Alternative to cornstarch?

[RachelGreensHair]

I want to make Singapore Chicken Noodles (recipe in photo) but don't want to buy cornstarch just to use a few spoons. I've bought it in the past and never use it all up. And I hate food waste. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I could use instead please.

You could use plain flour.

I'd just buy the smallest packet of cornstarch you can find and use it up in shortbread, cakes, other sauces, and even for making Christmas ornaments.

I agree you can use plain flour. Or get a small pack of corn flour (i assume its much the same as corn starch)

Cornflour (same as corn starch in UK I think!) can be thrown into a bag of home grated cheese. Stops clumping. Also as you no doubt know, it can be used in many recipes -

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/collection/cornflour-recipes

Arrowroot can be used as a thickener also, if you can get a pack just big enough for your dish.

I always have a packet of cornstarch and you don't really need to use it all up quickly, i.e. it still works fine even if it's out of date so there's not really a deadline. You can use it in any stir fry if you want to thicken the sauce slightly.

Many gravy mixes have it in. Unless you are making the bone broth from scratch, you could use gravy mix and water to replace that. Or the flour as others have said.

I did a keto diet years ago and xanthan gum was a replacement. I assume you wouldn't have that if you don't have cornflour though. 😆

Could you just message some friends to ask if anyone would mind you having some? I’d happily give someone some, it’s so rarely used.

It lasts for ages. I've got some that's several years old as I don't use it very much.

Plain flour or just ask a friend for a tablespoon worth!

Have you searched for a zero waste shop near you? We have one locally where you can buy any amount, really helpful!

Cornflour is as cheap as chips (£1 at Asda), lasts for years in the cupboard and is a really useful ingredient in many dishes, so I'd just buy some tbh.

You can use cornflour to make cheese sauce and to thicken dishes e.g stews

It lasts many years as long as you put it into a sealed container. Definitely a good store cupboard item.

As for other recipes, as well as for thickening, try tossing meat or fish into it then frying for home made Chinese style dishes

Ah yes, dh often coats chicken in it before stir frying

Thank you all I do have cornflour and plain flour :) i wish shops sold smaller versions of stuff for 1 adult households!

Just FYI, cornflour in the UK is what is called cornstarch in the US. So, you aren't substituting, you're using exactly what the recipe asks for. (It sounds like you didn't realise this since you already have cornflour in).

It's a bit complicated because in the US they use "cornstarch" for what we call "cornflour", but they also use the word "cornflour" to describe cornmeal.