Cornstarch substitute
Out of cornstarch? Here are 5 swaps that work, with exact amounts scaled to your recipe.
The best cornstarch substitutes
Cornstarch thickens sauces, gravies and fillings and makes them glossy. It has about twice the thickening power of flour. The best all-round swap is all-purpose flour: use twice as much. Cook 2 to 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Sauce turns opaque.
| Substitute | For 1 tbsp cornstarch, use | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp all-purpose flour | Gravy, stews, cream sauces |
| Arrowroot powder | 1 tbsp arrowroot powder | Fruit sauces, stir-fries |
| Potato starch | 1 tbsp potato starch | Soups, gravies |
| Tapioca starch | 2 tbsp tapioca starch | Pie fillings |
| Rice flour | 2 tbsp rice flour | Soups, sauces |
How to choose
- Match the jobThink about what cornstarch does in your recipe, then pick the swap listed for that kind of dish.
- Scale the amountEnter your recipe's amount in the tool above and every swap rescales automatically.
- Check the tagsGreen Healthier swaps cut calories or add protein. Vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free swaps are tagged too.
Missing something else? The full ingredient substitute finder covers 20 ingredients, and our recipe calorie calculator shows how a swap changes your recipe's nutrition.
Frequently asked questions
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
The best substitute for 1 tbsp cornstarch is all-purpose flour: 2 tbsp all-purpose flour. Use twice as much. Cook 2 to 3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Sauce turns opaque.
Can I use flour instead of cornstarch?
Yes. Use 2 tbsp flour for every 1 tbsp cornstarch and cook a few minutes longer to remove the raw taste.
What is a gluten-free substitute for cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or potato starch, 1:1. Add near the end of cooking.
References
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