Out of Potato starch, one case
Can you substitute cornstarch for potato starch?
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cornstarch
Same amount as the potato starch
Yes, you can substitute cornstarch for potato starch in most recipes using a 1:1 ratio. Cornstarch is more readily available and works well in sauces, gravies, baking, and frying, though it creates slightly different textures.
- Best for —
- sauces
One casethe full potato starch card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of potato starch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornstarchsauces | Same amount |
| 2 | Arrowroot powderfruit sauces | Same amount |
| 3 | Tapioca starchgluten-free baking | Same amount |
| 4 | Rice flourgluten-free baking | 2 × the amount |
Cornstarch
neutral taste · slightly more opaque than potato starch
Fine white powder made from corn kernels, excellent thickening agent with neutral flavor and wide availability
- Best for
- sauces, gravies, pie fillings, puddings, frying, baking, stir-fries
Best direct substitute, most readily available.
Arrowroot powder
neutral taste · clear and glossy
Natural starch that creates clear, glossy sauces and works well with acidic ingredients
- Best for
- fruit sauces, acidic dishes, clear sauces, gluten-free baking
Better for acidic foods, creates clearer sauces.
Tapioca starch
neutral taste · smooth and chewy
Starch extracted from cassava root, creates smooth, chewy texture good for gluten-free recipes
- Best for
- gluten-free baking, puddings, pie fillings, thickening
Good for gluten-free applications, creates chewy texture.
Rice flour
neutral taste, slightly grainy texture
Fine flour made from ground rice, good for gluten-free applications but requires more quantity
- Best for
- gluten-free baking, thickening, coating, frying
Use twice as much rice flour as potato starch.
How it behaves in this recipe
Cornstarch is the most common and accessible substitute for potato starch. While both are excellent thickeners, cornstarch is more widely available and works in virtually all applications where potato starch is used. The main difference is that cornstarch creates slightly more opaque results while potato starch creates clearer, more glossy finishes.
Tips for substituting potato starch
8 tips- Cornstarch is the most accessible substitute for potato starch and works in 95% of recipes
- Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting cornstarch for potato starch
- Cornstarch creates slightly more opaque sauces compared to potato starch's clear finish
- Mix cornstarch with cold liquid before adding to hot liquids to prevent clumping
- Cornstarch works well in acidic dishes, unlike some other starches
- For frying, cornstarch creates an even crispier coating than potato starch
- In baking, cornstarch creates tender textures similar to potato starch
- Cornstarch is more heat-stable than arrowroot, making it better for long cooking times
Notes on potato starch
- Mix cornstarch with a small amount of arrowroot for clearer results
- Use cornstarch for most applications and reserve arrowroot for clear sauces
- Combine cornstarch with rice flour for gluten-free applications
- Try cornstarch mixed with tapioca starch for unique textures
Questions
6 questionsCan I substitute cornstarch for potato starch?
Yes, cornstarch is an excellent substitute for potato starch. Use a 1:1 ratio and it will work in most recipes including sauces, gravies, baking, and frying applications.
What's the difference between cornstarch and potato starch?
Both are excellent thickeners, but potato starch creates slightly clearer, more glossy sauces while cornstarch is more readily available and creates slightly more opaque results. Both work well in most applications.
Can I use cornstarch instead of potato starch in baking?
Yes, cornstarch works well in baking and creates tender textures similar to potato starch. Use a 1:1 ratio in cakes, cookies, and other baked goods.
Is cornstarch a good substitute for potato starch in frying?
Yes, cornstarch is actually excellent for frying and creates an even crispier coating than potato starch. It's good for fried chicken, tempura, and other fried foods.
Can I use cornstarch instead of potato starch in pie fillings?
Yes, cornstarch works well in pie fillings and creates good thickening. Note that it will create a slightly more opaque filling compared to potato starch's clearer finish.
Why is cornstarch more popular than potato starch?
Cornstarch is more readily available in most grocery stores, is generally cheaper, and works well in most applications. Potato starch is more common in European and Asian cuisines but cornstarch is the standard in North America.