Arrowroot powder is a versatile flour that’s often used as a thickener. Produced from a tropical tuber that’s native to Indonesia, it works well in sweet and savory dishes, and is a good alternative flour that’s gluten-free, grain-free and paleo-friendly. If you find yourself using a recipe that calls for arrowroot powder and you don’t have any on hand, there are many substitutions available.
You may not be familiar with this lesser-known flour or how it’s used in cooking and baking, but for many, it’s their go-to flour for baking, roasting, and frying. Arrowroot can be blended with other flours, and also helps to make roasted and fried foods crispier.
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What is Arrowroot Powder?
Arrowroot powder is a starchy flour that’s extracted from the Maranta arundinacea, a tropical tuber plant that’s native to Indonesia. It can be used as a thickener in foods, and is also gluten-free and grain-free.
What is Arrowroot Powder Used For?
You may have consumed arrowroot powder without knowing it! It’s often used as a thickener in soups, stews, gravies, and sauces, and also in sweet foods like pancakes, pie fillings, and custards. When used in sauces, arrowroot is a good choice because it has no taste and leaves sauces glossy and clear.
Can I Substitute Cornstarch for Arrowroot Powder?
Yes, cornstarch is also gluten-free and can be used in place of arrowroot. To replace arrowroot powder with cornstarch, use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every 2 teaspoons of arrowroot.
Arrowroot Powder vs Flour
Arrowroot powder and arrowroot flour are one and the same. Another term you may come across is arrowroot starch.
Arrowroot Powder Substitutes
1. Cornstarch
Like arrowroot powder, cornstarch is also gluten-free. To replace arrowroot powder with cornstarch, use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every 2 teaspoons of arrowroot.
2. Potato Starch
This starch is a good substitute for arrowroot powder, especially as a thickener. Use 1 teaspoon of potato starch for every 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder.
3. Xanthan Gum
This is a great substitute for arrowroot powder, especially when needed to bind ingredients. Use 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum for every 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder.
4. All-Purpose Flour
Easily found in any grocery store, all-purpose flour can be used in place of arrowroot powder. Note that if you’re using it in a sauce, the sauce won’t be as glossy. Use 2 tablespoons of flour for every 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder in a recipe.
5. Cream of Tartar
While it isn’t a good match as a starch, cream of tartar can be used in place of arrowroot powder to add volume to dishes like custards and puddings. Start by adding half the amount called for in the recipe, so if it calls for 1 teaspoon of arrowroot flour, start with ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar, and check your results.
6. Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch is a good substitute for arrowroot powder and has a similar flavor. For every 1 teaspoon of arrowroot, use 1 tablespoon of tapioca starch.
7. Sweet Rice Flour
This flour has a similar carb count to arrowroot powder but is higher in starch. Use half the amount of sweet rice flour in place of arrowroot powder. So, if the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder, use 1 tsp of sweet rice flour.
Is Arrowroot Powder Good for a Keto Diet?
Because of its high carb content, arrowroot powder is not a good choice for the keto diet.
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Arrowroot Powder Substitutes
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- To replace arrowroot powder with cornstarch, use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every 2 teaspoons of arrowroot.
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