🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Flour Substitutes for Gravy: Complete Guide

Find the best flour substitutes for thickening gravy. Learn about cornstarch, arrowroot, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.

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Quick Answer

The best flour substitutes for gravy are cornstarch (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour), arrowroot powder (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour), or tapioca starch (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour). Cornstarch provides the most similar thickening power.

Best Substitutes

Cornstarch

1 tbsp cornstarch = 2 tbsp flour

Cornstarch is the best flour substitute for gravy. It provides excellent thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce.

Best for:

graviessauceswhen you want clear saucegluten-free cooking

Mix cornstarch with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened and clear. Cornstarch provides 2x the thickening power of flour.

Arrowroot Powder

1 tbsp arrowroot = 2 tbsp flour

Arrowroot powder is an excellent flour substitute for gravy. It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce.

Best for:

graviessauceswhen you want clear saucegluten-free cooking

Mix arrowroot with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened and clear. Arrowroot provides 2x the thickening power of flour.

Tapioca Starch

1 tbsp tapioca = 2 tbsp flour

Tapioca starch is a good flour substitute for gravy. It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce.

Best for:

graviessauceswhen you want clear saucegluten-free cooking

Mix tapioca starch with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened and clear. Tapioca provides 2x the thickening power of flour.

Potato Starch

1 tbsp potato starch = 2 tbsp flour

Potato starch is a good flour substitute for gravy. It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce.

Best for:

graviessauceswhen you want clear saucegluten-free cooking

Mix potato starch with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened and clear. Potato starch provides 2x the thickening power of flour.

Xanthan Gum

1/4 tsp xanthan = 2 tbsp flour

Xanthan gum is a powerful flour substitute for gravy. It provides excellent thickening power and creates a smooth, stable sauce.

Best for:

graviessauceswhen you want smooth texturegluten-free cooking

Add xanthan gum gradually to hot liquid while whisking. It provides 8x the thickening power of flour, so use sparingly.

Rice Flour

1:1

Rice flour is a good flour substitute for gravy. It provides similar thickening power and creates a slightly cloudy sauce.

Best for:

graviessauceswhen you want similar texturegluten-free cooking

Rice flour provides similar thickening power to wheat flour. Add gradually to hot liquid while whisking to avoid lumps.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Cornstarch provides the most similar thickening power to flour
  • 💡Mix starch substitutes with cold water first to avoid lumps
  • 💡Add thickeners gradually to hot liquid while whisking
  • 💡Simmer until thickened to desired consistency
  • 💡Starch substitutes create clearer sauces than flour
  • 💡Xanthan gum is very powerful, so use sparingly
  • 💡Store starch substitutes in a cool, dry place

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best flour substitute for gravy?

Cornstarch (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour) is the best flour substitute for gravy. Arrowroot powder (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour) is also excellent, while tapioca starch (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour) provides similar results.

Can I use cornstarch instead of flour in gravy?

Yes, cornstarch is an excellent flour substitute for gravy. Use 1 tablespoon cornstarch for every 2 tablespoons flour. Mix with cold water first, then add to hot liquid.

How much cornstarch equals 2 tablespoons flour?

Use 1 tablespoon cornstarch for every 2 tablespoons flour. Cornstarch provides 2x the thickening power of flour, so you need half the amount.

What's the difference between flour and cornstarch in gravy?

Flour creates a cloudy, opaque gravy, while cornstarch creates a clear, glossy gravy. Cornstarch also provides 2x the thickening power of flour.

Can I use arrowroot instead of flour in gravy?

Yes, arrowroot powder is an excellent flour substitute for gravy. Use 1 tablespoon arrowroot for every 2 tablespoons flour. Mix with cold water first, then add to hot liquid.

Why use cornstarch instead of flour in gravy?

Cornstarch creates a clearer, glossier gravy and provides 2x the thickening power of flour. It's also gluten-free and creates a more stable sauce.

Can I make gravy without flour or cornstarch?

Yes, you can make gravy without flour or cornstarch by using other thickeners like arrowroot, tapioca starch, or xanthan gum. You can also reduce the liquid to thicken naturally.

Summary

Find the best flour substitutes for thickening gravy. Learn about cornstarch, arrowroot, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.