Craving thick and creamy sauces but out of cornstarch? (cornstarch is a fine white starch made from the endosperm of corn kernels, commonly used as a thickener) Don't sweat it.
We've all had that moment.
You're halfway through making gravy or pudding and realize, "Whoa, no cornstarch!" No need to abort mission, though.
There are plenty of cornstarch substitutes hiding in plain sight. Some might already be in your pantry.
Forget the
We're about to introduce you to the best alternatives to get that perfect consistency. So, buckle up, experiment with these swaps, and achieve thickened success every time!
7 Easy Substitutes for Cornstarch
When your recipe calls for cornstarch, you can use any of these tasty substitutes:
1 - All-Purpose Flour
First, let's chat about all-purpose flour. This pantry staple is your go-to for thickening.
It's super versatile.
What makes it so special? Its flavor is mild (with a slightly nutty, wheaty note), blending seamlessly into your dish.
Unlike cornstarch, which is tasteless, flour adds a subtle richness.
We often use it in gravies and sauces. Just remember to cook it well to avoid any raw taste.
Ever tried using it in pudding? Works like a charm!
For more cool flour substitutes, check out corn flour swaps for baking.
2 - Arrowroot Powder
Next on the list is arrowroot powder. It's a pantry lifesaver.
Arrowroot powder is gluten-free and easily dissolves (made from the rhizome of the arrowroot plant, Maranta arundinacea). It's perfect for clear sauces, unlike flour which can cloud.
We dig it because its flavor is neutral. No one wants their sauce to taste like raw flour, right?
Just mix it with cold water before adding to hot liquids.
Want to explore more options? See Kashmiri chili alternatives for color.
Check this arrowroot powder substitutes guide.
For silky-smooth sauces and gravies, arrowroot is our top pick. It thickens fast and doesn't disrupt your dish's taste.
3 - Potato Starch
We're all about the potato starch life. This beauty is a gluten-free thickening hero (extracted from potato tubers, Solanum tuberosum).
What's fantastic? It's super versatile and gives a silky texture.
Really, it's a champ in soups and sauces and pairs well with potato ricer alternatives for mashing.
The flavor is neutral. No weird aftertastes. It blends right into your dish.
A quick tip: mix it with cold water first. Potato starch can handle the heat without losing its thickening power.
This is our go-to for all things smooth and thick. Easy to use and always reliable.
4 - Tapioca Starch
The amazing alternative is tapioca starch! It's derived from cassava root and is a proven go-to for us.
Flavor-wise, it's as neutral as Switzerland. No funky tastes here.
That's a massive win for keeping your dishes tasty.
Tapioca starch blends smoothly, thickening sauces and puddings effortlessly; for more options see tapioca flour swaps for baking.
Pro tip: Always mix it with cold water first before adding to hot ingredients to avoid clumping (use about 1 tablespoon per cup of liquid for medium-thick consistency).
5 - Rice Flour
In case you need a handy substitute, rice flour is our pick! It's super smooth and blends like a dream.
We've used it in everything from soups to stews, and it never disappoints.
Flavor-wise? Almost non-existent. That's the best part.
It won't overpower your dishes. We love it for gluten-free cooking.
Mix it with cold water first to avoid lumps (try about 2 tablespoons per cup of liquid). For more options, check out this rice flour substitutes guide.
Rice flour is top shelf for thickening without altering the taste. It's versatile and reliable.
That's why we keep it around!
6 - Xanthan Gum
If thickening with ease is your goal, xanthan gum is your buddy. We swear by it.
It's a smooth operator in sauces, soups, and even your homemade ice creams.
It packs a punch without adding weird flavors. flavor? Literally none.
It doesn't mess with your dish's taste.
What's cool is that a little goes a long way (about ⅛ teaspoon per cup of liquid). You need just a pinch, and voilà!
Mixing it in is a breeze too. Just blend it well with water before adding to your dish.
Curious about other options? Check out our xanthan gum substitutes guide.
7 - Chia Seeds or Ground Flaxseeds
Last but not least, we have chia seeds and ground flaxseeds. These tiny powerhouses are great thickening agents.
What's cool? They bring a slight nutty flavor.
This can be a bonus, adding a little extra oomph to your soups or puddings.
To use them, just mix with water (about 1 tablespoon seed to 3 tablespoons water) and let them sit for a few minutes. They form a gel-like consistency, which is perfect for thickening.
Want more alternatives? Check out our chia seeds substitutes or ground flaxseed substitutes articles.
These little seeds have saved us more times than we can count. They're a staple in our pantry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for cornstarch, but you'll need to use about double the amount. It works well in thickening sauces and gravies.
Arrowroot powder is a great substitute for cornstarch, offering a similar thickening effect. It's especially good for thickening acidic liquids and works well in gluten-free recipes.
Potato starch is a good alternative to cornstarch, offering a similar texture and thickening power. It's particularly useful for gluten-free baking and thickening soups or stews.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
