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Corn Flour Substitute That Are Accessible

November 22, 2021March 30, 2023 by admin

When it comes to cooking, nothing is more frustrating than not having the right ingredients on hand.

If you are like me, then you are a fan of corn flour. It can be substituted in a variety of ways, including breading, batter, and deep-frying, as well as baking delicious biscuits and cornbread.

However, corn flour can be difficult to find in some areas. That’s why having a corn flour substitute on hand is a good idea.

Think you need corn flour to create a dish with that home-cooked flavor? Think again. There are several substitutes for corn flour that are readily accessible and can be used in most recipes.

So, whether you are looking for a way to make your favorite gluten-free recipe or you are just looking for a new ingredient to try out, keep reading to discover my top substitutes for corn flour that are both accessible and delicious.

What Is Corn Flour?

Corn flour can simply be described as a finely-milled flour made of dried whole corn kernels. It is whole-grain flour, as it includes the whole kernel, germ, endosperm, and hull.

It is gluten-free. It also contains nutrients such as starch, fiber, protein, and vitamins. Depending upon the corn type, it can appear yellow or white.

Corn flour has a slightly sweet and earthy flavor. It is used to create batters and doughs for baking such as pancakes and muffins, as well as tasty tortillas.

Is Cornstarch The Same As Corn Flour

Although they are often used as a substitute for each other, they are slightly different. Corn flour is a yellow, powdered corn meal made from dried, finely ground corn.

Cornstarch, on the other hand, is a fine white powder made with the starchy parts of corn kernels. They may have different names depending on where they are located. Corn flour is similar to other flour, whereas cornstarch is mainly used for thickening.

Similarities they share is that they are both gluten-free in their natural form, and both are made from corn.

It is best to use Corn flour for making batters, doughs, and breading. Whereas cornstarch is a better thickener for gravies, sauces, and soups.

12 Top Choices For Corn Flour Replacement

From rice flour to arrowroot powder, check out this list of substitutes that are easily accessible and will make your cooking adventures fun and flavorful!

1) Cornstarch

Cornstarch can be substituted for corn flour because it has the same consistency.
However, it is not as flavorful as cornflour, so I would recommend some seasoning with it as a substitute.
Cornstarch can be substituted for corn flour in a ratio of 1:1. Depending on the recipe, you may still need to mix cornstarch and cold water.
You can use it to thicken batters, breading, and as a thickening agent. Use this substitute to make your baked goods crumblier.

2) Rice Flour

Rice flour is a popular substitute for cornmeal. Rice flour tends to be stickier and more fine than cornmeal. Therefore, I wouldn’t use it in recipes with a crunchy exterior.
Rice flour is delicious because of its sweetness. It can be used in muffins and soups as a flavor enhancer.
Use it in a 2:1 ratio with cornflour.
It is best used in baked goods and as a thickening ingredient.

3) Cornmeal

cornmeal in a white bowl with fresh vegetables

Cornmeal is coarser and more granular than corn flour. The difference is that cornmeal feels gritty whereas corn flour is finely ground in the milling process.
Cornmeal, like corn flour, does not contain gluten. It is an excellent alternative for those with restricted diets.
Cornmeal’s coarse texture is great for toppings on casseroles, macaroni, cheese, and other dishes.
You can replace cornflour by using a 1:1 ratio of cornmeal.

4) Whole Wheat & All-Purpose Flour

These are a great alternative to cornmeal. However, they are not gluten-free, so may not be suitable for everyone.
Whole wheat is a very popular substitute, due to its higher nutritional content than white bread.
White flour won’t affect the taste or texture of the recipe. Whole wheat flour can, however, give your food a malty taste.
You can use whole wheat flour as well as all-purpose flour in a 2:1 ratio.

5) Self-Rising Flour

I love using self-rising flour as an alternative. It works the same as regular flour, with some baking powder added and salt.
When using self-rising, it is necessary to double the amount to thicken soups and sauces
Self-rising flour can be used in baking recipes, but you need to reduce the amount of salt and baking powder. A cup of self-rising bread flour has 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1 half teaspoons baking powder.

6) Tapioca Flour

Tapioca flour has many uses. Tapioca flour can be used as a substitute for corn flour in recipes that require a thickening agent.
It is not ideal for baking or breading, however. It’s better to use another flour option unless tapioca flour is being used to thicken the dough.
Tapioca flour can be used in equal amounts to replace cornflour – 1:1 ratio.
Tapioca flour can be used in soups, stews, sauces, and gravies as well as baked goods and other sweet and savory dishes.

7) Masa Harina

Masa Harina is the Latin American and Mexican versions of cornmeal. Masa Harina is made of organic corn that has been cooked and soaked in water and lime, before being hulled to make cornmeal consistency.
It is a great alternative to corn flour, especially when your recipe requires a Mexican or Latin flavor.
I usually use masa harina to replace cornflour in a 1:1 ratio, but it is up to you to experiment what suits you best.
Masa harina is a key ingredient in many Mexican dishes, including tortillas and tamales. It has a fine texture and a slightly tangy taste. You can also make a dough by simply adding water.

8) Rice, Potato, Tapioca, or Kuzu Starch

Starches are a great choice for corn flour replacement.
Starches are best used as thickening agents in recipes such as soups and sauces. You should whisk quickly when adding potato starch into your ingredients though, as it can get clumpy very quickly.
Kuzu is a great option for those who want to eat more organic, unprocessed food. Kuzu is a herb with many health benefits. It is believed that it can reduce liver damage, improve heart health, and soothe inflammation.
These corn flour replacements can be used in equal parts to the cornflour, a 1:1 ratio.

9) Guar Gum

Guar gum is another affordable and healthy option for thickening and is a great choice to replace corn flour in soup or sauce recipes.
Guar gum also has digestive benefits. It is low in calories and high in soluble fiber making it ideal for those struggling to maintain or lose weight.
To substitute cornflour for guar gum in any recipe, you will only need to use a smaller amount. Begin with about one-quarter teaspoon. Then slowly increase the quantity until you reach the consistency you prefer.

10) Sorghum Flour

Sorghum flour is gaining in popularity, especially in healthy foods communities. This flour is made with sorghum grain and is high in antioxidants and protein.
Not only is it rich in essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, but also it has a high level of vitamin and mineral content.
Sorghum flour should be used as a thickener, rather than a breading and coating as it has a distinctive sweet taste.
Cornflour can be replaced 1:1 with sorghum flour.

11) Ground Flaxseed

Flaxseed is an excellent nutritious alternative for replacing corn flour. Flaxseed is slightly bitter so you might add some flavoring to your recipe.
These tiny brown or yellow-colored seeds can be used in recipes as thickeners too.
Ground flaxseeds can be added to stews, soups, and sauces as well as in puddings and other sweet and savory dishes. Use 4 tablespoons water to 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds, and 2 tablespoons corn flour as a replacement.

12) Arrowroot Powder

This is a lesser-known substitute to corn flour, but works very well and is easy to find in your local store.
It can be used to coat meats and tofu, as well as to thicken sauces, gravies, and soups, fillings with fruit, jellies, and other non-dairy desserts.
To use it as a thickening agent, mix the arrowroot powder with water and then add it at the end. It will cause it to clump and not mix well with other ingredients if it is added directly to the soup or sauce.
One tablespoon of cornflour can be substituted for two tablespoons of Arrowroot Powder.

Conclusion

We have compiled a list of 12 corn flour substitutes that are not only accessible but also delicious. If you’re looking for an easy way to make your favorite dishes healthier and more nutritious, these top choices should be on the top of your grocery list!

Each of these alternatives has unique benefits that make them ideal for different recipes or dietary needs.

Whether you are on a gluten-free diet, vegan, vegetarian, or reducing your sugar intake while following a healthy lifestyle, there is an alternative for you.

Which is my favorite go-to corn flour substitute? Ground flaxseed is my top choice! It is high in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, and has a mildly nutty flavor that goes well with many dishes.

If I don’t have ground flaxseed on hand, then I’ll go for rice flour as it is a great all-purpose substitute. It can be used in most cases where corn flour is called for and doesn’t alter the flavor or texture of the dish.

So there we have it, 12 delicious and unique cornflour flour substitutes that you can try out in your kitchen today!

What is your favorite corn flour substitute?

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