what can i use in place of cornstarch
Sarah Martinez
Updated on June 23, 2026
All-Purpose Flour
Although it won’t produce the same glossy shine as cornstarch, it’ll get the job done in a pinch. All-purpose flour contains about half the thickening power of cornstarch, so for every tablespoon of cornstarch required, you’ll need to substitute two tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Can I use baking powder instead of cornstarch?
Can I Use Baking Powder or Baking Soda Instead of Cornstarch. It’s not recommended to use baking powder or baking soda as a substitute for cornstarch. Baking soda adds a particular flavour and both of them have specific chemical properties which is why they act as leavening agents.
Can you replace corn starch?
Cornstarch is used to thicken liquids in a variety of recipes such as sauces, gravies, pies, puddings, and stir-fries. It can be replaced with flour, arrowroot, potato starch, tapioca, and even instant mashed potato granules.
How do I make cornstarch?
Bring the corn into the blender and add some water to cover the corn in the blender. Blend until you notice a smooth texture. You can decide to blend the corn in batches if the amount of cornstarch you want to make is much. Repeat the process until you are done with all the corn in the bowl.
How can I thicken sauce without cornstarch?
Combine equal parts of flour and cold water in a cup. Mix it until it’s smooth and stir it into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer for 5 minutes. A general rule is use 2 tsp (3 grams) of flour to thicken 1 L (34 fl oz) of liquid.
Is cornstarch the same as flour?
Cornstarch is a pure starch compared to flour. The reason for this is because flour contains gluten. The lack of gluten in cornstarch makes it more efficient in thickening. In fact, cornstarch has twice the thickening power of starch.
What is the primary purpose of cornstarch in cooking?
Cornstarch is a common ingredient made from the starchy portion of corn kernels known as the endosperm. It’s used as a thickening agent for gravies, marinades, sauces, soups, and casseroles.
What is the same as cornstarch?
Cornstarch’ in the US is the same thing as ‘cornflour’ in the UK. It’s the pure starch extracted from corn kernels, and it has the form of a very fine white powder.
Can I use self raising flour instead of cornstarch?
Self-Rising Flour
To use self-rising flour as an alternative to cornflour, you’ll need to double the amount of self-rising flour for thickening soups, sauces, pie fillings, etc. For breading fried foods, use self-rising flour in a 1:1 ratio.
What can I use in place of cornstarch in pie?
Find the best cornstarch substitute depending on what you’re making. All-purpose flour is a fine replacement for cornstarch in pie fillings; tapioca starch works too. You’ll want to use 2 tablespoons flour or tapioca starch for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch called for in the recipe.
Can I use potato starch instead of cornstarch?
Now if you’re still wondering, can I substitute potato starch for cornstarch? Then the answer is yes. Because both starches can be used similarly, they are interchangeable in most recipes.
Can I use flour instead of cornstarch for frying?
All-Purpose Flour – It works as a cornstarch substitute for frying, but won’t get quite as crispy. Use it 2:1 for cornstarch.
How do you make starch with flour?
How to Make Homemade Starch With Flour
Mix 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of flour in a bowl.Whisk the two together until you have a smooth consistency.Add to a pan and bring to a bowl, stirring frequently.Allow it to cool.Put a strainer over the mouth of the spray bottle.Pour in your flour starch mixture.
What is cornstarch made out of?
Cornstarch, the starch derived from corn, is made from the white endosperms found in the center of a corn kernel. These endosperms are ground into a fine, white powder that is commonly used as a thickening agent.