flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Mustard seeds are a good source of glucosinolates and selenium, while turmeric provides curcumin. These compounds act as antioxidants, helping to protect your body's cells from damage.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The curcumin in turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory compound. While the amount in one serving is small, regular consumption can contribute to an anti-inflammatory diet.
Low-Calorie Flavor
With only about 10-15 calories per tablespoon, yellow mustard is an excellent way to add a burst of flavor to foods without adding significant calories, fat, or sugar.
Frequently asked questions
One tablespoon (about 17g) of this homemade yellow mustard contains approximately 10-15 calories, making it a very low-calorie condiment.