Mustard Oil

Ah Mustard oil. The first time I ever used it, the experience was a disaster. Mustard oil is unlike any other oil in that you must smoke it so that it develops the right flavor and is ready for cooking. If you don’t do this the flavor is overwhelming and quite pungent.

To get started put some mustard oil in a pan and turn it on high. When the oil starts to smoke this is a sign that it is getting ready to use. As it smokes you will also see the oil change from a dark amber to a light color almost clear. When it does this it means that it is nice and hot and that it is ready to use.

Smoking the mustard oil is very important as actually reduces the pungent nature of the mustard flavor and enables it to blend better with the tastes of the foods you will be adding it to. Serious eats has a decent description of the process.