Wheat starch is a familiar ingredient in many Asian cooking recipes. It’s used as a thickener and to add body to dishes.
But what should you use if you’re gluten-free or have a wheat allergy? or just looking for a different option?
There are several options for Wheat starch substitutes, so let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones like Corn starch, Xanthan gum, etc., and some gluten-free starch like rice starch that can be used in place of wheat starch.
Stay tuned for more cooking tips and tricks!
What is wheat starch?
Wheat starch is a kind of carbohydrate that is derived from wheat.
It is commonly used as a thickening agent or binding agent in food production and can also be utilized in the textile industry and for papermaking.
It has a high protein content, making it an ideal ingredient for vegetarian and vegan diets, and it is easily available in most supermarkets and health food stores.
Popular Healthy Wheat Starch Substitutes
1. Corn starch- Best Gluten-free Wheat Starch Alternative
Corn starch can be utilized as a replacement for wheat starch in cooking. It has an identical texture and can be used in the same way as wheat starch.
When using corn starch as a wheat starch substitute, use half as much corn starch as you would wheat starch.
For example, if a recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of wheat starch, use 1 tablespoon of corn starch. Corn starch is also a good thickener for sauces and gravies.
However, it is important to note that corn starch is not gluten-free and should not be used as a substitute for wheat starch if you are following a gluten-free diet.
2. Xanthan gum – thick substitute for wheat starch
In cooking, xanthan gum can be used in place of wheat starch. It is commonly used as a thickener or emulsifier in a variety of food products.
When used as a wheat starch substitute, xanthan gum can help to create a dough-like consistency in recipes such as pancakes or bread.
To substitute xanthan gum for wheat starch, you will need to use a 1:1 ratio. So, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of wheat starch, you would use 1 tablespoon of xanthan gum.
You may also require to add a little extra liquid to the recipe to help the xanthan gum bind together.
If you are using xanthan gum to thicken a sauce or gravy, you will want to add it to the liquid while it is warm and then whisk it until it is completely smooth.
Whether you are adding it to a dry mix, such as for baking, you will want to add it along with the other dry ingredients and mix everything together well.
3. rice starch- Easy wheat starch replacement
Rice starch can be used as a substitute for wheat starch in many recipes.
To substitute rice starch for wheat starch, you will require to mix a 1:1 ratio. So it means that for every 1 cup of wheat flour, you will use 1 cup of rice flour.
The same thing goes for any other kind of flour. When substituting one type of flour for another, it is important to keep the proportions the same so that your recipe turns out correctly.
You may require to experiment with the ratio of rice flour to water to get the desired consistency. Some folks find that using more rice flour than wheat flour yields the same results.
If you’re unsure about how to make the substitution, it is always best to consult a trusted baking resource.
4. guar gum
Guar gum is a natural thickener and binder made from the ground seeds of the guar plant.
It’s commonly used as a food ingredient and can be found in a variety of processed foods, including ice cream, salad dressings, stews, and sauces.
Guar gum can also be used as a substitute for wheat starch when cooking. When alternating guar gum with wheat starch, use 1/8 teaspoon of guar gum for every tablespoon of wheat starch.
You may require to test to find the right ratio for your recipe.
Keep in mind that because it is gum, it will add some chewiness to the final dish.
If you want to avoid this, you can try using xanthan gum, as it has a similar thickening and binding ability but will not add any chewiness to the dish.
Guar gum is available at most health food stores and online retailers.
5. substitute potato starch for wheat starch
There’re a few things to remember when substituting potato starch for wheat starch.
First, potato starch is denser than wheat starch, so you’ll need to use less of it.
Second, it doesn’t have the same gluten-forming properties as wheat starch, so your baked goods may not be as light and fluffy.
Finally, because potato starch absorbs more moisture than wheat starch, your recipe may require a bit more liquid. But other than that, the substitution should be pretty easy!
Moreover, It can also help to lighten up baked goods such as cakes and cookies.
Read More- Best Potato Flour Alternatives
6. Try tapioca starch / cassava instead of wheat starch
Tapioca starch can be utilized as a substitute for wheat starch in cooking. It has an identical texture and can be utilized in the same way as wheat starch.
However, it is necessary to note that tapioca starch is not as strongly absorbent as wheat starch, so it may not work that well in some dishes.
There’re a few things to keep in mind when substituting tapioca starch for wheat starch.
First, tapioca starch is much more absorbent than wheat starch, so you’ll need to use less of it.
Second, it doesn’t have the same strengthening properties as wheat starch, so your finished product may be slightly more delicate.
And finally, because tapioca starch is so absorbent, it can tend to make things a bit gummy if you’re not careful.
With all that said, here’s how to substitute tapioca starch for wheat starch in a recipe:
1. Reduce the amount of tapioca starch you use by half. So if a recipe calls for 1 cup of wheat starch, you would use only 1/2 cup of tapioca starch.
2. Add an additional liquid to the recipe to account for the absorbency of the tapioca starch. This could be water, milk, or even just an extra tablespoon or two of another liquid ingredient in the recipe.
3. Be aware that your finished product may be slightly more delicate than if you had used wheat starch. This is especially true for baked goods.
4. Finally, take care not to over-mix or over-work the dough or batter, as this can cause the tapioca starch to become gummy. Combine just until everything is combined and stop there.
7. arrowroot -Best Thickening Agent
Arrowroot starch can be used in place of wheat starch for cooking. Arrowroot has a similar texture to wheat flour, making it ideal for use in baking and cooking.
When substituting arrowroot for wheat starch, use a 1:1 ratio. Arrowroot can be found in most health food stores.
Arrowroot is a good choice for those who are gluten-free or have allergies to wheat.
It is a suitable choice for those on a low-carb diet.
8. mung bean starch
Mung bean starch can be utilized as a wheat flour substitute in many recipes.
When using mung bean starch, it is important to add more water to the recipe than you would with wheat flour.
Mung bean starch is also an excellent binding agent, so it can be used to make gluten-free products like bread and pastries. When substituting mung bean starch for wheat flour, use a 1:1 ratio.
However, it is important to note that mung bean starch doesn’t have the same flavor as wheat starch. Therefore, it’s best to use it in dishes where the taste of the starch isn’t important.
Additionally, it doesn’t work well in recipes that require the dough to be rolled out thinly. So, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option for making pasta or pizza dough, mung bean starch may not be the best choice.
9. buckwheat starch – nutritious alternative for wheat starch
Substituting buckwheat starch for wheat starch is a great way to add extra nutrition and flavor to your dishes.
When substituting buckwheat starch for wheat starch, use a 1:1 ratio. Buckwheat starch is available at most health food stores.
Additionally, it has a nutty flavor that can enhance the taste of your food.
10. sago
When you cook, you can use sago as an alternative for wheat starch.
Sago is a starch that is derived from the pith of various tropical palm trees and is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.
It has a similar texture to tapioca, and it is most commonly used as starch or flour.
When substituting sago for wheat starch, it is important to use the same amount of sago as you would wheat starch.
This will confirm that your dish turns out correctly. If you are unsure about how much sago to use, it is always best to start with less amount and then add more if required.
Sago can be found in most Asian markets or online.
It is a typical ingredient in many traditional recipes. It can be used to make porridge, pudding, bread, and dumplings as a thickener for soups and stews.
Sago is also utilized as an ingredient in some commercial food products, such as breakfast cereals and ice cream.
11. Why not try Ground flaxseeds in place of wheat starch!
You can substitute ground flaxseeds for wheat starch. This will add fiber and nutrients to your dish while still providing the desired consistency.
It has a nutty flavor, and you can add it to many different foods, such as yogurt, cereal, and baked goods.
Ground flaxseeds can also be used as an egg replacement in recipes.
To replace wheat starch, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture pause for a few minutes to thicken, then add it to your recipe in place of the wheat starch.
You may require to experiment with the proportions a bit to get the desired results.
12. Psyllium husk
Psyllium husk is a good substitute for wheat starch when cooking because it has a similar texture and can be used in the same way.
Psyllium husk is also a good source of dietary fiber.
When substituting, use one-third to one-half as much psyllium husk as you would wheat starch. Psyllium husk is a good source of dietary fiber and can help promote regularity.
Psyllium husk can be utilized as a thickener or binding agent in recipes, so it is generally used to thicken sauces, soups, and stews.
Psyllium husk can also be used as an egg replacement in baking. When combined with liquid, it forms a gel-like substance that can bind ingredients together.
How to make wheat starch at home?
To make wheat starch, you will need:
- 1 cup of wheat flour
- 1 cup of water
- A strainer
- A bowl
1. Combine the wheat flour and water in a bowl and stir until the flour is fully dissolved.
2. Next, place a strainer over a second bowl. Pour the wheat mixture into the strainer and allow the liquid to drip into the bowl below.
3. Once all the liquid has strained through, you will be left with wheat starch in the strainer.
4. Rinse the starch with cold water and transfer it to a container for storage. The starch will keep for several weeks when stored in a cool, dry place.
5. To use, simply add water to the desired consistency and stir it into your recipe. The starch can be utilized as a thickener for soups and sauces or as a binding agent for baked goods. Enjoy!
A Quick Table Of Substitution for Wheat Starch in Various Recipes
| Wheat Starch Substitute For Bao | Rice starch, Sago, Homemade, Tapioca Starch |
| Wheat Starch Substitute For Dumplings Recipe | Rice flour, Potato starch, Tapioca Flour, |
| Wheat Starch Substitute For Mooncake | Mung bean Starch, |
| Substitute For Wheat Starch In Baking | Arrowroot, Xanthan gum, guar gum, Potato starch, Grounded Flaxseeds |
| Wheat Starch Substitute For Cheung Fun | Rice starch, Tapioca starch |
Are wheat flour and wheat starch the same?
No, wheat flour and wheat starch are not the same.
Wheat flour is produced by grinding whole wheat kernels into a fine powder, while wheat starch is made by separating the starch molecules from the rest of the kernel.
Wheat flour contains all parts of the grain – the germ, bran, and endosperm – while wheat starch is almost entirely composed of carbohydrates with only trace amounts of protein or fat.
This means that wheat flour has a higher nutritional value than wheat starch.
Wheat flour is typically used in baking, while wheat starch is often used as a thickening agent or filler in various food products.
Is wheat starch the same as cornstarch?
No, wheat starch is not the same as cornstarch.
They are both starches, but they are made from different grains.
Wheat starch is produced from wheat flour, while cornstarch is made from corn flour. While they can be used interchangeably in some recipes, they will produce different results.
Cornstarch is usually denser and has a higher absorbency than wheat starch.
This means that it will thicken a recipe more quickly and with less liquid than wheat starch.
It also has a little sweeter flavor than wheat starch.
Is wheat starch the same as flour?
No, wheat starch is not the same as flour.
Flour is made from grinding up the whole wheat grain, including the bran and germ.
The starch is extracted from the wheat endosperm.
Wheat starch is about 70-80% carbohydrate, while flour is only about 50-60% carbohydrate.
Wheat starch is used as a thickener, binder, or emulsifier in many food products. It can also be used to make gluten-free flour.
Wheat starch vS maida- what is the difference?
There’s a difference between wheat starch and maida, though it may not be immediately apparent.
Maida is a finely milled and refined version of wheat flour that has been stripped of its bran and germ. This results in a flour that is soft, fine, and white in color.
Wheat starch, on the other hand, is made by separating the starch from the wheat kernel. This results in a powder that is a nearly pure carbohydrate with very little protein or fat.
The end result is that maida is higher in carbohydrates and lower in protein than wheat starch.
Additionally, maida contains more gluten than wheat starch, which can make it less suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
However, because wheat starch is nearly pure carbohydrate, it can be a good choice for those on a low-protein diet.
FAQs on wheat starch Alternatives
Q1. what is wheat starch used for?
Wheat starch is often used as a food thickener or as a binding agent in various recipes. It can also be used to make wheatpaste, which is a type of adhesive.
Additionally, wheat starch is sometimes used in the textile industry and as a sizing agent for paper.
Q2. is wheat starch gluten-free?
Yes, wheat starch is gluten-free.
It is made from the starch of wheat kernels and does not contain any gluten protein. This drives it safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to consume.
Wheat starch can be used in many different recipes as a replacement for flour or other ingredients that contain gluten. It is also usually used as a thickener in soups and sauces.
Q3. can wheat starch replace cornstarch?
Yes, wheat starch can replace cornstarch in many recipes.
Cornstarch is a kind of starch derived from the endosperm of the corn kernel. Wheat starch is a class of starch that is derived from the endosperm of the wheat kernel. Both cornstarch and wheat starch are used as thickening agents in recipes.
The major difference between cornstarch and wheat starch is that cornstarch is composed of smaller molecules than wheat starch. This means that cornstarch will thicken a recipe more quickly than wheat starch.
However, both types of starch will provide a similar final consistency to a recipe. Therefore, if you are looking to replace cornstarch with an ingredient that has similar thickening properties, wheat starch is a good option.
