Baking basics
Substitutes for cornstarch
Cornstarch thickens sauces and pie fillings into a clear gloss, and it makes cookies and shortbread tender.
-
All-purpose flour
- How much
- 2 tbsp flour for each 1 tbsp cornstarch
- How
- Simmer 2 to 3 minutes longer so the flour loses its raw taste.
- What changes
- Sauces turn cloudy instead of glossy and a bit heavier. Not gluten-free.
- Best in
- Gravy, stews, pan sauces.
-
Arrowroot
- How much
- The same amount
- How
- Stir it in near the end; it thins out if cooked long.
- What changes
- Very clear and glossy; can turn slimy in dairy sauces.
- Best in
- Fruit sauces, stir-fries, glazes.
-
Potato starch
- How much
- The same amount
- What changes
- Thickens fast with a clear gloss; don't boil it long.
- Best in
- Stir-fries, soups, gluten-free baking.
-
Tapioca starch
- How much
- 2 tbsp for each 1 tbsp cornstarch
- What changes
- Glossy and a little stretchy; great in fruit pies, which stay clear after freezing.
- Best in
- Fruit pies, puddings.
Simmerbee recipes with cornstarch (23)
- Air-Fryer Orange Chicken
- Cheddar-Topped Beef Cottage Pie
- Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
- Classic Butter Shortbread Wedges
- Classic Lamb Shepherd's Pie
- Crisp Classic Waffles
- Crispy Oven-Baked Honey Garlic Wings
- Crispy Sweet Potato Oven Fries
- Crispy Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry
- Easy Summer Berry Galette
- Garlicky Ground Pork and Green Bean Stir-Fry
- Lattice-Top Tart Cherry Pie
- Pressure Cooker Pot Roast
- Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars
- Silky Homemade Chocolate Pudding
- Skillet Beef and Broccoli
- Skillet Cinnamon Apples
- Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Vegetables
- Slow-Cooker Beef and Broccoli
- Slow-Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
- Smooth Stovetop Queso Dip
- Sunday Dutch Oven Pot Roast
- Takeout-Style Orange Chicken
On those recipes, tap Swaps next to the ingredient for the short version.
More baking basics swaps
Baking powderBaking sodaYeastCocoa powderChocolate and chocolate chipsVanilla extractCream of tartar
Ingredient guide: Cornstarch: pick, store and measure