How to Thicken White Sauce Without Corn Flour (10 Ways)

Are you tired of your white sauce turning out thin and runny?

Well, worry no more!

In this article, we have compiled 10 amazing ways to thicken your white sauce without using corn flour.

Get ready to be amazed as we reveal the secrets of using arrowroot powder, tapioca starch, and even coconut milk to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.

Say goodbye to watery sauces and hello to thick, luscious goodness!

Use Arrowroot Powder

You can use arrowroot powder as a natural thickening agent for your white sauce. Arrowroot powder is a great alternative to corn flour if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.

To use arrowroot powder, simply mix it with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry. Then, gradually add the slurry to your white sauce while stirring constantly. The arrowroot powder will thicken the sauce without altering the flavor or texture.

It’s important to note that arrowroot powder has a higher thickening power than corn flour, so you’ll only need to use half the amount. Additionally, arrowroot powder works best when added towards the end of cooking, as excessive heat can break down its thickening properties.

Try Tapioca Starch

Consider using tapioca starch as an alternative thickening agent for your sauce.

Tapioca starch, derived from the cassava root, is a gluten-free option that can provide a similar thickening effect as corn flour.

To use tapioca starch, simply mix it with cold water to create a slurry, then add it to your sauce while stirring continuously.

The starch will thicken the sauce as it cooks, giving it a smooth and glossy texture.

One advantage of tapioca starch is that it has a neutral taste, so it won’t affect the flavor of your sauce.

Additionally, tapioca starch has a higher heat tolerance than corn flour, making it suitable for sauces that require prolonged cooking or baking.

Experiment with tapioca starch as a thickening agent and enjoy the delicious results.

Experiment With Potato Starch

To experiment with potato starch as an alternative thickening agent, simply mix it with cold water to create a slurry. Then, add it to your sauce while stirring continuously.

Potato starch is a versatile option that can be used to thicken your white sauce without the need for corn flour. The process is quite simple.

Start by combining equal parts of potato starch and cold water in a separate bowl. Mix them together until a smooth slurry forms.

Then, slowly pour the slurry into your sauce while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Potato starch is a great alternative, as it adds a smooth and velvety texture to your sauce without altering the flavor. So, give it a try and see the difference it makes in your dishes.

Opt for Rice Flour

If you’re looking for an alternative to corn flour, rice flour can be a great option for thickening your sauce without altering the flavor.

Rice flour, made from finely ground rice, has a similar texture to corn flour and can provide the desired thickness to your sauce.

To use rice flour as a thickening agent, simply mix it with a small amount of cold water to form a smooth paste, and then gradually add it to your sauce while stirring constantly.

The rice flour will slowly thicken the sauce, giving it a smooth and creamy consistency.

One great advantage of using rice flour is that it is gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

Explore the Power of Chickpea Flour

Expand your culinary horizons and try incorporating chickpea flour into your recipes as a gluten-free alternative for thickening and adding flavor to sauces.

Chickpea flour, also known as gram flour or besan, is made from ground chickpeas and is commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It has a nutty flavor and a creamy texture, making it perfect for thickening white sauces without using corn flour.

To use chickpea flour as a thickening agent, simply whisk it into cold water or broth until smooth and then add it to your sauce, stirring continuously until it thickens.

Not only will chickpea flour give your sauces a unique taste, but it’s also high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice for your culinary creations.

Incorporate Xanthan Gum

For a gluten-free alternative to thicken and add texture to your sauces, try incorporating xanthan gum into your recipes. Xanthan gum is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various culinary applications. It is a natural thickening agent that is derived from fermented sugars, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.

To use xanthan gum, simply sprinkle a small amount into your sauce and whisk vigorously until it is well incorporated. You will notice that the sauce thickens quickly, giving it a smooth and velvety consistency.

Xanthan gum is also great for stabilizing emulsions, preventing separation in dressings and sauces. So, next time you need to thicken your sauce without corn flour, give xanthan gum a try and enjoy its gluten-free benefits.

Embrace the Creaminess of Coconut Milk

To achieve a creamy texture in your dishes, embrace the richness of coconut milk. It adds a lusciousness that will elevate your culinary creations. Incorporating coconut milk into your recipes not only adds a velvety smoothness but also imparts a subtle tropical flavor.

Coconut milk is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. From curries and soups to desserts and smoothies, the possibilities are endless. Simply substitute regular milk or cream with coconut milk to achieve that desired creamy consistency.

Whether you’re making a Thai curry or a coconut-based dessert, coconut milk will bring a luxurious richness that will leave your taste buds craving for more. So go ahead, indulge in the creamy goodness of coconut milk and take your dishes to a whole new level.

Utilize Gelatin as a Thickening Agent

When thickening your sauces or desserts, gelatin is a great ingredient to utilize as it creates a smooth texture without the need for corn flour or other thickeners.

Gelatin, derived from animal collagen, is a versatile and effective thickening agent. It dissolves easily in hot liquids and forms a gel-like consistency when cooled.

Simply sprinkle the gelatin over your sauce or dessert mixture and let it bloom for a few minutes. Then, gently heat the mixture until the gelatin fully dissolves. Once cooled, the gelatin will set and give your dish a velvety smoothness.

Unlike corn flour, gelatin doesn’t alter the taste or color of your dish. So go ahead and give gelatin a try! Your sauces and desserts will thank you for it.

Harness the Binding Properties of Egg Yolks

You can harness the binding properties of egg yolks to create a rich and creamy texture in your sauces and desserts. Adding egg yolks to your recipes can help thicken and emulsify your sauces, giving them a velvety smoothness.

When heated, the proteins in the egg yolks coagulate and bind together, creating a thick and luscious consistency. To achieve this, simply whisk egg yolks into your sauce or custard while it’s off the heat, and then return it to low heat while stirring constantly until it thickens.

Be sure to temper the egg yolks first by slowly adding some of the hot sauce to them, to avoid scrambling the eggs. This technique is perfect for creating luxurious hollandaise sauce, silky carbonara, or indulgent custards and ice creams.

Enhance Texture With Parmesan Cheese

Mixing in grated Parmesan cheese will add a savory depth and enhance the texture of your dishes. When you sprinkle this delicious cheese into your white sauce, it brings a delightful creaminess and richness.

As the cheese melts, it creates a velvety smoothness that coats every bite. The granules of Parmesan help to thicken the sauce, giving it a more substantial consistency. The nutty and salty flavor of the cheese adds complexity and depth to the overall taste of your dish.

Whether you’re making a creamy Alfredo sauce or a cheesy pasta bake, Parmesan cheese is the perfect addition to take your white sauce to the next level. So go ahead and grate some Parmesan into your sauce and savor the incredible texture it brings to your favorite dishes.