Horseradish is a root vegetable native to southeastern Europe and western Asia.
It has a spicy, pungent taste that is popular in many cuisines. Due to its strong flavor, horseradish can be an acquired taste that some diners don’t enjoy.
For those who cannot or don’t want to use horseradish, other substitutes for horseradish options can provide similar flavor profiles.
Garlic and ginger have a spicy kick, while wasabi can give dishes the same pungency as horseradish without overpowering.
Mustard also offers an alternative with a milder tang than horseradish but is still flavorful.
These ingredients have unique tastes, or else they won’t be substitutes for horseradish.
Still, they will provide culinary dishes with the spice it needs without using root vegetable if desired.
1. Rutabaga
Rutabaga is first on our list of substitutes for horseradish. It is a root vegetable often used as a substitute for horseradish, but with its unique flavor.
This veggie can be peeled, cubed, and boiled until soft, then mashed as a side dish.
It can also be grated and mixed with other ingredients to make a condiment or sauce that is tasty when served alongside dishes like steak tartare or roast beef.
Rutabaga pairs well with vinegar, so add it to recipes like tartar sauce or remoulade.
Rutabaga is an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their intake of saturated fats or cholesterol since it contains both soluble and insoluble fiber that helps reduce cholesterol levels.
2. Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish sauce is also on our list of substitutes for horseradish. It is a great substitute for the grated horseradish root.
A combination of spicy, creamy, and zesty flavors, it can make any dish exciting.
Traditional Horseradish sauce usually consists of prepared horseradish, vinegar, mayonnaise, and sour cream with spices like garlic or mustard added.
It’s perfect for making sandwiches more interesting, adding a kick to potato salad, or accompanying your favorite roasted meats like beef or pork.
With its unique flavor, this sauce is easily enjoyable by anyone and makes for a nice change from the same condiments all the time.
3. Wasabi Powder
Wasabi powder is a great substitute for horseradish, providing a unique twist to the classic condiment.
This powder contains multiple ingredients, such as wasabi, mustard, and dehydrated horseradish, which produce slight variations in flavor compared to traditional horseradish.
Wasabi powder also has milder heat levels than its powdered cousin, making it more suitable for those who prefer mild flavors.
These substitutes for horseradish also offer health benefits like increased mental clarity and improved lung function due to its high zinc content.
4. Black Radish
Black Radish (also known as Spanish /German radish) can be used as substitutes for horseradish.
The flavor of Black Radish is distinctive, slightly more mellow than regular horseradish, and does not have the same intense kick or heat.
It is ideal for grating into salads, dressings, sandwiches, or sushi rolls.
Black radish pairs well with salty and sweet ingredients, making ideal substitutes for horseradish in creamy mashed potatoes, classic Russian salads, and fish dishes.
Additionally, unlike horseradish, black radish does not lose its flavor when cooked, so feel free to experiment with this unusual vegetable and see what you come up with!
5. Parsnip
Parsnip is a wonderful alternative to horseradish and can be used in almost any recipe.
It has a creamy texture and is slightly sweet, making it the perfect substitution for horseradish.
Parsnips, one of the substitutes for horseradish, also have numerous health benefits.
For instance, they are high in fiber and provide good vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, and magnesium levels.
Parsnips are not just a substitute for horseradish but can hold their own when used as the main ingredient in recipes such as soups or roasts.
6. Ground Mustard Powder
Ground mustard powder can be a great substitute for horseradish in many recipes.
It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a slight kick. When added to sauces and dressings, it provides flavor and adds heat.
Ground mustard powder is an ideal addition to dishes that normally use horseradish, such as dips, soups, and stews.
Also, when used instead of breadcrumbs or flour, mustard powder makes a great coating on fish and other proteins.
It also works as a seasoning blend for vegetables or as an ingredient to coat popcorn.
7. Spicy Hot Mustard, Chinese Hot Mustard/Spicy Brown Mustard
Spicy Hot Mustard is an alternative to horseradish, particularly when it comes to Chinese cuisine.
It is made with ground-up mustard seeds, vinegar, sugar, and water, giving it a distinctive smell and taste.
This type of mustard is not as hot as horseradish but still has its spicy kick, slightly sharper and more pungent than regular yellow mustard.
People can use it for dipping sauces or salads and sandwiches.
A great benefit of Spicy Hot Mustard is that there are many varieties to explore, each with its unique flavor profiles and levels of spiciness.
Additionally, this mustard can stay fresh in the refrigerator for several weeks, making it a great staple condiment stocking option!
8. Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut is also on our list of substitutes for horseradish and can be used interchangeably.
It’s made by fermenting thinly sliced cabbage with salt, creating a sour flavor and crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with many recipes.
The combination of flavors is unique, and the added health benefits, such as improved digestion from probiotics, make it even more desirable over traditional horseradish.
Even if sauerkraut isn’t your first choice for a condiment, its versatility in both cooked and raw dishes makes it perfect for adding a tang to any meal.
9. Prepared Horseradish
Prepared horseradish is an excellent alternative to natural horseradish.
Prepared horseradish is preserved, so it has a longer shelf life and can be stored at room temperature.
It also eliminates any issues related to allergic reactions or food intolerances since prepared horseradish contains no gluten, additive, or preservative substances.
Prepared horseradish is already grated, so it is ready to use, saving you time and energy when adding flavor and spiciness to your dishes.
In conclusion, prepared horseradish, one of the substitutes for horseradish, provides many benefits that make it a great substitute for natural horseradish.
10. Wasabi Oil
Wasabi oil can be a great substitute for traditional horseradish for a milder but still flavorful option.
The oil retains the same creamy texture and bold flavor as horseradish while providing more subtlety through its aromatic notes.
And like regular wasabi, the oil has antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful in soothing minor stomach discomfort from consuming spicy food.
Wasabi oil is easy to use and offers excellent substitutes for horseradish for anyone looking for a milder way to get their flavor fix.
11. Wasabi Root
Wasabi root is becoming a popular substitute for horseradish.
The plant is grown in Japan, and the powder made from grinding the root has a spicy, peppery taste that resembles horseradish but hotter!
Wasabi is among the healthiest substitutes for horseradish, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also low in calories if you use it to garnish your favorite dishes.
Additionally, it can relieve discomfort associated with different medical conditions, such as sore throats and joint pain.
All in all, using wasabi root instead of horseradish provides more health benefits than risks, making substitutes for horseradish for health-conscious foodies everywhere!
12. Wasabi Paste
Wasabi paste is last on our list of substitutes for horseradish. It makes an excellent substitute for horseradish, being more pungent and slightly sweeter.
Wasabi paste is vibrant green, unlike the commonly used store-bought white horseradish.
It is also easier to prepare, only requiring a few minutes of stirring together wasabi powder and water.
Additionally, it is far more convenient because Wasabi Paste lasts much longer in the fridge than freshly grated horseradish.
This makes it an ideal choice if you are looking for a convenient substitute for horseradish.
Conclusion
Ultimately, replacing horseradish with a more accessible ingredient is highly recommended for people who experience issues in finding horseradish.
Common substitutes for horseradish can use for the same then, including wasabi, mustard, Tabasco sauce, horseradish mustard spread, and others listed above on our blog.
With these substitutes for horseradish ingredients being widely available in condiment stores, it’s easy to replace them no matter what dish you cook.
Whatever your choice among these substitutes for horseradish ingredients, you’ll still have an enjoyable end-product without changing too much of the original recipe.
