Out of horseradish or don’t care for it’s strong flavor? Discover the best horseradish substitutes to keep your dishes spicy and full of flavor. This guide highlights the top 10 substitutes for horseradish to ensure your meals never lack that unique flavor.
Horseradish is found in many popular recipes, including Horseradish Sauce, Horseradish Aioli and a variety of sauces; it plays an intricate part in the final flavor of a dish and shouldn’t be entirely omitted.
Substitute For Horseradish
Read on to discover the best replacement for horseradish. Remember, the best substitute will depend on the specific flavors of your recipe and your personal taste preferences.
Horseradish Sauce
If you’re out of fresh horseradish, prepared horseradish sauce (horseradish combined with vinegar and other ingredients) is a good substitute.
Prepared Horseradish sauce can be found at almost any grocery store near where the mustard and other condiments are displayed.
Ratio: 1 to 1
Wasabi Root
Wasabi root, also known as Japanese Horseradish, is our favorite replacement for fresh horseradish as the two come from the same family and have very similar flavor and spice profiles. Fresh wasabi has a similar bold and spicy flavor profile, with a bit more concentration of earthy flavors.
Fresh wasabi is a bit milder and sweeter than horseradish, so up the quantity if you’re looking for an equal spice level replacement. It’s best to start with slightly less, as it’s not an exact match in terms of the earthy notes.
Wasabi root can be found at most Asian grocery stores as well as high end grocery stores, such as Whole Foods.
Ratio: 1 to .5
Wasabi Powder
What do you get when you dehydrate fresh wasabi and grind it? Wasabi powder. Same great taste in powder form.
Of course, if you’re using store bought wasabi powder more than likely it’s actually made with horseradish, not wasabi.
To use, you first have to mix the powder with water to create a paste. From there, it’s considered wasabi paste with a different ratio.
Mix 2 parts powder with 1 part water. Mix to create the paste.
Ratio: 1 to 1 (after creating the paste)
Wasabi Oil
Wasabi oil is a condiment infused with the potent flavor and heat of wasabi. It is typically used in cooking to add a spicy, tangy kick to dishes like sushi, salads, and grilled meats, and it provides an intense and uniquely aromatic heat.
Ratio: 1 to 1-2 (depends on the brand of oil)
Mustard
Strong mustard, especially Dijon mustard, Chinese hot mustard or a hot English variety, can replace horseradish in many recipes. It won’t have the same sharpness, but it provides a similar heat. Here are a few Substitute for Dijon Mustard.
Ratio: 1 to 1
Hot Mustard Powder
Like prepared mustard, mustard powder can provide a similar heat to horseradish, especially when it’s mixed with a bit of water to activate the flavors.
To use you must mix the powder with water to create a paste. Mix 2 parts mustard powder with 1 part water to create a paste.
Ratio: 1 to .5 (after creating the paste)
Less Popular Options
Here are a few options that don’t have the same flavor profile or heat as horseradish, but will work in a pinch.
Ginger
Fresh ginger has a zesty, peppery flavor that can be a good stand-in for horseradish. It doesn’t have the same nasal-clearing effect, but it does provide a nice spice. It also has a strong flavor profile, so start small as to not overwhelm the intended flavor of the dish you’re creating.
Ratio: 1 to .5
Daikon Radish
Raw radishes have a peppery, slightly spicy flavor that can mimic horseradish. Grating them can help release more of their flavor and heat.
Daikon Radish (Pickled Daikon Radish) belongs to a similar plant family as horseradish, but have striking differences: over flavor and texture being the top two. It’s best to consider the use in which you’re using it in. It won’t work if you’re making horseradish aioli or sauce, but a salad dressing would work.
Ratio: 1 to 1
Black Radish
A better alternative than any other radish varietal, black radish provides the heat level you’re looking for. The heat is in the skin so it will alter the coloring of the recipe you’re making. Make sure to grate the radish prior to adding to the dish.
Black radishes tend to be harder to find that other varietals.
Ratio: 1 to 1
Peppercorns
Ground peppercorns, especially white or black, can provide a spicy kick that is similar to horseradish. Obviously, peppercorns can’t fully replace horseradish as it doesn’t provide any liquid to the dish, but if you’re just looking to replace just the heat aspect peppercorns is a good option.
It’s the perfect substitution if you’re making horseradish mashed potatoes.
Ratio: adjusts depending on the recipe. Start small and work your way up.
Horseradish Uses
Here are a few of our favorite recipes using horseradish:
- Cocktails – Add to Bloody Mary’s, Michelada or any other tomato-based cocktail.
- Condiment – Serve next to prime rib, smoked beef tenderloin, or picanha or throw on a Roast Beef or Reuben Sandwich.
- Flavor Enhancer – Add to smoked deviled eggs, Ensalada de Papa or any mayo-based salad or dish.
Remember, when substituting horseradish, the key is to balance the flavors in your dish. These alternatives may not provide an exact match but will offer a similar kick.
Additional Resources
Chicken Broth Substitute
Substitute For Beef Broth
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