Chinese Hot Mustard Recipe (2024)

This recipe for Chinese Hot Mustard comes straight from a good friend who was raised in Hong Kong and owned Chinese food restaurants. He helped me develop (and test it) to make sure it was SPOT ON!

If you’ve gotten takeout from Chinese restaurants, you’re likely familiar with the little packets of spicy yellow mustard. They’re perfect for adding a punch of heat to your egg rolls or stir fry. But did you know that it’s incredibly easy to recreate Chinese hot mustard, with its signature kick of horseradish-like spiciness, at home?

All you need is a handful of ingredients that are easy to grab at the store. In next to no time, you can whip it up and have a sauce that will elevate nearly any protein or dippable appetizer.

What is Chinese Hot Mustard

The first version of Chinese mustard is thought to have originated in China as early as 1046 BCE. At that time, the brown mustard seeds were simply ground into a pastier version of what we are more accustomed to seeing in jars and packets in the United States today.

Today, Chinese mustard is made with other ingredients as well. Vinegar, salt, and oil are mixed with the dry powder to bring out the flavor of the mustard and create its smooth consistency.

Why You’ll Love Chinese Hot Mustard

If you love the tanginess of mustard but also have a palate that craves heat, this mustard may be your new favorite condiment.

• Flavor– This is no ordinary mustard! Sure, other types of mustard like standard yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, and stone ground mustard may all be delicious. But this spicy version is bound to awaken your taste buds (and your sinuses!).
• Kicks Your Dishes Up a Notch– This condiment is just what you need to take a meal from meh to marvelous. Upgrade anything from dippers likefrench friesorzucchini friesto meats likegrilled pork chopsor venison.
• Quick– All it takes is a few simple ingredients, a bowl, a whisk, and a minute or two to make this easy condiment that will last throughout the week.
• Thick– Many homemade mustard sauces use a simple 1:1 ratio, but this results in a thinner sauce. Ours is nice and robust- looks at the way it clings to this egg roll!

Ingredients

The ingredient list for this Chinese hot mustard is short. Plus, the ingredients can be found at most grocery stores and you can keep them on hand to make it whenever you want.

• Dry Ground Mustard Powder– Dry ground mustard is the key to making this sauce spicy and any restaurant owner will tell you that Coleman’s is the brand to use! You can use Chinese mustard powder (if you can find it) or English mustard powder (though the latter may have slightly less of a bite due to the inclusion of white mustard seeds).
• Fine Salt– Using salt that has fine granules will make it easier to mix and dissolve it in the other ingredients.
• Water– Water helps to break down the mustard seeds creating a chemical reaction that results in the spicy flavor.
• Vegetable Oil– Oil helps to create a smooth consistency.
• Rice Vinegar– Vinegar gives the mustard its signature tangy flavor.

What To Serve Chinese Hot Mustard With

Chinese hot mustard is a great dipping sauce for traditional egg rolls (or aGerman take on egg rolls),vegetable spring rolls, fried shrimp,dumplings, and crab rangoons. It can also add a spicy tangy flavor to any number of homemade versions of your favoriteChinese takeout.

You can also use it like any other mustard, slathered onslider sandwiches,griddle smash burgers, and bratwurst. Or you can serve it with appetizers likesausage ballsor alongside cheese andmeat flowers on a charcuterie board.

​And in addition to all of those options, you can also use it to make a sauce. Mix it with soy sauce or duck sauce for a unique condiment for dipping or thin it out and add other spices for a different type of salad dressing.

How to Make Chinese Hot Mustard

It couldn’t be easier to make this spicy mustard.

1. Whisk mustard and salt. Add the mustard and salt to a small bowl.Then, whisk the two ingredients together.
2. Add water and stir. After the mustard and salt are combined, pour in the water and stir.
3. Add vinegar and oil. Next, add the vinegar and the oil and whisk once again.
4. Allow to steep. When the ingredients are fully combined, use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the bowl and set aside.
5. Whisk and serve. Once the mixture has had time to steep, uncover the bowl and whisk again.Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Variations

You can make your own signature mustard with all sorts of tweaks to this basic recipe.

• Vinegar– Instead of rice wine vinegar, use distilled white vinegar, white wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
• Oil– Use another neutral flavored oil like avocado or canola. Or, you can use an infused spicy oil to up the heat.
• Sweetness– For a touch of sweet flavor to complement the spiciness, mix in a little bit of honey.Or, instead of honey, use your favorite alternative sweetener.
• Garlic– Make a garlicky version by whisking in some garlic powder or minced garlic.
• Ginger– Create a unique flavor by adding grated ginger to the mustard.
• Five-Spice– Add a five-spice blend for a complex flavor profile.

Storage

Unlike simple yellow mustard, which lasts quite a while, homemade Chinese hot mustard is best consumed within a few days to avoid having its flavor become flat.

Make Ahead

You can mix the ingredients together and refrigerate for a few days before serving.

Refrigerator: Store leftover Chinese hot mustard in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer: While you can freeze mustard, the condiment’s taste and consistency may change. If you choose to freeze it, you can place it in a freezer bag or ice cube tray for up to 3 months.

Common Questions About Chinese Hot Mustard

Other Savory Sauces

Sauces is the name of our game here- here are a few more popular dipping sauces.