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

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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.

Overview

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.

Key Details

  • 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.

Why This Matters

  • 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

How To

  1. 1Best overall substitute: Cornstarch at 1 tbsp cornstarch per 2 tbsp flour
  2. 2Consider what role the ingredient plays in the recipe
  3. 3Test substitutes in small batches first
  4. 4Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results

Tags

substitutesflour-subflour-as-thickeneringredient-swapcooking-tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best substitute is Cornstarch at 1 tbsp cornstarch per 2 tbsp flour. Twice as powerful. Creates clearer sauce. Mix with cold water first (slurry).