Last Updated on March 25, 2024 by Share My Kitchen
Maybe you are one of those people who like the strong and spicy taste of horseradish that brings tears in your eyes? Or you are allergic to it and trying to find some substitutes? Either way, there are good alternatives for you out there and I will show you the variation of them.
How To Use Horseradish
There are more ways to use horseradish than you might think of. First of all, there are different types of meat or fish you can add horseradish as a condiment. Then, there are creamy salads and dishes you can add to. That includes egg salad, potato salad, or deviled eggs. The combination of horseradish and Mayonnaise really makes a good team. And not to forget about all the weekend brunches, where Bloody Marys are consistently served. Many people out there wouldn’t even touch that amazing brunch cocktail without any horseradish in it. So let’s be honest, horseradish is amazing!
Horseradish Substitutes
1. Wasabi Paste
Wasabi paste really tastes a lot like horseradish and there is a reason for it. Reading the ingredient list of its shows, most of the time the first ingredient shown on it is actually horseradish. Mostly it also has salt, oil, mustard flour, and water in it. So, if the reason why you are trying to find a substitute for horseradish is an allergy, then you shouldn’t go for wasabi paste. Also, keep in mind that wasabi paste is usually more concentrated than horseradish, so be careful how much you take.
1 tsp prepared horseradish = 1/2 tsp wasabi paste (at least for beginners)
2. Wasabi Root
In search of fresh horseradish substitutes, you can go for wasabi root. They are both from the same family and despite the sweeter and less spicy taste of the wasabi root, they both have a really similar taste. Therefore, you can just use a little bit more of the wasabi root to get a similar grade of spice.
Sometimes wasabi root can be a little hard to find, but you can try your luck in an Asian/Japanese store or in stores that have organic food.
1 tsp fresh grated horseradish = 1 1/2 tsp fresh grated wasabi root
3. Wasabi Oil
Not only wasabi paste includes horseradish in its ingredient list, but also wasabi oil. However, this substitute option has a similar but less spicy taste though. Most of the time, it’s horseradish-infused vegetable or canola oil and it still has a slightly spicy kick. Since there is horseradish in it, you also have to be aware of it, if you have an allergy.
1 tsp prepared horseradish = 2 tsp wasabi oil
4. Wasabi Powder
Another way to get that horseradish taste is, to use wasabi powder, a dehydrated wasabi paste. To make that powder into a paste, mix 2 parts wasabi powder and 1 part water together. As already mentioned, wasabi paste includes horseradish as the main ingredient and so does wasabi powder. There is also mustard and some other spices included. So again, alert all the people who are allergic to horseradish and try to find a substitute for it.
1 tsp prepared horseradish = 1/2 tsp wasabi paste (to begin with)
5. Spicy Hot Mustard
Also known as brown mustard or Chinese hot mustard, this horseradish substitute works really well. Even though brown mustard/Chinese hot mustard is usually mixed with vinegar and other spices, it has a similar flavor to horseradish. A really good thing about this alternative is, that you can find it in almost any store without a long search process.
1 tsp prepared horseradish = 1 tsp brown mustard
6. Ground (Brown) Mustard Powder
A really concentrated and spicy option is Ground brown mustard powder. It’s made out of ground brown mustard seeds and it often includes turmeric or other spices. To mix and get the mustard paste out of it, you have to use 2 parts of mustard powder and 1 part of water. But just in case, check out the instructions on the package. Be careful with this spicy tasting paste.
1 tsp prepared horseradish = 1/2 tsp brown mustard paste (for beginners)
7. Ginger
Ginger has a little different taste than horseradish, but it will still do a great job in replacing it. The taste of it goes in a floral and lemony direction, so be careful with the portioning. Otherwise, the taste might annoy you a little, even though it’s a much milder option than horseradish. Ginger as a substitute can be easily found in grocery stores or farmer’s markets.
1 tsp grated horseradish = 1 tsp grated ginger
8. Black Radish
If you ever tried black radish, then you will know that it has a really spicy and sharp tang. In other words, it can really take away your breath when it’s fresh grated. Especially if you grate it with the black outside part. Black radish has an amazingly similar taste to horseradish, but it’s not always the easiest option to find. At seasonal times, you might find it in grocery stores, but otherwise, I would recommend going to a farmer’s market or an Asian store.
1 tsp grated horseradish = 1 tsp grated black radish
9. Sauerkraut
Even though sauerkraut doesn’t contain any spicy flavor, it still can be used as a substitute for horseradish. That’s because of the acidic and sour taste, which it’s coming with it. So, if you don’t feel like a spicy burning alternative to horseradish, then you should really try this replacement.
1 tsp prepared horseradish = 3-4 tsp sauerkraut (or even more)
10. Prepared Horseradish
Finally, we got to the prepared horseradish. This substitute can vary from really mild to decent hot tasting, but it really depends on the brand you are going for. Most of the time with vinegar, salt, and other spices combined prepared horseradish is on the milder side though. You won’t get the strength of the raw grated horseradish, but it’s still an amazing option if you can’t find the fresh horseradish anywhere. You will definitely be able to find this alternative in almost any grocery store.
1 tsp grated horseradish = 1-4 tsp prepared horseradish (it depends on the brand)
Which Horseradish Substitutes To Choose For What?
- For condiments or sauces: Wasabi paste, wasabi root, wasabi powder, spicy hot mustard, mustard powder, ginger, black radish, sauerkraut, prepared horseradish
- As creamy salads or dishes: Wasabi paste, wasabi oil, spicy hot mustard, prepared horseradish
- For Bloody Marys: Wasabi paste, wasabi oil, prepared horseradish
