How Much Arrowroot Flour to Substitute for Cornstarch
Works for baking, sauteing, and frying. Arrowroot Flour tastes essentially the same as Cornstarch.
How much arrowroot flour equals one cup of cornstarch, mixed into cold liquid first?
Use 3/4 cup arrowroot per 1 cup cornstarch, mixed into cold liquid first.
Health notes
Compared with Cornstarch, Arrowroot Flour has: less calories (357 vs 381 per 100g in Cornstarch).
Using arrowroot flour as a cornstarch substitute in baking
Use 3/4 cup arrowroot per 1 cup cornstarch for pie fillings and glazes. Sets clearer and glossier, but breaks down if baked too long.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
3/4:1 works well for glossy pan sauces; stir in near the end since heat breaks it down over time.
- Frying
3/4:1 for light, crisp coatings; fries up delicate and glassy rather than crunchy.
- Steaming
3/4:1 for glazes steamed briefly; add near the end of cooking, not before.
- Drinks
3/4:1 for thickening syrups or bubble tea bases; adds a clean, glossy body.
Methods to avoid (3)
- Slow Cook
Not recommended: loses thickening power under long, sustained heat.
- Grilling
Not recommended: no liquid base to thicken on a grill.
- Raw Cold
Not recommended: needs heat to activate and won't thicken cold mixtures.
FAQ
- How much arrowroot flour equals one cup of cornstarch, mixed into cold liquid first?
Use 3/4 cup arrowroot per 1 cup cornstarch, mixed into cold liquid first.
- Can I substitute arrowroot flour for Cornstarch in baking?
Yes. Use 3/4 cup arrowroot per 1 cup cornstarch for pie fillings and glazes. Sets clearer and glossier, but breaks down if baked too long. Not recommended: loses thickening power under long, sustained heat.
- How much arrowroot flour to use as a cornstarch substitute?
Tastes neutral like cornstarch, so no adjustment needed.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Arrowroot Flour for Cornstarch?
Arrowroot flour tastes essentially the same as cornstarch.
- How does texture change when substituting Arrowroot Flour for Cornstarch?
Arrowroot flour clearer, glossier gel with a smoother, less pasty mouthfeel than cornstarch.
- What else should I know about substituting Arrowroot Flour for Cornstarch?
For fruit fillings, glazes, and stir-fry sauces. Expect a clearer, glossier set with a smoother bite. Skip long-simmered stews or slow-cooked sauces, since arrowroot breaks down and turns slimy over sustained heat. Stir it in near the end of cooking instead. Great for delicate desserts where cloudiness would show.
- What still works when substituting Arrowroot Flour for Cornstarch?
Arrowroot flour still works as a thickener.
- How well does Arrowroot Flour match Cornstarch?
Arrowroot flour is good on structure, okay on heat, and strong on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Arrowroot Flour for Cornstarch?
Arrowroot flour is slightly higher in protein, and has about x2 more fat and sat. fat. Overall, calories is similar.