Flour and cornstarch are two popular ingredients used in the kitchen. Flour is a staple ingredient in most kitchens and is commonly used for baking and cooking, while cornstarch is widely known as a thickening agent. Often times, you may find yourself in the middle of a recipe only to realize you’ve run out of one ingredient, causing you to wonder if you can substitute one for the other- can you substitute flour for cornstarch?
What is Flour?
Flour is a powder made from grinding grains, seeds, or roots. Most commonly, flour is made from wheat, though other types include corn, rice, and potato flour. Flour is often used as a base ingredient in baked goods, but is also used as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and stews.
The Different Types of Flour
There are many different types of flour, but some of the most popular include:
- All-Purpose Flour
- Bread Flour
- Cake Flour
- Self-Rising Flour
All-purpose flour is the most commonly used type of flour and is ideal for most recipes. Bread flour has a higher protein content which makes it ideal for bread making. Cake flour is a finely milled flour with a low protein content which makes it ideal for making cakes, while self-rising flour has baking powder and salt added to it so you don’t need to add those separately.
What is Cornstarch?
Cornstarch is a fine, white powder made from the endosperm of the corn kernel. It is often used as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and stews because it can turn liquids into a thick, smooth sauce. Cornstarch is also used as a coating for fried foods to give them a crispy texture.
When to Use Cornstarch
Cornstarch is best used in dishes where you want a clear, glossy sauce without any color. Use it in dishes such as custards, sauces, and pie fillings. Cornstarch also produces a crispy crust when used as a coating for fried foods.
Can I Substitute Flour for Cornstarch?
If you are in the middle of a recipe and realize that you’ve run out of cornstarch, you may be wondering if you can substitute flour instead. The answer is yes, but there are some things to keep in mind.
Considerations When Substituting Flour for Cornstarch
While flour can be used as a substitute for cornstarch, it is important to remember that they have different thickening properties. Flour will not thicken sauces and stews in the same way that cornstarch does, so it is important to use it in the right context.
Flour also has a different flavor than cornstarch, which could affect the overall flavor of your dish.
When substituting flour for cornstarch, use a ratio of 1:2. This means that for every one tablespoon of cornstarch, you should use two tablespoons of flour.
When to Use Flour Instead of Cornstarch
Flour is best used in dishes where you want a thicker, more opaque sauce, such as gravies and white sauces. It can also be used to thicken stews and soups.
Flour is a good option when a roux is required. A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken sauces and stews.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while you can substitute flour for cornstarch, it is important to remember that they have different properties and should be used in the right context. Use a ratio of 1:2 and keep in mind that flour has a different flavor than cornstarch.
FAQs about Substituting Flour for Cornstarch
1. Can I use self-rising flour instead of cornstarch?
No, self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, which could affect the overall flavor and texture of your dish if used as a substitute for cornstarch.
2. Can I use corn flour instead of cornstarch?
Yes, corn flour can be used as a substitute for cornstarch. However, corn flour has a stronger flavor and is not as finely milled as cornstarch, so it may produce a different texture.
3. How do I substitute flour for cornstarch?
Use a ratio of 1:2 when substituting flour for cornstarch. For every one tablespoon of cornstarch, use two tablespoons of flour.
4. What dishes are best for using flour instead of cornstarch?
Flour is best used in dishes where you want a thicker, more opaque sauce, such as gravies and white sauces. It can also be used to thicken stews and soups.
5. Can I use flour as a coating for fried foods?
Yes, flour can be used as a coating for fried foods, but it will produce a different texture than cornstarch.
References:
- Brown, A. (2014). The Science Behind Cornstarch and Flour Thickeners. Serious Eats. Retrieved from https://www.seriouseats.com/2014/05/how-to-thicken-gravy-slurry-cornstarch-flour-roux.html
- Cooks Illustrated. (2018). The Science of Pie Thickeners. Cook’s Illustrated. Retrieved from https://www.cooksillustrated.com/science/876-articles/story/the-science-of-pie-thickeners
- Food Network. (n.d.). Types of Flour. Food Network. Retrieved from https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/types-of-flour