If you run out of cornstarch while cooking or baking, don’t worry. There are many easy cornstarch replacement options that work just as well for thickening sauces, soups, gravies, and desserts. Many of these substitutes are already in your pantry and can be used in simple ratios.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best substitutes for cornstarch, when to use them, and a simple homemade thickener recipe you can use anytime.
Table of Contents
What Is Cornstarch Used For?
Cornstarch is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking. It helps:
- Thicken sauces and gravies
- Make soups and stews thicker
- Create silky pie fillings
- Improve texture in baked goods
- Coat foods for frying
- Prevent clumping in powdered sugar
When replacing cornstarch, the key is choosing a substitute that thickens in a similar way.
Best Cornstarch Replacement Options
Here are the most common substitutes and how to use them.
1. Flour
All-purpose flour is the most common substitute.
How to substitute:
Use 2 tablespoons flour for every 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Flour works best in:
- Gravy
- Cream sauces
- Soup
- Stews
It does make sauces slightly cloudy instead of clear.
2. Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot is one of the best cornstarch substitutes because it creates a clear, glossy sauce.
How to substitute:
Use 1 tablespoon arrowroot for 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Best for:
- Fruit pie filling
- Glazes
- Sauces
- Puddings
3. Potato Starch
Potato starch thickens quickly and works very similarly to cornstarch.
How to substitute:
Use 1 tablespoon potato starch for 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Great for:
- Gravies
- Sauces
- Frying coatings
4. Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch is another excellent thickener.
How to substitute:
Use 2 tablespoons tapioca starch for 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Best for:
- Pie fillings
- Puddings
- Desserts
- Slow cooker meals
5. Rice Flour
Rice flour works well as a thickener and is gluten-free.
How to substitute:
Use 2 tablespoons rice flour for 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Best for:
- Soups
- Sauces
- Stir fry sauces
Cornstarch Replacement Conversion Chart
| Cornstarch | Substitute |
|---|---|
| 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp flour |
| 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp arrowroot |
| 1 tbsp | 1 tbsp potato starch |
| 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp tapioca starch |
| 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp rice flour |
Homemade Cornstarch Replacement Thickener Recipe
Homemade Thickening Powder
This simple mix works as a general cornstarch replacement for sauces, soups, and gravies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rice flour
- 1/2 cup potato starch (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use 2 tablespoons of this mix for every 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- Always mix with cold water before adding to hot liquids to prevent lumps.
How to Use Cornstarch Substitutes Properly
No matter which substitute you use, follow these tips:
- Always mix the thickener with cold water first (called a slurry)
- Add slowly to hot liquids
- Stir constantly while thickening
- Simmer for a few minutes to activate thickening
- Flour needs longer cooking time than cornstarch
- Arrowroot should not be boiled too long
When to Use Each Cornstarch Replacement
| Use | Best Substitute |
|---|---|
| Gravy | Flour |
| Sauce | Arrowroot |
| Pie Filling | Tapioca |
| Soup | Flour or Rice Flour |
| Frying | Potato Starch |
| Pudding | Arrowroot |
| Gluten-Free | Arrowroot or Rice Flour |
Final Thoughts
Finding a cornstarch replacement is easy once you know your options. Flour, arrowroot, potato starch, tapioca starch, and rice flour can all be used to thicken sauces, soups, gravies, and desserts. Keeping one of these substitutes in your pantry ensures you’ll never have to stop cooking just because you ran out of cornstarch.
If you enjoyed learning about this cornstarch replacement, you might also like some of our other helpful kitchen guides and recipes. Check out our creamy macaroni and cheese using Velveeta cheese for a smooth, thick cheese sauce, our comforting chicken tetrazzini recipe for an easy dinner idea, and our rich homemade chocolate frosty recipe for a simple dessert. These recipes use easy pantry ingredients and are perfect for everyday cooking. Visit RecipesMania.com for more simple recipes, cooking tips, and kitchen substitution guides to make cooking easier and more delicious every day.
