Out of Cornstarch? 3 Substitutes That Actually Work
The recipe calls for cornstarch, the fridge says no, and the store is not happening. Here is what actually works — with the ratios.
Best substitutes for cornstarch
| Substitute | Best for |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour, 2:1 (twice the flour) | Simmer 3 min to lose the raw taste |
| Arrowroot, 1:1 | Glossier, freezer-stable sauces |
| Potato starch, 1:1 | Add at the end, off a boil |
Why these work
All starches thicken by swelling; they differ in power, gloss and heat tolerance — flour is weakest but always in the pantry.
Quick FAQ
Will the dish taste different?
Slightly, in most cases — pick the substitute whose 'best for' matches your dish and the difference stays background.
Can I substitute in any recipe?
Cooking is forgiving; precision baking less so. In baking, swap one ingredient at a time so you can tell what changed.
