Cornstarch Substitutes

Best substitute

2 Tbsp flour per 1 Tbsp cornstarch

Cook a couple minutes longer to lose the raw-flour taste.

All tested swaps

All-purpose flour

gravies, stews

2 Tbsp flour per 1 Tbsp cornstarch

Cook a couple minutes longer to lose the raw-flour taste.

Arrowroot powder

clear sauces, fruit fillings

2 tsp arrowroot per 1 Tbsp cornstarch

Stir in off the heat; don't boil hard or it thins out.

Why it works

Cornstarch thickens because its starch granules swell and gel when heated in liquid. Other starches and flour do the same with different potency.

Common mistake

Adding cornstarch straight to hot liquid — always make a cold slurry first or it clumps.

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