What to use instead of 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
1
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Cook a few minutes longer to remove the raw-flour taste; the sauce will be opaque.
Best for: Gravy, stews
2
1 tbsp arrowroot powder
Glossy and clear; add at the end and don't boil long.
Best for: Fruit sauces, stir-fries
3
1 tbsp potato starch
Thickens quickly at a lower temperature.
Best for: Soups, sauces
Chef's tipAlways mix starch with cold liquid first, then stir it into the hot pot to avoid lumps.
Substituting pantry staples
Pantry swaps are usually the most forgiving, because these ingredients play a supporting role. Taste as you go, add the substitute a little at a time, and adjust seasoning at the end. When a swap is sweeter or saltier than the original, reduce other sugar or salt in the recipe to balance it.
Need more or less than 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)? Scale the swap the same way as the original amount, or paste your recipe into the recipe converter to scale everything at once.
