Out of Cornstarch, one case
Substitute potato starch for cornstarch
4 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Potato starch
Same amount as the cornstarch
Yes, you can substitute potato starch for cornstarch using a 1:1 ratio. Potato starch creates clearer, more glossy sauces and works better in acidic dishes, while cornstarch creates more opaque results and breaks down in acidic conditions.
- Best for —
- clear sauces
One casethe full potato starch card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cornstarch |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Potato starchclear sauces | Same amount |
| 2 | Arrowroot powderclear sauces | Same amount |
| 3 | Tapioca starchgluten-free baking | Same amount |
| 4 | Rice flourgluten-free baking | 2 × the amount |
Potato starch
neutral taste · clear and glossy
Creates clear, glossy sauces and works excellently in acidic conditions where cornstarch would break down
- Best for
- clear sauces, acidic dishes, fruit fillings, gluten-free baking, puddings, pie fillings
Direct substitute, creates clearer sauces.
Arrowroot powder
neutral taste · clear and glossy
Natural starch that creates clear, glossy textures similar to potato starch and works well in acidic conditions
- Best for
- clear sauces, acidic dishes, fruit fillings, gluten-free baking
Similar to potato starch, creates clear sauces.
Tapioca starch
neutral taste · smooth and chewy
Creates smooth, chewy texture and works well in gluten-free recipes as a cornstarch substitute
- Best for
- gluten-free baking, puddings, pie fillings, thickening
Good for gluten-free applications.
Rice flour
neutral taste, slightly grainy texture
Fine flour that works in gluten-free applications but requires more quantity for proper thickening
- Best for
- gluten-free baking, thickening, coating, frying
Use twice as much rice flour as cornstarch.
How it behaves in this recipe
When substituting potato starch for cornstarch, you're actually upgrading to a superior thickener. Potato starch creates clearer, more professional-looking sauces, works better in acidic conditions, and provides better texture in gluten-free baking. The 1:1 ratio makes it an easy substitution.
Tips for substituting cornstarch
8 tips- Potato starch creates clearer, more professional-looking sauces compared to cornstarch
- Use potato starch in acidic dishes like fruit sauces where cornstarch would break down
- Potato starch works well in gluten-free baking and provides better texture than cornstarch
- For frying, potato starch creates a crispier coating than cornstarch
- Potato starch thickens at lower temperatures than cornstarch, so adjust cooking times
- Mix potato starch with cold liquid before adding to hot liquids to prevent clumping
- Potato starch is more expensive than cornstarch but provides superior results
- Store potato starch in a cool, dry place to maintain its thickening power
Notes on cornstarch
- Use arrowroot powder for similar clear results if potato starch isn't available
- Try tapioca starch for gluten-free applications with chewy textures
- Combine potato starch with rice flour for gluten-free flour blends
- Use potato starch mixed with arrowroot for extra clarity in sauces
Questions
6 questionsCan I substitute potato starch for cornstarch?
Yes, you can substitute potato starch for cornstarch using a 1:1 ratio. Potato starch actually creates clearer, more glossy sauces and works better in acidic dishes than cornstarch.
What's the difference between potato starch and cornstarch?
Potato starch creates clearer, more glossy sauces and works well in acidic conditions, while cornstarch creates more opaque sauces and breaks down in acidic foods. Potato starch also thickens at lower temperatures.
Is potato starch better than cornstarch for fruit fillings?
Yes, potato starch is better than cornstarch for fruit fillings because it creates clearer, more glossy results and doesn't break down in acidic conditions like cornstarch does.
Can I use potato starch instead of cornstarch in frying?
Yes, potato starch actually creates a crispier coating than cornstarch when used for frying. It's excellent for fried chicken, tempura, and other fried foods.
Why would I use potato starch instead of cornstarch?
Use potato starch instead of cornstarch for clearer sauces, better performance in acidic dishes, superior results in gluten-free baking, and crispier fried coatings. It's also more heat-stable.
Is potato starch more expensive than cornstarch?
Yes, potato starch is generally more expensive than cornstarch, but it provides superior results in terms of clarity, acid stability, and texture. The extra cost is often worth it for professional results.