Ingredient Guide•Mustard Oil
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Oils & FatsIndian Subcontinent and Eastern Europe
Mustard OilCalories, Nutrition Facts, Culinary Uses & Recipes
Scientific Name:Brassica juncea
Also known as:
Mustard OilSarson ka Tel
Mustard oil is a strong vegetable oil pressed from mustard seeds, known as sarson ka tel in India. It has a sharp, pungent aroma and a fiery taste that hits the back of your nose when you cook with it. In Indian kitchens, it is widely used for making fish curries, vegetable sabzis, and hot tadkas, or for pickling mangoes and chillies. Across global cooking, people use it in dressings and marinades where they want a distinct, bold kick.
Calories (100g)884 kcal
Dietary ProfileVegan & Vegetarian
Default UnitTablespoon
Calories in Mustard Oil & Nutritional Facts
Standard food-composition values per 100g edible portion and realistic serving portions
How many calories are in Mustard Oil?
100 grams of Mustard Oil (raw/dry reference weight) provides approximately 884 kcal, 0.0g carbohydrates, 0.0g protein, 100.0g fat, and 0.0g dietary fiber. A realistic single-person portion of 50g contains roughly 442 kcal before cooking oils or garnishes.
884.0kcal
Calories
0.0g
Protein
0.0g
Carbs
100.0g
Fat
0.0g
Fiber
0.0g
Sugar
| Portion Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per 30g (Small / 2–3 Tbsp) | 265 kcal | 0.0g | 0.0g | 30.0g | 0.0g |
| Per 50g (Standard Home Serving) | 442 kcal | 0.0g | 0.0g | 50.0g | 0.0g |
| Per 100g (Standard Reference) | 884 kcal | 0.0g | 0.0g | 100.0g | 0.0g |
Source & Disclaimer: Nutritional figures represent approximate values per 100g edible portion compiled from standard food-composition references (including ICMR-NIN Indian Food Composition Tables & USDA FoodData Central). Values vary by grain thickness, moisture, brand, and added cooking oils or garnishes. Provided for general culinary information only and not as medical or clinical dietary advice.
Storage Instructions
Keep Mustard Oil fresh and long-lasting
Airtight Container: Mustard oil stays good at room temperature for up to one year if kept away from direct sunlight. Cool Dark Place: Store the bottle in a pantry cupboard to stop the oil from going rancid due to heat and light.
Kitchen Preparation & Cooking Uses
Best culinary practices & prep tips
Smoking Point: Heat the oil in a pan until it smokes slightly and turns a pale yellow color to burn off its raw, harsh bite before cooking. Tempering Spices: Use it to fry whole spices like cumin and dry red chillies for dals and curries to get a deep, authentic flavor.
General Nutritional & Wellness Notes
Everyday dietary context for Mustard Oil as part of balanced home cooking
Mustard oil is a healthy fat that contains good amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are good for your heart. It has zero cholesterol and helps digestion when used in daily cooking. Many people also use it for body massages to improve blood flow and keep skin warm during winter.
Culinary Uses, Origins & Cultural Heritage
How Mustard Oil is used across regional kitchens and history
Common Culinary Uses
Historical texts from ancient India mention mustard seeds and their pressed oil being used in royal kitchens for pungent seasoning. Before modern refined oils arrived, it was the primary cooking oil across the northern plains of India. It gained global attention when chefs noticed how its high smoking point and bold flavor completely change simple vegetable stir-fries.
Historical Roots
Mustard oil comes from the seeds of mustard plants that grew wild in the Mediterranean and parts of Asia thousands of years ago. Farmers started growing these plants mainly for their pungent seeds and oil extraction in ancient India and parts of the Middle East. Over centuries, trade routes carried mustard seeds and pressing methods across Europe and Asia, making it a staple fat in colder regions.
Regional & Cultural Traditions
In traditional North Indian and Bengali homes, mustard oil is much more than just a cooking medium. People use it for religious rituals, newborn baby massages, and winter skincare routines to keep the body warm. It is also the backbone of traditional Indian pickle making, acting as a natural preservative that stops spoilage.
Did You Know?
Pure mustard oil was banned for commercial food use in the United States and Europe for many years because it contains erucic acid, but cold-pressed edible versions are widely sold today with proper labeling.
Chef & Cooking Tips
If the oil tastes too sharp or bitter when you start cooking, you probably did not heat it enough; make sure it smokes lightly before adding your onions or spices. Always use medium-low heat after smoking so you do not burn your tadka.
Recipes Using Mustard Oil
Explore 1 recipe featuring Mustard Oil
Frequently Asked Questions about Mustard Oil
Common questions on calories, cooking methods, and kitchen storage
How many calories are in Mustard Oil?
Per 100 grams (raw/dry reference weight), Mustard Oil contains approximately 884 kcal, 0.0g carbohydrates, 0.0g protein, 100.0g fat, and 0.0g dietary fiber. A typical 50g culinary portion provides roughly 442 kcal before cooking oils, butter, or garnishes are added.
What is Mustard Oil and how is it used in cooking?
Mustard oil is a strong vegetable oil pressed from mustard seeds, known as sarson ka tel in India. It has a sharp, pungent aroma and a fiery taste that hits the back of your nose when you cook with it. In Indian kitchens, it is widely used for making fish curries, vegetable sabzis, and hot tadkas, or for pickling mangoes and chillies. Across global cooking, people use it in dressings and marinades where they want a distinct, bold kick.
How do you prepare and cook with Mustard Oil?
Smoking Point: Heat the oil in a pan until it smokes slightly and turns a pale yellow color to burn off its raw, harsh bite before cooking. Tempering Spices: Use it to fry whole spices like cumin and dry red chillies for dals and curries to get a deep, authentic flavor.
How should Mustard Oil be stored to keep it fresh?
Airtight Container: Mustard oil stays good at room temperature for up to one year if kept away from direct sunlight. Cool Dark Place: Store the bottle in a pantry cupboard to stop the oil from going rancid due to heat and light.
What are the nutritional qualities of Mustard Oil?
Mustard oil is a healthy fat that contains good amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are good for your heart. It has zero cholesterol and helps digestion when used in daily cooking. Many people also use it for body massages to improve blood flow and keep skin warm during winter. (For general culinary reference only, not medical advice.)
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