Mustard Velouté Explained: How To Make This Creamy French Sauce

I recently talked to my cousin in France, and she highly recommended trying Mustard Velouté. She told me it’s a classic French sauce that pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, and even vegetables. Curious, I decided to give it a try, and I was amazed by its creamy texture and rich, tangy flavor.

Unlike a basic mustard sauce, a Mustard Velouté Sauce starts with a smooth roux, then blends with broth and a touch of mustard to create a perfectly balanced taste. Whether you’re preparing a gourmet meal or looking for a simple way to enhance your dishes, this sauce is a must-try.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make Mustard Velouté Sauce step by step, how to serve it, and why it deserves a spot in your kitchen. Ready to cook like a French chef? Let’s get started!

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What Is Mustard Velouté Sauce?

What Is a Velouté Sauce Made Of?

A velouté sauce is one of the five mother sauces in French cuisine. It starts with a roux (a cooked mixture of butter and flour) and is gradually blended with broth to create a smooth, silky texture. Unlike a simple mustard sauce, a Mustard Velouté Sauce incorporates mustard into this base, adding a tangy, flavorful twist that enhances meats, fish, and vegetables.

What Is the Difference Between a Sauce and a Velouté?

A sauce is a broad term that refers to any liquid or semi-liquid condiment that enhances a dish. A velouté, however, is a specific type of sauce made with a roux and stock, creating a thick, creamy consistency without the use of cream. The Mustard Velouté Recipe takes this classic French base and infuses it with mustard, making it a rich yet light alternative to heavier cream-based sauces.

Ingredients for Mustard Velouté Sauce

To make a rich and creamy Mustard Velouté Sauce, you’ll need a few key ingredients that create the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 40g butter
• 40g plain flour
• 75ml white wine
• 400ml hot chicken stock
• 1–2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 bay leaves
• 50ml double cream
• Fresh tarragon (chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. How to Prepare the Roux

Melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux. Let it cook gently for 2–3 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t brown.

2. Adding Broth for the Perfect Consistency

Slowly pour in the white wine, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Allow it to reduce slightly before gradually adding the hot chicken stock in three parts, whisking each time to keep the sauce smooth.

3. Turning the Base into Mustard Velouté Sauce

Once all the stock is incorporated, add the bay leaves, turn up the heat, and stir until the sauce starts to bubble. In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard with a little of the sauce to create a slurry, preventing lumps. Lower the heat, cook for 10–15 minutes, then stir in the cream, chopped tarragon, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestion

This Mustard Velouté Sauce pairs perfectly with chicken, pork chops, or even grilled fish for an elegant, flavorful meal.

Best Dishes to Pair with Mustard Velouté

What Goes with Mustard Velouté?

Mustard Velouté Sauce is incredibly versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes. Its creamy texture and tangy mustard flavor make it a perfect complement to:

Chicken: Pair it with roasted or grilled chicken for a rich, comforting meal.

Pork: A great match for pork chops or pork tenderloin, adding depth to the dish.

Fish: Especially works well with white fish like cod, halibut, or trout, bringing a delightful contrast to the delicate flavor.

Vegetables: Drizzle it over steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or carrots.

Can I Marinate Fish with Mustard?

Yes! Mustard can be used in a marinade to add flavor depth and tenderize the fish. A simple mustard marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can enhance the taste and create a beautiful balance when paired with Mustard Velouté Sauce. This combination works wonderfully with fish like salmon or bass.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Mustard Velouté

1. Master the Roux
   The roux is the foundation of your Mustard Velouté Sauce. Make sure to cook it gently over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. The key is to avoid browning the flour, which can lead to a bitter taste. Stir continuously for a smooth texture.
2. Use Hot Stock
   Always add hot chicken stock or vegetable stock when making the sauce. Cold stock can cause the roux to seize, creating lumps. Gradually whisk in the stock in three stages to maintain a silky consistency.
3. Whisk Constantly
   Whisking continuously ensures that the sauce remains smooth and creamy. This is especially important when adding white wine and chicken stock to prevent any lumps from forming.
4. Adjust Mustard to Taste
   Add Dijon mustard gradually, tasting along the way. The amount of mustard can vary depending on how tangy you want the sauce. You can start with 1 tablespoon and increase up to 2 for a stronger flavor.
5. Finishing Touch: Fresh Herbs
   Stir in chopped tarragon towards the end for an aromatic finish. Tarragon complements the mustard beautifully, but feel free to substitute with parsley or chives for a milder herb.
6. Control the Consistency
   If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more stock or cream to loosen it up. Conversely, if it’s too thin, continue simmering on low heat to thicken it further.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning
   After adding the cream and mustard, don’t forget to taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper to balance the flavors.

By following these expert tips, you’ll create a velvety, tangy Mustard Velouté Sauce every time, perfect for pairing with your favorite dishes!

Storing and Reheating Mustard Velouté Sauce

Storing Mustard Velouté Sauce

To keep your Mustard Velouté Sauce fresh, follow these tips:

• To store your Mustard Velouté Sauce safely, allow it to cool to room temperature before putting it away. Never leave it out for more than 2 hours to avoid the risk of bacterial growth. Once cooled, transfer the sauce into a sealed container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As long as you store it properly, the sauce will maintain its smooth, creamy texture.
• If you want to keep it for longer, freezing is an option. Just place it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that when you reheat frozen sauce, the cream may slightly change the texture, but it will still taste delicious

Reheating Mustard Velouté Sauce

To reheat the sauce without compromising its texture, follow these steps:

1. Thaw if frozen: If the sauce was frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re in a hurry, place the container in a bowl of warm water to speed up the process.
2. Gentle heat: Reheat the sauce over low to medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent it from separating or becoming lumpy.
3. Add a splash of liquid: If the sauce has thickened too much during storage, add a small amount of chicken stock or cream to return it to the desired consistency while reheating.
4. Avoid boiling: Boiling the sauce can cause it to break and become greasy, so always heat it gently.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Mustard Velouté Sauce for days without losing its creamy texture or rich flavor.

Recipe Notes & Variations

• Adjust the Mustard: For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of Dijon mustard or substitute it with whole grain mustard for a bit more texture and a less intense tang.
• Add More Herbs: While tarragon is a classic herb in Mustard Velouté Sauce, feel free to experiment with parsley, chives, or thyme for different flavor profiles. For a more savory twist, a pinch of rosemary can add depth.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a small amount of horseradish to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• Vegan Adaptation: To make a plant-based version of Mustard Velouté Sauce, substitute butter with vegan butter and double cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock to keep it completely vegan.
• Enhance the Texture: For a thicker sauce, add more flour to the roux or simmer the sauce longer to reduce it to the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with extra stock or cream.

These variations allow you to tailor the sauce to your personal taste or dietary needs while keeping the essential elements intact.

Nutrition Information

While the Mustard Velouté Sauce is delicious and indulgent, it can be part of a balanced meal when paired with protein and vegetables. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on the ingredients listed above):

• Calories: ~150 kcal (for one serving of sauce)
• Fat: 12g (mainly from butter and cream)
• Carbohydrates: 7g (from flour and mustard)
• Protein: 2g (from chicken stock)
• Fiber: 1g (from mustard and herbs)
• Sugar: 1g (mainly from natural sources like wine and mustard)

Keep in mind that the nutritional values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredients used (e.g., reduced-fat cream or plant-based butter). Feel free to adjust the recipe based on your dietary preferences!

Try This Mustard Velouté Today! Elevate your dishes with this rich, velvety Mustard Velouté Sauce—perfect for chicken, fish, and vegetables. Make it now and bring a gourmet French touch to your meals