If you want to know if cornstarch and potato flour are interchangeable you came to the right place! In this article you will learn the differences, similarities, and uses for both cornstarch and potato flour.
So no matter what you are making, you will find out if potato flour can be used in a cornstarch recipe or if cornstarch can be used in a potato flour dish.
Potato Flour vs Cornstarch Similarities, Differences, and Uses
Both potato flour and cornstarch can be used in similar ways. But there are differences that you need to be aware of.
While these ingredients can often be substituted for each other, there are times when one will be the better option.
Both cornstarch and potato flour can be used as a thickener. Whether making gravy, sauce, or soup, both potato starch and cornstarch are great options.
But when baking or cooking at high temperatures, potato flour is the way to go. But that doesn’t mean cornstarch cannot be used in heated recipes. The key is how hot and how long your dish will be heated.
If temps are 350 degrees or below and cook/bake time is less than forty minutes, then both cornstarch and potato flour can be used.
What is Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a popular thickening agent used in a number of recipes. It is most commonly used to bind and thicken sauces, gravy, and marinades. But it is also used in sweet recipes such as pie, glazes and even tarts.
Cornstarch is produced from corn and is a fine white powder. The flavor is subtle which makes it ideal for thickening without adding unwanted flavor to your dish.
Related: Cornstarch Substitutes
Cornstarch Uses
Because cornstarch is primarily used as a thickening agent, it is most commonly used to create thick sauces, marinades, gravies, or glazes.
But cornstarch can be used in many more recipes, including many that call for potato starch. When baking or cooking, only use cornstarch when temperatures are between 203 degrees (the point where cornstarch begins to thicken) and 350 degrees.
Avoid using cornstarch in baked or cooked recipes with temps higher than this range. If you use cornstarch at high temperatures, the molecules in the starch will begin to break down and absorb moisture. This will result in a thin consistency in your final dish.
Related: Cornstarch vs Corn Flour
Here are some common uses for cornstarch.
- Gravy
- Sauce
- Glaze
- Soup
- Marinades
- Thicken fruit pie filling
- Gluten free flour replacement
- Thicken omelets
- Make waffles crispy
- Custard
- Vegan egg substitute for baked goods
What is Potato Flour
Potato flour, or potato starch, is a versatile ingredient produced by cooking whole, peeled potatoes and then grinding them into a fine powder after cooling.
Potato flour is white and a fine powder in consistency. It has been growing in popularity in recent years due to it’s many uses in the kitchen as well as it’s affordable price.
Related: Potato Flour Substitutes
Potato Flour Uses
Potato flour is a popular thickening agent but it can also be used as a flour replacement in baked and cooked recipes. It can handle higher temperatures than cornstarch, making it much more versatile.
Potato flour is commonly used to thicken sauces, gravy, marinades, and soup. But it also performs well in baked recipes like cookies, cake, and cupcakes.
Potato starch has many uses and can be substituted for cornstarch in any recipe. Here are some common uses for potato starch.
- Gravy
- Soup
- Marinade
- Sauce
- Pie filling
- Baked bread
- Cookies
- Cake
- Coating for frying
- Binding agent
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Rolls
- Biscuits
Cornstarch and Potato Flour FAQ
Can I substitute cornstarch for potato flour?
Yes, cornstarch can be substituted for potato flour in recipes that it is used as a thickener. Cornstarch is an ideal thickener and can be used at a 1:1 ratio.
In recipes where high temperatures will be needed, cornstarch is not a good substitute for potato starch. You should instead use all-purpose flour, cassava flour, or rice flour instead of potato starch.
Can I substitute potato flour for cornstarch?
Yes, potato flour can be used in any recipe that calls for cornstarch. Potato flour is an excellent thickener and will work well in everything from marinades, to soup, or gravy.
Use a 1:1 ratio when substituting cornstarch with potato flour.
Is potato flour the same as cornstarch?
No, potato flour and cornstarch are two distinct ingredients. Potato flour is produced by grinding cooked potatoes while cornstarch is produced from grinding corn.
What is the difference of cornstarch and potato starch?
Aside from what each ingredient is derived from, cornstarch can be found in color varying from yellow to white, while all potato flour is white.
Potato starch can also handle higher temperature than cornstarch making it a better option for baked and fried dishes.
Which is crispier cornstarch or potato starch?
When fried, cornstarch creates a crispier crust than potato flour. This is due to cornstarch containing a higher percentage of amylose.
Is cornstarch or potato flour better for thickening?
Both cornstarch and potato flour are excellent thickening agents. I would not characterize either as better, so use the one you have available. If you are purchasing one, I would opt for potato flour as it is more versatile overall than cornstarch.
Cornstarch vs potato starch for frying, which is better?
While both cornstarch and potato flour can be used for frying, cornstarch creates a crispier crust. For those who like a crispy crust, cornstarch is the better option. But, potato flour is not far behind, and makes an excellent fry crust.