🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Gluten-Free Gravy Substitute: Complete Guide Guide

Find the best gluten-free gravy substitutes for celiac and gluten-sensitive cooking. Learn about cornstarch, arrowroot, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.

✓

Quick Answer

The best gluten-free gravy substitutes 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 gluten-free gravy substitute. It provides excellent thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce without gluten.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want clear saucegluten-free cookingmost applications

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 gluten-free gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce without gluten.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want clear saucegluten-free cookingmost applications

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 gluten-free gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce without gluten.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want clear saucegluten-free cookingmost applications

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 gluten-free gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce without gluten.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want clear saucegluten-free cookingmost applications

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 gluten-free gravy substitute. It provides excellent thickening power and creates a smooth, stable sauce without gluten.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want smooth texturegluten-free cookingstability

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 gluten-free gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a slightly cloudy sauce without gluten.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want similar texturegluten-free cookingmost applications

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 gluten-free thickeners in a cool, dry place

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best gluten-free gravy substitute?

Cornstarch (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour) is the best gluten-free gravy substitute. 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 gluten-free substitute for flour in 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 and is gluten-free.

Can I use arrowroot instead of flour in gravy?

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

Why use gluten-free gravy substitutes?

Gluten-free gravy substitutes are necessary for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. They provide similar thickening power without gluten and are safe for gluten-free diets.

Can I make gravy without flour or cornstarch?

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

Summary

Find the best gluten-free gravy substitutes for celiac and gluten-sensitive cooking. Learn about cornstarch, arrowroot, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.