Best Substitutes for Flour (as thickener) — What to Use Instead

Top substitute for flour (as thickener): Cornstarch (1 tbsp cornstarch per 2 tbsp flour). Twice as powerful. Creates clearer sauce. Mix with cold water first (slurry). Plus 3 more alternatives. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: Cornstarch: 1 tbsp cornstarch per 2 tbsp flour — Twice as powerful. Creates clearer sauce. Mix with cold water first (slurry).. Arrowroot Powder: 1 tbsp arrowroot per 2 tbsp flour — Neutral flavor, clear finish. Good for gluten-free cooking.. Rice Flour: 1:1 — Gluten-free flour thickener. Works well for roux-based sauces.. Xanthan Gum: 1/8 tsp per 1 cup liquid — Very powerful thickener. Use sparingly — a little goes a long way.. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Flour (as thickener) may need substituting due to dietary restrictions. Running out of an ingredient mid-recipe is common. Allergies or preferences may require alternatives. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Best overall substitute: Cornstarch at 1 tbsp cornstarch per 2 tbsp flour. Consider what role the ingredient plays in the recipe. Test substitutes in small batches first. Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Ingredient Substitutes collection on Cooking Reference Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.