What Can Be Used As Cornstarch Substitute? What Are Its Benefits?

Cornstarch is a common and popular ingredient found in almost all household. Cornstarch is used to make pie dough, pudding, shortbread cookies, and crispy crust for many savoury dishes. To find Cornstarch substitute which gives the same result as corn flour is little complicated. However, there are different kinds of flour which can be used as healthy substitute. When you have done all the preparation of soup or curry, and you are out of your cornstarch supply at that time, this healthy substitute will save you and your recipe.

Starches can be differentiated by how they are used in cooking and why you should use that particular starch than other starch. Their quality of thickening and their quantity to be taken according to cornstarch substitute in the recipe is important to point to consider. Mostly the carbohydrates we use for cooking are from grains or roots.

Herein are the cornstarch substitute and its benefits:

Arrowroot as cornstarch substitute:

Arrowroot is made of arrowroot plant; this starch will give same results as cornstarch substitute or even better than it. Arrowroot flour has only one drawback that it does not give desired results when used with dairy products. It is mildly flavoured flour and cooks faster than cornstarch. It is readily available and can be stored in the refrigerator.

Method to use arrowroot:

Take 2.5 tablespoons of arrowroot flour for one tablespoon of cornstarch.

Flaxseeds as cornstarch substitute:

Flaxseeds are an excellent choice as cornstarch substitute regarding health. It is very healthy thickening agent to make curries and baking dishes. It is a rich source of omega three fatty acids and fibre.

Method to use flaxseeds:

Take two tablespoons of flaxseeds grounded or powdered for one tablespoon of cornstarch. It also takes a longer time for cooking as thinking agent.

Rice flour as cornstarch substitute:

Rice flour is a rice powder made by grinding rice. It is inexpensive and readily available in all grocery stores of the Asian market. Rice flour can be used to make many different dishes be it sweet or savoury. It can be employed as a thickening agent for soups, stews, and curries.

Method to use rice flour:

Take three tablespoons of rice flour for one tablespoon of cornstarch. It also takes lesser time to cook then cornstarch.

Refined flour or all purpose flour as cornstarch substitute:

Refined flour is also popular and common flour found in every household. Even it can be used as a thickening agent and many dishes where cornstarch is used and be a good substitute.

Method to use refined flour:

Take two tablespoons of refined flour for one tablespoon of cornstarch. When you are using refined flour as a thickening agent for soups, stews, and curries, it is always better to roast in butter first to give better flavour. And it also takes a longer time to cook.

Read more – Health Benefits of Cornstarch and Water together

Wheat flour as cornstarch substitute:

Wheat flour is a healthy option as cornstarch substitute. It has many benefits it is packed with lots of fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It can be used as a thickening agent, and it has its distinct flavour.

Method to use wheat flour:

Take two tablespoons of wheat flour for one tablespoon of cornstarch. It takes longer to cook then cornstarch.

Tapioca flour as cornstarch substitute:

Tapioca flour is also a healthy option it contains lots of vitamins and minerals. It is better used in dishes that are required to put in the refrigerator because it does not clump.

Method to use tapioca flour:

Take two to three tablespoons of tapioca flour for one tablespoon of cornstarch. It cooks faster than cornstarch.

Gram flour as cornstarch substitute:

Yellow gramme flour is very healthy and is a good source of proteins and minerals. It can be used as thickening agent for stews and curries. It has its flavor it makes the stews and curries delicious. And also increase the health value of the dish.

Method to use gramme flour:

Take a ¼ tablespoon of gramme flour for one tablespoon of cornstarch. You can only use this to thicken the gravy of curries and stews because it has its distinct flavour.

Potato starch as cornstarch substitute:

Potato starch is used to thicken the curries and sauces. They cook faster in low temperature it gives the translucent and glossy feel.

Tip to use which starch when:

When you want a thickening agent for the beginning of cooking like pasta, stew, etc. uses grain starch like refined flour, rice flour, gramme flour, etc. When you want to use starch for desserts and filling, then use root starches like tapioca flour, potato flour, etc.

Also read: https://penzu.com/public/a0e4f3a8