Arrowroot powder was originally used to heal poison-arrow wounds, and has since become an essential ingredient to thicken many dishes like gravies and white sauces. Arrowroot flour is also loved for being gluten-free.
Substitute for Arrowroot
Arrowroot powder does a great job of thickening sauces due to the high amounts of amyl pectin which comes from the Brazilian cassava plant. Mixing just 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder to a little cool water and a cup of gravy or other sauce will thicken the sauce suddenly when constantly stirred over high heat. Arrowroot powder is perfect for this type of thickening, but if you don’t have any arrowroot on hand you can use one of these alternatives instead:
- Flour
- Cornstarch
- Tapioca starch
- Sweet rice flour
- Potato starch
- Xanthan gum
Other Uses for Arrowroot Powder
We’ve already covered that arrowroot powder is a great thickening agent for gravies and sauces, but it also has many other uses which makes it handy to keep in the cupboard. Arrowroot powder is popular for replacing eggs in vegan dishes because it can bind ingredients together similarly to eggs. Arrowroot is also great for batters in fried foods, just coat your protein in seasonings and arrowroot to get the crispy texture sought after.
Common Arrowroot Powder Substitution Questions
Is Arrowroot Powder a Keto Friendly Substitute?
Arrowroot powder is keto friendly in moderation. Arrowroot powder has more carbs than all-purpose white flour and similar carbs to cornstarch, however arrowroot powder contains much more fiber. Adding one or two tablespoons of arrowroot to your cooking shouldn’t take up too much of your carb allowance to stay in ketosis.
How Do I Substitute Flour for Arrowroot Powder?
Flour will thicken sauces similarly to arrowroot powder, just use 2 tablespoons of flour for every 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder called for in the recipe.
Can I Use Xanthan Gum Instead of Arrowroot Powder?
Xanthan gum is a great substitute for arrowroot powder, use 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for every tablespoon of arrowroot powder called for.
What is the Ratio of Cornstarch to Arrowroot?
Use a 1:1 ratio of cornstarch to arrowroot powder to get the same thickening effects and similar glossy shine of arrowroot in dishes.
