Best Cornstarch Substitutes
What are the best substitutes for cornstarch in the kitchen? If you have little idea about this topic, I suggest that you go through this post right now for all the details.
Cornstarch is a popular ingredient used in everyday life and it can be utilized in a variety of ways at home. When heated, it is very effective in absorbing water, which gives the cornstarch its main purpose of being the thickening agent used in various sauces gravies, fillings, and sauces.
Cornstarch is one of the unsung culinary heroes. It prevents your fruit pie from getting too runny, makes your stir-fries glossy and shiny and gives gravy that textured texture. Cornstarch isn’t something you’ll use often, so it’s likely not high on your list of grocery items, which means it’s possible to run out of it at the time you’re in need of it.
But don’t worry because there are cornstarch alternatives that can save you. It’s not always possible to get the same results using the cornstarch substitutes. However, you can get fairly similar results. Here’s what you need to be aware of.
We’ve come up with a few possible alternatives you can try in the event you are out of cornstarch so that you don’t worry the next time you’re out of stock.
You really don’t have to run to the nearest store if you browse through our top alternatives to cornstarch!
Wheat flour
Wheat flour is easily used to replace cornstarch in times of need. In general, it is one of the popular flour used in baking, which means it’s likely that you’ll have this option available inside your cupboard or kitchen!
There are various types of wheat flour and the various types can be identified in the quantity of gluten they contain.
If you’re using wheat flour as an alternative to cornstarch, be aware that although cornstarch can give the recipe an attractive shine but flour won’t provide the same effect, but it will create a product that is more matte.
For every tablespoon of cornstarch, you’ll need to make use of around 3 teaspoons. Also, it’s important to remember that you’ll have to cook the dish which you’re thickening for a few more minutes to ensure that the dish doesn’t have the flavor raw flour.
Rice flour
An alternative to cornstarch rice flour! Rice flour is a versatile type of flour that is made of finely-milled rice. It is a staple ingredient that can be utilized to thicken the sweet as well as savory condiments. It is commonly used in Asian recipes.
Rice flour is different in comparison to rice starch which is usually created by the lye process of steeping rice. In general, rice flour doesn’t color when it is mixed with water. It is a great option to have for thickening clear drinks and recipes.
It is gluten free, and is readily available and inexpensive! Contrary to many gluten-free foods it is inexpensive, which makes it a fantastic addition to your pantry or kitchen cabinet. In the absence of cornstarch, it won’t cost you a fortune, so you don’t be embarrassed to replace it!
A popular substitute to wheat flour functions as a thickener similar to wheat flour, so you should make sure you apply the same proportions– 3 tablespoons for 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.
Potato starch
A great substitute for cornstarch can be found in potato starch! It is the starch that’s found in the potato and is refined, which means it’s rich in carbohydrates and has very little calories or proteins. As a thickening agent potato starch is well-known for its neutral flavor clear and good taste, as well as its strong binding power.
Like other root and tuber starches like potato, it is a starch with very little or any flavor, which means that its taste is bland and doesn’t impart any undesirable flavor to your meals.
If you are trying to stay away from gluten, it’s vital to know that among the advantages from potato starch comes from that it is gluten-free, in contrast to many other flours that contain gluten.
When you add potato starch in your recipe, make sure to apply the same amount of potato starch as you would corn starch. The 1:1 ratio means you’ll need to use the same amount of potato starch if your dish needs one tablespoon cornstarch you can substitute that to one tablespoon of potatoes starch.
Be sure to mix the potato starch well because it can get clumpy more than cornstarch, and you do not want it to become too lumpy in your recipe.
Arrowroot
The Arrowroot plant is indigenous to Indonesia. The powder is extracted by Rhizomes (rootstock) of a variety of tropical plants, most commonly Maranta arundinacea It is used in a myriad of dishes instead of cornstarch.
Since arrowroot is gluten-free and grain-free, it’s an excellent alternative for celiacs and people with gluten intolerances, as well as being paleo-friendly. Much like the majority of paleo and gluten-free flours, arrowroot powder can’t be usually used in an 1:1 ratio to the cornstarch ingredient or ingredient it replaces.
If you’re using it to make substitute for cornstarch try at starting with 1/3- half the amount of cornstarch the recipe calls for.
Although cornstarch can impart a slight flavor and leaves food looking cloudy and opaque but arrowroot powder doesn’t have any flavor and leaves food shiny and clear. This means it won’t change the taste or appearance of your food!
It is crucial to keep in mind two things in the use of arrowroot powder an ingredient to thicken.
In the beginning, you must create a slurry before. Mix the powder of arrowroot in a tiny amount of chilled liquid to make sure there aren’t any lumps prior to adding it to the recipe.
While cooking your dish, you must ensure that you add the slurry towards the end your recipe. It isn’t a good idea to simmer with the arrowroot because it’s likely to break down when heated up and you should add it right before serving.
Tapioca flour
Tapioca flour is a fantastic substitute for cornstarch. Tapioca is an ingredient in the form of starch derived from storage root of cassava which is a plant species native to the central-west region and north region of Brazil however, it is used all over South America.
Tapioca flour is created by crushing cassava roots into an emulsion and then filtering the starch-rich liquid that can be dried and transformed into tapioca flour!
But, despite being an edible root that is edible and is a good source of fiber, it can also contain glycosides with cyanogenic properties, which could cause fatal poisoning with cyanide. This is why the plant needs to be cleansed properly by the process of soaking, drying and scraping to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Tapioca offers a beautiful glossy finish to any dish, as opposed to normal flour that tends to appear duller. The use of tapioca flour could help you save energy due to the fact that it can be a good emulsifier for your dish at less temperature.
This cornstarch substitute is a great option for meals that require chilling in contrast to cornstarch, which tends to form a coagulation after being refrigerated. It is crucial to keep in mind that tapioca flour doesn’t benefit from cooking for extended periods as it can overcook quickly If you’re not careful.
Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a natural water-soluble fiber from the root of the elephant yam. It is also referred to as konjac.
Glucomannan is a fantastic alternative to cornstarch, particularly when making sweet dishes like delicious custards that are smooth and delicious pie, custards as well as gravies and even condiments. But, since it’s inert and does not contain sugar, it can also be used great flavor to dishes that include savory ingredients as well.
Glucomannan is extremely rich with soluble fiber. It was long used as a traditional Chinese treatment, glucomannan has been nowadays marketed as a diet supplement, and is often employed to help with weight loss because it is a source of carbohydrates and calories that are low. This makes it a popular replacement for cornstarch among those trying to lose weight or on a diet that is low in carbs.
There are numerous health benefits that are believed to be related to the glucomannan. Soluble fibers of all kinds helps maintain or improve digestion. Glucomannan is a substance that helps build bulk in the intestinal tract. It is not just a way to relieve constipation but could also help in reducing the removal of cholesterol and sugar in the digestive tract. There is a suggestion that glucomannan could aid in keeping cholesterol levels under control.
It is crucial to remember that glucomannan’s thickness increases at low temperatures. Mix it with a small amount of cold water prior to when you mix it into the dish to keep it from colliding when it touches the hot dish you’re cooking.
Most people consume approximately a quarter of teaspoon of glucomannan to every two teaspoons of cornstarch.
Ground flaxseeds
Ground flaxseeds can be a great substitute for cornstarch as they absorb very well and can turn into the form of a jelly when combined with water. As a superfood organic, flaxseeds offer antioxidants, healthy fats, and are a good source of fiber you can add in your daily diet.
A food that is considered to be functional, it is a popular choice for people to consume flaxseeds to increase their health. There are many health benefits linked to flaxseeds.
Flaxseed, for instance, is an excellent source of lignans that are believed to possess antioxidant properties. Additionally, it’s believed that flaxseed has omega-3 fatty acids. These may help in preventing heart disease as well as lower blood pressure.
But the texture and consistency of flaxseed could be quite rough unlike cornstarch which is typically easy to work with. This being said flaxseed could boost the amount of fiber in your food!
If you’re looking at adding thickness to a dish it is recommended to substitute the cornstarch mixture by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in 3-4 tablespoons water. It should be able to replace about two tablespoons cornstarch however, you might need play around with it until you achieve the ideal consistency.
For all we know it is an integral aspect of trying new kitchen ingredients!
Water chestnut flour
Another great option to replace cornstarch with is to use water chestnut flour! The flour made from water chestnuts is made of dried crushed water chestnuts.
It is important to note the fact that this flour should not be to be mistaken for chestnut flour that is made of chestnuts and is excellent for recipes with an earthy, nutty taste.
The method for creating water chestnut flour involves boiling, peeling and boiling, later grinding them into flour. Its primary purpose is to use it to thicken the texture of food and also to create batter for deep-frying for deep frying in Indian and Asian dishes, as well as recipes that employ proteins like chicken and the prawns.
Alongside being a thickener, chestnut flour is used to make different kinds of cakes, breads pancakes, pasta dishes!
It can be used as a substitute for cornstarch water chestnut flour could be used to add flavor to your dishes. It generally provides an even, shiny finish to your food, but you’ll need to exercise extra attention when mixing this ingredient into the dish.
To ensure that there are no lumps, ensure that you mix the water chestnut flour using some water prior to adding it to the dish. Equal amounts of water and chestnut flour is suggested for thickening alternatives for cornstarch, particularly when making Asian dishes.
Xanthan gum
An alternative to cornstarch xanthan that is a plant gum that is made by fermenting sugar using a bacterium called Xanthomonas campestris.
A small amount of xanthan is advised to be used as a powerful thickening agent and stabilizer that can prevent the ingredients from breaking apart and is ideal for the preparation of sauces to help you save time when the reduction of the quantity of food.
It’s important to note that xanthan gum may cause digestive issues if it is used in large amounts but, in its role as an agent for thickening it’s not a risk you’ll add a significant amount of it to your food.
Frequently asked questions
What to do when I do not have cornstarch?
Cornstarch is frequently used in baking. However, with that said it is possible that you don’t have access to cornstarch at your kitchen. So, what else could you do if you don’t have cornstarch?
One option is to use wheat flour. It’s a great option because it’s rich in the nutrients of fiber and protein, but you’ll require more wheat flour in the recipe to achieve the same type of result. There are other ingredients you can use like arrowroots potatoes, potato starch, tapioca, rice flour as well as ground flax seeds.
Of course, you’ll be required to confirm the quantities before you incorporate ingredients in the recipe, to make sure that you don’t dramatically alter the taste due to the fact that you’ve overused one ingredient.
Can baking powder be used in place of cornstarch?
Baking powder is a popular ingredient in many households However, is it wise to make use of it instead of cornstarch? In general, the answer is not. It’s not a great option to make use of baking soda or baking powder in place of cornstarch.
The issue is that baking soda can give a distinct flavor to the dish than cornstarch and could make the dish taste distinct. Both of them have certain chemical properties, which is one reason they’re leavening agents.
It’s possible that it won’t taste delicious if you add baking powder in an alcoholic beverage or soup. It is usually recommended to use other ingredients instead for a liquid, like the mixture of flour and water as well as something that won’t significantly alter the flavor of the food.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cornstarch?
In the event that you do not have cornstarch on hand in your kitchen, or If you’re sensitive to it, you’ll need to locate a substitute for cornstarch. What better option than being one of the more commonly used ingredients in every kitchen – all-purpose flour!
All-purpose flour can do similar tasks to corn starch. There are some variations, however and it’s worth keeping this in your head. In general, it’s an excellent substitute for cornstarch. Ift is important to note that all purpose doesn’t have nearly as the thickening capacity like cornstarch.
This is why it’s crucial to use 2 tablespoons of all purpose flour for every tablespoon of cornstarch the recipe requires. You could also substitute other ingredients such as potatoes starch and arrowroot powder in place of cornstarch, if that’s what you wish.
What can I do with flour in place of cornstarch when the frying process?
Cornstarch can be used when cooking food items in a pan or when deep-frying. It’s excellent to maintain the texture of the item you’re frying. There may not be cornstarch, however. If that’s the case, then you could make use of all-purpose flour instead.
You can use potato flour or rice flour as well and you’ll have a variety of choices. Using these ingredients could make the food taste a little distinct, but this could sometimes be beneficial.
It’s all about the type of texture and taste you’re trying to achieve. So, be aware of this prior to preparing the dish. If you’re using rather than cornstarch, you’ll need about two tablespoons to every tablespoon of cornstarch is required in the recipe.
Wrapping up
So, what are the best substitutes for cornstarch? There’s no need to fret about cornstarch if you’re not stocked up! There are plenty of substitutes for cornstarch that you can utilize to achieve perfect results in every recipe you like.
There are numerous thickening agents available, which work as well as cornstarch when it comes to thickening sauces, stews and pie fillings, and much more! It is not limited to only one ingredient to get similar or comparable outcomes.
The next time you decide to cook a meal, don’t be worried if you are in an area where you do not have enough cornstarch in your pantry. If you’re in search of an alternative to cornstarch, you could try cake flour, corn flour, tapioca starch pastry flour, baking powder Guar gum, arrowroot flour potato flour, baking soda as a thickener for starch. You can always experiment with each ingredient and find out what is most suitable for you in case cornstarch is not available.
