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Gourmet Hacks: 5 BEST Substitutes for Arrowroot Starch

Have you ever heard of arrowroot starch yet?

Arrowroot starch, a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch, is a white powdery substance that can easily be added to many recipes in place of flour or cornstarch.

Knowing how to cook and use this ingredient can come in handy when you’re looking to make your own homemade cooking products or as a substitute for other ingredients.

But what are the five best substitutes for this unique starch?

Read on to discover the top five options ranging from tapioca flour to potato starch.

What is Arrowroot Starch?

Arrowroot starch is an odorless, tasteless product derived from a plant related to the Marantaceae family and native to the West Indies and South America.

It is widely used as a thickening agent in various recipes and dishes.

Arrowroot has a texture similar to cornstarch but with more of a slimy consistency when cooked.

As with other starches, they can be added to sauces, pies, puddings, and soups for extra flavor or as a substitute for flour-based thickeners.

Additionally, it can be used to replace eggs when making baked goods for those with egg allergies and is also known for its ability to improve the texture of gluten-free baked goods.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Arrowroot Starch

If you’re looking for a substitute for arrowroot starch, you’ve come to the right place.

Arrowroot starch is a gluten-free alternative that adds crunch and thickness to dishes – but if it isn’t available, you can use alternatives like cornstarch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and rice flour in its stead.

Let’s take a look at the five best substitutes for arrowroot starch.

1 – Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch, also known as tapioca flour, is a great substitute for traditional Arrowroot starch or cornstarch in many recipes.

It is made from cassava root and has a sweet flavor and light texture.

When used in baking, it adds structure without compromising the flavor of the dish.

To substitute tapioca starch for arrowroot powder, begin by using half as much tapioca flour to arrowroot powder because the former tends to become more gelatinous than the latter.

By experimenting with different ratios, you can create your own delicious recipe that utilizes both starches for a unique taste and texture.

2 – Potato Starch

Potato starch is a popular vegan alternative to other cooking starches, such as arrowroot.

Its taste is mild and flavorless, but it adds a nice creamy texture to dishes.

When substituting potato starch for arrowroot powder, you should use twice the amount of potato starch as you would arrowroot in the same recipe.

This will ensure that the finished dish has similar thickness and creamiest just with a different base ingredient.

Potato starch is particularly great for thickening sauces and gravies without changing their flavor.

3 – Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a popular addition to many kitchen pantries due to its versatile uses.

From thickening sauces to providing a crunchy coating or crust, cornstarch is a great choice.

It has a slightly sweet taste and provides a smooth, glossy texture when cooked.

For those looking for substitutes for Arrowroot starch, cornstarch is an excellent option in most recipes.

This simple change will not affect the overall outcome of the dish but can add extra nutrition while still making it delicious.

Furthermore, because it is easy to find and inexpensive, it can be an ideal ingredient to have on hand.

4 – Rice Flour

Rice flour is a fine, starchy powder made from ground raw rice and has become an increasingly popular cupboard staple in recent years.

Its mild taste and unique texture make it a great addition to countless baking recipes, but its real claim to fame lies in its ability to substitute arrowroot starch as an effective thickening agent.

While relatively flavor-neutral, rice flour adds a pleasant bit of crunchy texture while adding body to gravies and sauces without clouding the clear appearance desired with most traditional starches like cornstarch or arrowroot – ideal for lighting up guests’ palates through the perfect mix of savory and texture.

5 – Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is a type of food additive often found in gluten-free products and sauces.

It helps to bind ingredients together with a thick, creamy texture and can aid in the stability of some foods.

Although it has no flavor, it acts as a perfect substitute for arrowroot starch when making sauces, gravies, and cheesecakes.

When substituting arrowroot starch for xanthan gum, start by using one teaspoon of xanthan gum for every tablespoon of arrowroot starch that’s listed in the recipe.

The ratio of xanthan gum to arrowroot starch that you might need to use could depend on the end product you are trying to achieve; if too much xanthan gum is used, your sauce could remain gooey or have lumps or strings in it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several great alternatives to arrowroot starch in cooking and baking.

From tapioca flour and potato starch to cornstarch and rice flour, cooks have an array of options when it comes to substituting the traditional cooking agent.

For a unique option, xanthan gum can be used as an effective thickening agent without clouding the appearance of the final dish.

With a little experimentation and knowledge, anyone can find the perfect substitute for arrowroot starch in their recipes.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Arrowroot Starch

Looking for alternatives to arrowroot starch? You're in luck! We've compiled a list of the 5 best substitutes that will work wonders in your recipes calling for arrowroot starch. Whether you're thickening sauces or baking, these substitutes will provide the same great results you're after.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Substitutes
Servings 1 Serving

Ingredients
  

  • Tapioca Starch
  • Potato Starch
  • Cornstarch
  • Rice Flour
  • Xanthan Gum

Instructions
 

  • Pick your favorite substitute from the list above.
  • Follow cooking directions for your selected substitute with the proper ratio of ingredients.
Keyword Substitutes for Arrowroot Starch
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