Horseradish is a root vegetable native to Europe and Western Asia but is most commonly consumed as a thick sauce. The vegetable becomes much more pungent when broken down and becomes a lot more versatile.
It is commonly used for condiments and sauces for dishes that involve seafood or delicate red meat such as beef short ribs. It can even be incorporated into dressings and mayo for simpler foods such as sandwiches and salads.
Though horseradish is a fantastic ingredient for a multitude of occasions, not many people have it in stock. Fortunately, a great array of substitutes brings the very strong, bold nature of horseradish in a more accessible way.
Our 3 Substitutes for Horseradish
Horseradish has a very distinct flavour, introducing a level of spice that is hard to miss.
Often incorporated into meals that are a little dull or are lacking in spice, horseradish’s taste is strong enough to power through other strong flavours without completely ruining the dish.
Here are our top 3 substitutions for horseradish:
1) Mustard
There are many different types of mustard that can substitute horseradish depending on what you are cooking and how spicy you like your dishes.
Brown mustard specifically has a spice level that is similar to that of horseradish and makes the closest flavour replacement for horseradish. Just like horseradish, you only need a little bit to introduce a big punch of flavour and spice. Brown mustard works well in any dish that requires a bit of creaminess as well, such as in marinades or if you want to make a spicy sauce of your own to go with otherwise less flavourful meats.
On the other hand, honey mustard brings a more diluted level of spice that also incorporates a tangy sweetness. This type of mustard is great for savoury dishes that already have plenty of spice but could do with an extra hint of tang.
Honey mustard is one of the easier-to-find mustard varieties and will cost the same amount or less than horseradish, so it is ideal if you are on a budget.
Don’t Overdo It
Mustard can overpower a dish quickly, especially if you are using one of the more intense types. It’s better to add just a little bit at first and add more as seems fit.
2) Wasabi Paste
Commonly paired with sushi and sashimi, wasabi paste brings an immediate kick of spice to any dish. Just like horseradish, wasabi paste is easily incorporated into a dish and really only requires a tiny pinch to transform a meal.
Wasabi paste is made using wasabi peas and, as such will give a very different aesthetic to your dish. It also tends to be a little more textured than horseradish because of these peas, so be aware of a slight crunch if used in a sauce.
A Little Goes A Long Way
Wasabi paste tends to have a more concentrated amount of spice. This means you should only use a tiny bit alongside your meal.
3) Ginger
Ginger is extremely common and is available in a range of forms. However, the best ginger to use when replacing horseradish is either ginger puree or ginger powder as they will have a more intense heat to them.
Though ginger can create the same spice level when used in moderate amounts, ginger’s mild sweetness can make your food even more dynamic than horseradish. The options are unlimited when it comes to what you can do with ginger.
Use to Cleanse the Palate
What’s so great about ginger is that it can be picked at home or bought at the store, and serves to be a fantastic palate cleanser. Pickled ginger truly brings out the sweetness and freshness of regular ginger and can make your meals feel even more refreshing.
Other Substitutes for Horseradish
The above substitutes for horseradish can be very strong when used in a dish and are not always everyone’s favourite flavour to use. Here are a few more alternative substitutes you could use instead:
- Wasabi Oil – Not as strong as horseradish, but definitely coming close. Wasabi oil is great as an ingredient in mayo or spread over meat.
- Parsnip – Having a sweeter taste, parsnip is commonly used in broths and soups but can easily replace horseradish when introducing a different flavour profile to your dish.
- Sauerkraut – The acidity of sauerkraut makes it a fan favourite at barbecues. It can be put on hot dogs, burgers, and sandwiches that need a bit of fresh tang with a subtle twist of sweet and sour.
Summary
Too much horseradish can bring tears to your eyes, but the perfect amount can really enhance the flavours of any soup, salad, or savoury meal. Fortunately, a wide range of substitutes can bring the same exact level of high-intensity spice to your dish if you are not a fan of the unique horseradish taste.