Horseradish- Recipes, Benefits and Tips For Use

Horseradish, known for its pungent taste and distinctive aroma, is a remarkable plant with notable health benefits, and a variety of culinary uses. Like wasabi, you can count on it to add a spicy kick to your plate. So, what exactly is this delightful vegetable?

What is Horseradish?

Horseradish is a root vegetable related to wasabi, mustard, broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. It generally acts as a condiment thanks to the potent punch and sharp flavor it adds. The fresh scent is so strong (hello, Pickled Daikon) it will linger for some time after it has been cut and can actually bring tears to your eyes.

Prepared Horseradish vs Horseradish Sauce

These are two entirely different things – one is a basic vinegar-based condiment while the sauce is a cream-based sauce including quite a few different elements mixed in. Read our detailed Prepared Horseradish vs Horseradish Sauce post for more specifics?

Recipes with Horseradish

Here are a few very popular recipes using it as a star ingredient:

Horseradish Sauce

Horsie sauce is a classic pairing with roast beef. It’s perfect next to Prime Rib, Sous Vide Prime Rib, or Smoked Prime Rib.

Horseradish Sauce For Beef Tenderloin

Horseradish sauce isn’t just for prime rib! Pair it up with delicious Smoked Beef Tenderloin, Sous Vide Filet Mignon, or Individual Beef Wellington.

Horseradish Aioli

Horsie Aioli is a bit different than the sauce for several reasons. It’s heavier, since it’s 100% mayonaise based vs mixing in sour cream, and is a bit brighter thanks to the addition of lemon.

Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Add a dollop to add a bit of zing to classic mashed potatoes. Even folks who usually don’t care for it will enjoy these taters.

Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary with horseradish is a classic combination. If you’re looking to mix up your brunch cocktails, try a Bloody Caesar or Bloody Maria.

Corned Beef Recipes

Corned Beef Recipes can always use a hit of horsie sauce. There’s a reason Russian dressing is the go-to sauce on a Reuben Sandwich. Other corned beef recipes: Sous Vide Corned Beef, Smoked Corned Beef and Instant Pot Corned Beef.

Shrimp Cocktail Sauce

One of the biggest ingredients in Shrimp Cocktail Sauce is horseradish. It’s what provides the nose-clearing kick.

Other Culinary Uses

It’s not just for sauces and condiments!! It can be used in a variety of different recipe types including:

1. Salad Dressings – The grated form adds a spicy kick to dressings. Try adding it to coleslaw!
2. Soups and Stews – A small amount can enrich the flavors of soups and stews.
3. Marinades and Rub – It’s great for marinating meat, such as Salmon.
4. Sandwich Spreads – lather it on a Prime Rib Sandwich or Tri Tip Sandwich (pictured below).
5. Cheese – Horseradish cheese is wildly popular. Look for it at your local grocery store.

Keep in mind it can be used in a variety of forms, including cream, powdered, grated, dried or ground.

Substitute Ideas

If you’re out or can’t find it at the store, don’t worry – there are several common kitchen ingredients that can be used as substitutes, including Dijon Mustard Recipe. Check out the comprehensive list of Horseradish Substitutes we pulled together, including ratio recommendations.

Benefits

There are quite a few health benefits therefore it’s a smart choice to add to your diet from a nutritional perspective. To start, it contains vitamins C and potassium, fiber, and compounds that reduce inflammation. After personally beating Melanoma (Skin Cancer) and a rare skin disease (Grover’s Disease), anything that reduces inflammation is high in my book.

Here are a few more key benefits:

• People with Ulcers or Digestive Issues: Its intense nature can irritate the lining of the stomach
• Rich in Nutrients: It’s low in calories and fat but rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
• Antibacterial Properties: It has natural antibacterial properties, which can help fight certain pathogens.
• Digestive Health: The fiber content aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation.
• Respiratory Relief: It’s often used as a natural remedy for congestion and respiratory issues.

Who Should Avoid?

While it’s beneficial for many, certain groups should limit or avoid the veggie:

• People with Ulcers or Digestive Issues: Its intense nature can irritate the lining of the stomach.
• Those with Kidney Problems: It contains compounds that can be problematic for those with kidney conditions.
• Allergies: Those allergic to cruciferous vegetables should avoid it.

Can Dogs Eat Horseradish

Negative. Dogs should not eat horseradish as it contains compounds that can be irritating to dogs, potentially causing gastrointestinal upset. While a small amount might not cause immediate harm, it’s generally advised to avoid giving it to your dog. Stick to dog-safe treats and foods.

Does Horseradish Go Bad

Yes, it can go bad. Like most food products, it has a shelf life, and its quality and safety will deteriorate over time.

In it’s fresh form it typically lasts for one to two weeks in the pantry and two to three months in the refrigerator. To extend its shelf life, it should be wrapped in moist paper towels and stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

Prepared horseradish, the kind that’s grated and preserved in vinegar, usually has a best-by date and can last for several months in the refrigerator if unopened. Once opened, it should be used within four to six months for best quality. It should be kep tightly sealed in the refrigerator.

You can tell if it has gone bad if it loses its pungency, changes color, or develops a bad odor. Mold growth is also a clear sign of spoilage.