Is Mustard Good on Fish? Everything You Need to Know

Mustard is a condiment that is commonly used in many cuisines around the world. Its tangy, spicy flavor can add a kick to sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and various other foods. But how about fish? Is mustard good on fish?

As it turns out, mustard works surprisingly well as a flavoring for fish. The mustard’s acidic qualities help cut through the fish’s natural oils, while its spiciness contrasts nicely with the delicate flavor of many fish fillets. Using mustard can be a quick and easy way to add lots of flavor to mild fish like tilapia, cod, or catfish.

In this article, we’ll explore why mustard and fish pair so well together. We’ll also look at the best ways to use mustard when cooking fish, along with some delicious recipe ideas. Read on to learn why mustard deserves a permanent spot in your fish-cooking arsenal!

Why Mustard Works Well with Fish

There are a few key reasons why mustard can make an excellent addition to fish

1. It provides acidity

Mustard contains vinegar or lemon juice, giving it a tangy, acidic taste. This acidity helps cut through the oiliness that fish naturally contains The acid helps “brighten” the fish, making its flavor cleaner and more refreshing It balances out the fattiness of something like salmon or mackerel.

2. It offers spice and heat

Depending on the type, mustard can contain everything from yellow mustard seeds to spicy brown mustard seeds. This provides some heat and a peppery, pungent quality. The spiciness contrasts beautifully with fish’s delicate blank-canvas flavor. It adds excitement and a touch of fire.

3. It contains emulsifiers

Mustard is an emulsion containing tiny suspended droplets of vinegar or lemon juice in a mixture of ground mustard seeds and spices. These emulsifiers help the mustard cling to the fish and form a flavorful coating.

4. It caramelizes nicely

When pan-fried or baked, the sugars and proteins in mustard undergo the Maillard reaction. This causes flavorful browning and caramelization on the fish’s exterior, giving you lovely seared crust.

5. It can be creamy or coarse

You can use smoother, creamier mustards as a rich finish or sauce for fish. You can also use coarser-grained mustards as flavorful crusts or rubs that pack some texture. This versatility makes mustard extremely adaptable when cooking fish.

Best Types of Mustards to Use with Fish

Not all mustards are created equal when it comes to pairing with fish. Here are some of the best varieties to use:

• Dijon mustard – This classic French mustard has the ideal creamy yet spicy flavor. It’s made from brown and black mustard seeds. Use it as a sauce or quick marinade.

• Whole grain mustard – The coarser texture provides more bite. It works great as a crunchy crust or topping.

• Spicy brown mustard – This is made from the spicier brown mustard seeds. It not only has heat, but also plenty of vinegar tang.

• Honey mustard – The sweetness levels out the acidity, for a mellow but still zingy flavor.

• Stone ground mustard – Like whole grain mustard, the coarsely crushed seeds give texture and bite.

• Fruit mustards – Varieties made with raspberries, blueberries, or apricots lend fruity flavors.

• Beer mustard – The malty beer flavors pair perfectly with heartier fish like salmon.

For bolder fish that can handle the heat, hot Chinese mustard can also work well. On the flip side, mild yellow mustard is a safer bet for more delicate white fish.

Best Cooking Methods to Use with Mustard Fish

From pan-frying filets to roasting whole fish or salmon, mustard can enhance fish prepared using almost any cooking method. Here are some of the best techniques for getting the most out of mustard with fish:

• Pan-searing – Slather a mustard coating right on the fish before searing it to form a flavorful crust.

• Baking – Spread mustard over fish fillets before baking to let them caramelize in the heat of the oven.

• Grilling – Brush mustard sauce over fish periodically while grilling to form a smoky glaze.

• Broiling – Top fish with a mustard and breadcrumb mixture for a quick broiled crust.

• Poaching – Add some mustard to a poaching liquid like wine or broth to gently infuse flavor.

• Steaming – Infuse steamed veggies or rice with a splash of mustard vinaigrette or sauce.

• Frying – Use a mustardy marinade or dip fish in mustard batter for an extra flavor punch.

The options are truly endless when you get creative with how you incorporate the mustard!

7 Delicious Recipes for Mustard Fish

Here are just some of the amazing ways you can put mustard and fish together in one tasty package:

1. Mustard-Crusted Baked Salmon

Coat salmon fillets with a zesty mixture of Dijon, breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs. Bake until crust is crispy.

2. Lemon-Mustard Grilled Tuna Steaks

Brush tuna with lemony Dijon sauce while grilling for amazing flavor in minutes.

3. Mustard-Fried Catfish

Dip catfish fillets in flour and cornmeal seasoned with mustard powder for a Southern classic.

4. Honey-Mustard Glazed Sole

Pan-fry sole quickly, then drizzle with a honey mustard sauce and finish in the oven.

5. Maple Mustard Baked Cod

Top cod with maple syrup, whole grain mustard, and pecans for sweet nutty flavors.

6. Dijon Tilapia with Asparagus

Simmer tilapia and asparagus in a creamy Dijon-wine sauce for a quick skillet dinner.

7. Chinese Mustard Salmon

Brush a mixture of Chinese hot mustard, soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil over salmon – just watch out for the heat!

So as you can see, there are countless ways to team up mustard and fish for some seriously flavorful dinners! From mild fish like tilapia and cod, to fattier salmon and tuna, the mustard does a great job of enhancing the flavors.

Tips for Cooking with Mustard and Fish

To get the most out of using mustard with your fish, keep these handy guidelines in mind:

• Don’t overdo the mustard – a little goes a long way. Use it sparingly as a rub or finish.

• Allow time to marinate fish in mustard mixtures for deeper flavor infusion.

• Mustard-based crusts will set and caramelize best under a broiler or on the grill.

• Try making compound mustard butters by mixing in fresh herbs, citrus, or other ingredients.

• Pair mustard fish with acidic side dishes like lemon asparagus or vinegar coleslaw to balance flavors.

• If pan-frying with mustard, use a nonstick pan to prevent the sugars in the mustard from burning.

• Water down strong mustards with mayo or yogurt for a milder flavor more suited to delicate fish.

With its spicy, tangy kick, mustard may seem like an unlikely match for fish. But as you can see, it’s actually a delicious pairing that’s great for home cooks looking to enhance the flavor of seafood. With so many options for mustard varieties and cooking techniques, there are endless possibilities for infusing fish dinners with extra zing. So next time you cook up some fish fillets, don’t forget the mustard!