Best Arrowroot Powder Substitutes

Arrowroot powder, commonly known as arrowroot starch, is derived from the roots of the same-named plant. It’s popular in South American and West Indian cuisine. And since it is related to tubers such as kudzu and cassava, it is simple to discover an arrowroot powder replacement.

Because of its health advantages, this powder is now popular in the United States and Europe as a thickening agent. Gluten-free, grain-free, and vegan-friendly, it is popular among health-conscious consumers throughout the nation.

This post will go over some of the finest arrowroot powder substitutes for a flawlessly creamy dinner.

What Is Arrowroot Powder?

Arrowroot powder is produced from the Indonesian tropical tuber plant Maranta Arundinacea. It’s grain-free and gluten-free, and it may be used to thicken recipes.

It is often used to thicken savory meals like as stews and sauces. Yet, it may also be found in sweet foods like as pancakes, pie fillings, and custards.

Arrowroot powder has no taste and adds gloss and transparency to sauces without changing the texture. There’s a strong possibility you’ve come across this popular food thickening or an alternative for it.

Arrowroot Powder Substitute

While arrowroot powder is useful, it is not without alternatives. These components may provide as good, if not better, outcomes. The following are some of the greatest arrowroot powder replacements.

1. Cornstarch

One of the most popular powders that might function as an arrowroot powder alternative is cornstarch. This high-quality powder is produced by digesting the kernel of the maize plant.

You may be wondering whether cornstarch tastes like corn and will impact the flavor of your dish. Nevertheless, cornstarch, like arrowroot powder, has a neutral flavor and will not overpower whatever you prepare with it. Also, it does not contain gluten.

It is, without a doubt, one of the most often used thickening agents. When substituting cornstarch for arrowroot powder, use 1 tablespoon for every 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder.

2. All Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour, often known as wheat flour, is flexible and beneficial in a variety of baking applications. Wheat flour, which is also a thickening, is a decent alternative for arrowroot powder.

Keep in mind, though, that it includes gluten. If you need a gluten-free substitute for arrowroot powder, skip it and try another option on this list instead.

Wheat flour and butter combine to form a great thickening. 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder should be substituted for 2 tablespoons flour.

3. Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch, produced from the cassava plant, is a popular thickener. It is rich in complex carbohydrates, as expected.

Tapioca starch is often used in baked products because it has a texture similar to wheat flour. Most significantly, tapioca is a great alternative for arrowroot powder.

Tapioca, like arrowroot, keeps its shape and rigidity when cooled. If you want to keep that delicious soup or sauce for later, this thickening is ideal. 1 tablespoon tapioca starch replaces 1 teaspoon arrowroot.

4. Xanthan Gum

Since it is a natural thickener, xanthan gum is ideal for those who have food allergies. It also performs well in dairy-free baking and cookery. Its use as a thickener is not restricted to the food sector. It may also be used in the kitchen.

It is preferable to use 8 tablespoons per cup of water. This gum works exactly as well as arrowroot powder, making it an excellent replacement. It tastes natural and may even outperform arrowroot powder in your soups. Making xanthan gum in a blender with around 1 cup of water

5. Sweet Rice Flour

Sweet rice flour is a rice thickener made from finely ground rice. It is another another gluten-free ingredient often used in Asian cookery. The thickening stops the liquid from separating, making it suitable for cold or frozen foods.

Rice flour works best as a thickening when added at the beginning of cooking. Use half as much sweet rice flour for the arrowroot powder. As a result, if the recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of arrowroot powder, use 1 tablespoon of rice flour instead.

6. Cream Of Tartar

In recipes for thickening liquids like custard and pudding, cream of tartar may be used in lieu of arrowroot powder. Unfortunately, it is not as effective as starch.

If the recipe asks for one teaspoon of arrowroot powder, use half a teaspoon of cream of tartar instead. While it is not the ideal choice, it will suffice in many aspects, from neutral flavor to natural look.

7. Kudzu

This amazing thickener, sometimes known as Japanese arrowroot, can take even the most basic of dishes to the next level. It’s excellent only for aesthetics, since kudzu sauces have a beautiful shine and silky smoothness.

Kudzu has no distinct taste, therefore it will not overpower the other flavors in your dish. Also, unlike some other thickeners, it does not provide a starchy flavor to your dish. It’s also a great addition to puddings, pie fillings, and other desserts since it decreases the acidity of these dishes.

It’s not inexpensive, but it’s absolutely worth it. Yet, while being an excellent thickening agent because to its adaptability, health benefits, and nutritional value, locating kudzu may be difficult. In equal parts, arrowroot powder and kudzu may be substituted.

Conclusion

You may not want to use arrowroot powder for a variety of reasons, or you may have ran out. It’s depressing to learn you don’t have a thickening on hand to add to your soup or stew. However, the arrowroot powder substitutes listed above will make your dinner just as excellent, if not better.