Discover 7 Cornstarch Substitutes For Perfect Baking And Cooking

Cornstarch is a staple in many kitchens and is widely used as a thickener in sauces, gravies, pies, and more. However, sometimes we might not have cornstarch or are looking for a healthier alternative. In this article, we’ll explore several cornstarch substitutes that are readily available in most kitchens and can be used in various dishes. So, let’s dive in!

All-Purpose Flour

All-Purpose Flour is a commonly used ingredient in many kitchens and is a great substitute for cornstarch. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used to thicken sauces, gravies, and pie fillings.

When using all-purpose flour as a thickener, it’s best to make a roux. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat (such as butter or oil) that is cooked and then used to thicken liquids. To make a roux, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in the flour, and cook for a few minutes. Once the roux is ready, you can slowly whisk in your liquid until the desired thickness is reached.

The conversion ratio for all-purpose flour is one tablespoon of all-purpose flour to replace 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.

Arrowroot

Arrowroot is a powder made from the root of a tropical plant and is an excellent substitute for cornstarch. It’s a versatile thickener that works well in acidic sauces and dishes, such as fruit-based and glazes. Arrowroot is a healthier alternative to cornstarch as it contains fewer calories and carbohydrates.

To use arrowroot as a thickener, mix it with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry, and then whisk it into your sauce or dish. Arrowroot thickens almost immediately, so it’s important to keep whisking until your dish reaches the desired consistency.

The conversion ratio for arrowroot is one tablespoon to replace two teaspoons of cornstarch.

Potato Starch

Potato Starch is another great substitute for cornstarch and is made from potatoes. It’s a flavorless ingredient that works well as a thickener in sauces, soups, and stews. Potato starch is also gluten-free, making it a good option for those with gluten sensitivities.

To use potato starch as a thickener, mix it with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry and then whisk it into your sauce or dish. Potato starch starts to thicken almost immediately, so it’s important to keep whisking until your dish reaches the desired consistency.

The conversion ratio for potato starch is 1 tablespoon of potato starch to replace 2 teaspoons of cornstarch.

Grainy Goodness: Rice Flour

If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat flour, look no further than rice flour. This flour is made from finely ground rice and has a light and delicate texture that is perfect for baking and cooking. Whether you’re making cakes, cookies, or sauces, rice flour is a versatile ingredient that you’ll want to keep on hand.

Not only is rice flour gluten-free, but it’s also low in fat and a good source of carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

So why not give rice flour a try? Your taste buds (and stomach) will thank you!

Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch is a versatile ingredient commonly used as a thickener in cooking and baking. Derived from the cassava root, tapioca starch is a popular alternative to cornstarch due to its gluten-free properties.

This white, powdery substance has a neutral flavor, making it an ideal option for many dishes. Its ability to create a glossy texture makes it a great choice for pies, puddings, and other sweet treats.

When using tapioca starch as a thickener, it is recommended first to mix it with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry and then whisk it into your sauce or dish. Tapioca starch takes a little longer to thicken than other starches like potato or arrowroot, so be patient and keep whisking until you reach the desired consistency.

Guar Gum

Guar gum is a vegetable-based thickener that is another great alternative to cornstarch. It’s made from the seeds of the guar plant and is a popular ingredient in many processed foods. Guar gum works well in sauces, dressings, and soups and is gluten-free.

To use guar gum as a thickener, mix a small amount (a little goes a long way!) into your sauce or dish and whisk until fully combined. Guar gum thickens almost immediately, so keep whisking until your dish reaches the desired consistency.

Regarding conversion ratios, 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum can replace two teaspoons of cornstarch. So, give xanthan gum a try if you want to add a little magic to your cooking!

Xanthan Gum

Have you ever wondered how some sauces and dressings maintain perfect texture, even after refrigeration? The answer may lie in the power of xanthan gum.

Xanthan gum is a synthetic thickening agent that has become increasingly popular recently. This amazing ingredient can create a thick, creamy texture in gluten-free sauces, dressings, and soups. This makes it a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities. Using xanthan gum is simple. All you need to do is mix a small amount (a little goes a long way!) into your sauce or dish and whisk until fully combined. Xanthan gum starts to thicken almost immediately, so keep whisking until you reach your desired consistency.

About the conversion ratios, 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum can replace two teaspoons of cornstarch.

There you have it! Seven excellent substitutes for cornstarch that you can use in various dishes. Whether you’re out of cornstarch, looking for a healthier alternative, or want to try something new, these substitutes are sure to be a hit in your kitchen.

It’s important to remember that not all substitutes will work in all recipes, and the conversion ratios may vary depending on the dish. Experiment with different substitutes and ratios to find what works best for you.