Cornstarch (as a thickener) Substitute
The right swap for cornstarch as a thickener, and how much to use instead.
Real substitutes for 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (as a thickener)
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons flour per tablespoon of cornstarch needed
Flour has about half the thickening power of cornstarch, so it takes twice as much.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of cornstarch to thicken a sauce?
Use 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch the recipe calls for. Flour has roughly half the thickening power of cornstarch, so it takes twice as much.
Does flour thicken the same way as cornstarch?
Not exactly — flour needs to be cooked a bit longer to lose its raw taste, and it produces a slightly less glossy, more opaque result than cornstarch, which thickens clear.
Are there other common substitutes?
Arrowroot powder works as a 1:1 swap for cornstarch and stays clearer, which is useful for sauces where cornstarch's slight cloudiness would be noticeable.