Fresh corn on the cob and a heap of white corn starch isolated on white background
How can cornstarch be used instead of flour in recipes for individuals on a gluten-free diet who are looking for a flour alternative due to celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity?
Table of Contents
Flour is often used as a thickener or a coating in recipes. Pure cornstarch (made from corn) is a gluten-freeΒ flour substitute (Rai S., Kaur A., & Chopra C.S.,Β 2018). However, some brands are not considered gluten-free.
Itβs easy to substitute cornstarch for flour when the recipe calls for a thickener, such as in gravies, sauces, pies, or coatings for fried foods. If flour is unavailable or individuals want to try a gluten-free alternative, cornstarch has a similar effect in these cooking applications.
However, individuals should be aware that it cannot be used as a substitute for flour in baked goods.
Cornstarch can be a thickener in sauces, gravy, and pie fillings. (Bobβs Red Mill, 2020)
When using cornstarch as a thickener:
Cornstarch is not as effective as flour when thickening acidic sauces. It doesnβt work well with tomato, vinegar, or lemon juice sauces. It is also less effective than flour when thickening sauces made with fat, includingΒ butter or egg yolks. (The BC Cook Articulation Committee, 2015)
If the mixture contains too little liquid, the starch granules cannot absorb. This is also the case when there is more sugar than liquid, in which case, more liquid is needed to firm up the mixture.
Individuals can use cornstarch instead of flour to coat fried chicken, fish, or other fried dishes. It creates a crisper coating that better withstands sauces and absorbs less frying oil, resulting in a lower-fat meal. Tips for frying:
When cooking gluten-free, individuals may be able to continue to enjoy some of their favorite sauces by learning how to use cornstarch and other gluten-free thickeners instead of flour. As a Family Practice Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Jimenez combines advanced medical expertise with chiropractic care to address various conditions. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop highly effective treatment plans through an integrated approach for each patient and restore health and function to the body through nutrition and wellness, functional medicine, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and integrated medicine protocols. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, prevent injury, and mitigate issues through adjustments that help the body realign itself. The clinic can also work with other medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to resolve musculoskeletal problems.
Rai, S., Kaur, A., & Chopra, C. S. (2018). Gluten-Free Products for Celiac-Susceptible People. Frontiers in Nutrition, 5, 116. doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2018.00116
Bobβs Red Mill. (2020). Baking with cornstarch: Everything you need to know. www.bobsredmill.com/articles/baking-with-cornstarch-everything-you-need-to-know
Denver Post. (2016). Cornstarch a good way to thicken gravy lightly. www.denverpost.com/2010/11/20/cornstarch-a-good-way-to-thicken-gravy-lightly/
Cookβs Info. (2008). Thickeners. www.cooksinfo.com/thickeners/
Taste of Home. (2023). Cornstarch vs. flour vs. arrowroot β when should you use which thickener? www.tasteofhome.com/article/best-thickener/
Bon Appetit. (2020). Cornstarch is a powerful tool that must be used responsibly. www.bonappetit.com/story/the-power-of-almighty-cornstarch
The BC Cook Articulation Committee. (2015). Understanding Ingredients for the Canadian Baker
Types of thickening agents. opentextbc.ca/ingredients/chapter/types-of-thickening-agents/
Bon Appetit. (2016). 4 brilliant ways to cook with cornstarch. www.bonappetit.com/story/cornstarch-uses-sauce-crispy-meat
Professional Scope of Practice *
The information on this blog site is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
Blog Information & Scope Discussions
Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on this site and our family practice-based chiromed.comΒ site, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.
Our areas of chiropractic practice include Β Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.
Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.
Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies that are available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.
We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how they may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to discuss the subject matter above further, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.
We are here to help you and your family.
Blessings
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807
New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182
Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Texas & MultistateΒ
Texas RN License # 1191402Β
ANCC FNP-BC: Board Certified Nurse Practitioner*
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*
Graduate with Honors: ICHS: MSN-FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)
Degree Granted. Masters in Family Practice MSN Diploma (Cum Laude)
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, APRN, FNP-BC*, CFMP, IFMCP, ATN, CCST
My Digital Business Card
Β
Β
Uncover the culinary potential of cauliflower and enjoy delicious, healthy meals that cater to all… Read More
Can a paraspinal muscle spasm in the lower back create a chain reaction leading to… Read More
What is pseudoarthrosis of the cervical and lumbar spine? Pseudoarthrosis of the cervical and lumbar… Read More
For individuals dealing with or experiencing muscle pain and stiffness, how long does it take… Read More
Many ask, what and when should you eat before, during, and after engaging in Pilates… Read More
Get insights into migraines, neck pain, and explore remedies that can help you manage your… Read More