How Much Cornstarch to Substitute for Arrowroot Flour
Works for baking, sauteing, and frying. Cornstarch tastes essentially the same as Arrowroot Flour.
How much cornstarch equals one Arrowroot Flour?
Use 1 tbsp corn starch per 1 tbsp arrowroot, mixed into cold liquid first.
Health notes
Compared with Arrowroot Flour, Cornstarch has: more calories (381 vs 357 per 100g in Arrowroot Flour).
Using cornstarch as an arrowroot flour substitute in baking
Use 1 tbsp corn starch per 1 tbsp arrowroot in pie fillings and puddings; mix with cold liquid first.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
1:1 swap in pan sauces; whisk in a slurry to avoid clumps, thickens fast over heat.
- Frying
1:1 for glazes brushed on fried foods; sets slightly less glossy than arrowroot.
- Slow Cook
Add near the end at 1:1; long simmering can break down corn starch and thin the sauce.
- Steaming
1:1 in steamed puddings and custards; gives a similarly smooth, clear set.
- Drinks
1:1 for thickening fruit syrups or bubble tea bases; dissolve in cold liquid before heating.
Methods to avoid (2)
- Grilling
Not recommended: no liquid to thicken on a grill, and starch scorches on direct heat.
- Raw Cold
Not recommended: corn starch needs heat to thicken and stays gritty raw.
FAQ
- How much cornstarch equals one Arrowroot Flour?
Use 1 tbsp corn starch per 1 tbsp arrowroot, mixed into cold liquid first.
- Can I substitute cornstarch for Arrowroot Flour in baking?
Yes. Use 1 tbsp corn starch per 1 tbsp arrowroot in pie fillings and puddings; mix with cold liquid first. Not recommended: no liquid to thicken on a grill, and starch scorches on direct heat.
- How much cornstarch to use as an arrowroot flour substitute?
No taste difference; corn starch is just as neutral as arrowroot.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Cornstarch for Arrowroot Flour?
Cornstarch tastes essentially the same as arrowroot flour.
- How does texture change when substituting Cornstarch for Arrowroot Flour?
Cornstarch slightly more opaque and pasty set than arrowroot, with a touch less shine.
- What else should I know about substituting Cornstarch for Arrowroot Flour?
For sauces, gravies, pie fillings, and drinks. Expect a slightly cloudier, thicker set instead of arrowroot's glassy clarity. Skip dishes that freeze and thaw, since corn starch weeps more on reheating. Fine for everyday sauces where a little haze doesn't matter.
- What still works when substituting Cornstarch for Arrowroot Flour?
Cornstarch still works as a thickener.
- How well does Cornstarch match Arrowroot Flour?
Cornstarch is good on structure, good on heat, and strong on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Cornstarch for Arrowroot Flour?
Cornstarch is slightly lower in protein, and has about x2 fewer fat and sat. fat. Overall, calories is similar.