Cornstarch is a common thickening agent in cooking and baking that has long been a staple in most households. Known for its versatile properties and ability to create a smooth texture in sauces, soups, and desserts, cornstarch has become an essential ingredient in many recipes. However, there are instances when a cornstarch substitute may be necessary, whether due to dietary restrictions or simply running out of cornstarch in the pantry.
Fortunately, there are several cornstarch substitutes available, each with its unique properties that can mimic the thickening effects of cornstarch. These alternatives cater to various dietary needs and preferences, ensuring that home cooks and bakers can continue to create delicious dishes without relying on cornstarch. By understanding the characteristics of these substitutes and how they function, anyone can confidently incorporate them into recipes for optimal results.
Some popular cornstarch substitutes include arrowroot, potato starch, tapioca starch, and even all-purpose flour. These alternatives have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, but each can effectively replace cornstarch when used in the proper proportions. The key is choosing the best substitute based on the specific recipe and desired outcome. With a bit of experimentation and knowledge, one can seamlessly make the switch from cornstarch to an alternative thickening agent, allowing for even more diverse culinary creations.
Common Cornstarch Substitutes
Potato Starch
Potato starch is a popular cornstarch substitute, made from potatoes that have been crushed and dried. It has a similar texture and consistency to cornstarch, making it an ideal option for thickening sauces and soups. In many recipes, you can substitute potato starch for cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. Just remember that potato starch tends to break down more quickly than cornstarch, so it is best added toward the end of the cooking process.
Rice Flour
Rice flour is made from ground rice and can serve as a cornstarch substitute in various dishes. It behaves similarly to cornstarch when used as a thickener, but it may yield a slightly grainier texture. To use rice flour as a cornstarch substitute, start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust as needed.
All-Purpose Flour
All-purpose flour can also work as a cornstarch substitute, although it may result in a less glossy finish for your dish. To use all-purpose flour in place of cornstarch, start with a 2:1 ratio (2 tablespoons of flour for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch). Keep in mind that flour-based thickeners often require more cooking time to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is derived from the arrowroot plant’s tuber and works well as a thickening agent in recipes. Like cornstarch, it is gluten-free and forms a clear, shiny sauce when cooked. You can generally substitute arrowroot powder for cornstarch in a 1:1 ratio. Be aware that arrowroot may be more sensitive to high heat, so add it to your recipe towards the end of cooking.
Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch, also known as tapioca flour, is extracted from the cassava root. It has a fine texture and can be used as a thickener in a variety of dishes. Replace cornstarch with tapioca starch at a 1:1 ratio. Tapioca starch is best suited for recipes with a short cooking time, as extended cooking can cause it to become stringy.
Corn Flour
Corn flour, made from finely ground corn, may also be used as a cornstarch substitute. Though similar, corn flour has a slightly heavier texture than cornstarch. To use corn flour as a thickener, start with a 1:1 ratio but be prepared to adjust the amount as the texture of your dish may differ.
Choosing a Substitute Based on Recipe Type
Sauces and Gravies
When thickening sauces and gravies, consider using flour or arrowroot as a cornstarch substitute. Both options work well for thickening purposes, with flour offering a more economical choice and arrowroot providing a clearer and gluten-free alternative.
Flour: Use a 2:1 ratio of flour to cornstarch.
Arrowroot: Use a 1:1 ratio of arrowroot to cornstarch.
Baking
For baking recipes that require a thickener, try using one of the following alternatives:
Potato starch: Works well in gluten-free recipes, providing a light and airy texture. Use a 1:1 ratio of potato starch to cornstarch.
Tapioca starch: Another gluten-free option, and it can be used in a 1:1 ratio as a cornstarch substitute.
Soups and Stews
To thicken soups and stews, you have several options depending on your dietary preferences and desired consistency.
Flour: Mix with cold water first to create a slurry and avoid clumping. Then, whisk it into the soup or stew.
Guar gum: A good option for low-carb diets. Sprinkle and whisk it into the liquid slowly, using only a small amount as it thickens quickly.
Fried Foods
When frying foods, you may choose from these cornstarch alternatives to achieve a crispy crust:
Flour: A widely available and inexpensive option that works well, but may produce a slightly heavier crust.
Rice flour: This gluten-free substitute offers a light, crispy crust. Use a 1:1 ratio of rice flour to cornstarch.
Desserts and Puddings
When making desserts or puddings that call for cornstarch, consider these options:
Instant clear gel: A good choice for thickening custards and desserts, providing a smooth and clear texture. Use a 1:1 ratio of instant clear gel to cornstarch.
Agar-agar: A vegan alternative that can be used to thicken puddings and desserts. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount to use.
Gluten-Free and Specialty Options
Wheat Flour Alternatives
When seeking gluten-free alternatives for a thickening agent, several options are available. One popular substitute is cassava flour, made from the root of the cassava plant. It is not only gluten-free but also high in protein, making it a suitable choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Other gluten-free alternatives include:
Almond flour: high in protein and fiber
Coconut flour: low in carbohydrates and high in fiber
Chickpea flour: rich in protein and fiber
Potato starch: gluten-free and a good thickening agent
Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum
Xanthan gum and guar gum are excellent gluten-free substitutes for cornstarch. They are both plant-based and offer great thickening qualities. Produced through fermentation, xanthan gum is a powerful thickening agent. It can be used in small quantities to achieve desired thickness. Guar gum, derived from guar beans, also provides thickening properties and works well in cold or hot recipes.
Benefits of these gums include:
Gluten-free
Versatile: suitable for various recipes
Small amounts needed for effective thickening
Ground Flaxseeds and Psyllium Husk
Ground flaxseeds and psyllium husk are suitable choices for those looking for gluten-free and natural thickening agents. Flaxseeds are high in fiber and provide a slightly nutty flavor when used in recipes. Ground flaxseeds can be mixed with water to create a gel-like consistency, ideal for thickening.
Psyllium husk is another option that can offer similar benefits. Derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, psyllium husk is high in soluble fiber and can absorb water to form a gel. It is an effective thickening agent and is typically used in small amounts.
Using these alternatives can offer the following benefits:
Natural and gluten-free
High fiber content
Suitable for various recipes
Cooking Tips and Techniques
Creating a Slurry
When using cornstarch as a thickening agent, creating a slurry is a helpful technique. A slurry is a mixture of cornstarch and cold water, usually in a 1:1 ratio. It’s essential to mix the cornstarch and water together thoroughly to create a smooth slurry. This prevents lumps from forming when added to hot liquids. They can whisk the slurry into simmering sauces or soups, allowing it to cook for a few minutes until it reaches its full thickening potential.
Velveting Technique
The velveting technique is popular in Chinese cuisine for stir-frying meats and vegetables. This method uses cornstarch to tenderize protein and help retain moisture during stir-frying. To velvet meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef, marinate them in a mixture of cornstarch and a liquid (water, soy sauce, or rice wine) for about 30 minutes. The cornstarch coating will create a velvety texture when the meat is fried.
Using Starches in Clear Liquids
In recipes that call for clear liquids, starches might cause cloudiness if not used correctly. When thickening with cornstarch, create a slurry first, and then add it to the liquid to minimize cloudiness. Additionally, it is essential that this mixture is cooked enough for the cornstarch to become fully soluble and reach its thickening potential.
Substitutions and Measurements
For those who need to replace cornstarch with other thickening agents, here are some common substitutions:
Cornstarch Substitute
Measurement Equivalent
Arrowroot
1:1
Potato Starch
1:1
Tapioca Flour
2:1
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
1:1
Substituting cornstarch with a different thickening agent may slightly alter the recipe’s texture and final result. For example, arrowroot is a good substitute when working with acidic ingredients, but it may create a more translucent and glossy appearance in sauces. In contrast, using potato starch may result in a thicker texture without the glossiness. To avoid altering the desired outcome, always consider the specific properties of each substitute when using them in a recipe.
Additional Considerations
Nutritional Differences
When substituting cornstarch in recipes, it is essential to consider the nutritional differences between the alternatives. Some common gluten-free substitutes for cornstarch are tapioca, potato starch, and arrowroot. Each of these options varies in their nutritional content, offering different levels of nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. For example:
Tapioca contains higher carbohydrates than cornstarch
Potato starch offers a higher amount of potassium compared to other starches
Arrowroot provides higher levels of calcium than cornstarch
Starch Flavor Profiles
Another aspect to consider is the flavor profile of different starches. While cornstarch has a relatively neutral taste, alternative starches might have distinct flavors that can affect the final product. For example:
Tapioca can give a slightly sweet taste
Arrowroot has a more subtle flavor than other starches
When using substitutions for cornstarch in recipes, such as fruit pie fillings, jams, jellies, and pastry creams, it is crucial to keep these flavor considerations in mind.
Potential Health Benefits and Concerns
Besides nutritional content and flavor profiles, there are potential health benefits and concerns related to various starches. For instance, some people might look for a gluten-free substitute for cornstarch, such as arrowroot or potato starch, as it can accommodate dietary restrictions.
On the other hand, there is a concern about the presence of cyanide in some starches, specifically cassava (tapioca). However, the cyanide levels in commercially available tapioca flour are significantly reduced during processing and pose minimal risk to consumers.
When choosing a substitute for cornstarch, it’s essential to consider the recipe’s requirements and the specific characteristics that each alternative offers. Some common uses for each substitute include:
Tapioca: fruit pie fillings, jams, and jellies
Arrowroot: sauces, marinades, and ice creams
Potato starch: baking, velveting meat in Asian dishes
Each starch behaves differently in various applications. For example, arrowroot can provide a glossy shine when used as a stabilizer in ice cream, while tapioca is suitable for a pudding recipe because it thickens at a lower temperature. Cornflour, another cornstarch substitute, can be used as a thickening agent but may give a raw flavor when utilized in sauces or gravies.
Cornstarch Substitutes in Your Kitchen
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
