What can be used to thicken sauces besides flour

Cathy
  • Posted by: Cathy
  • September 9, 2016
  • 2797 views
  • 7 Comments

7 Comments

Smaug September 10, 2016
File powder (a sassafras product) is also a thickening agent, though usually reserved for gumbos.
 
Alexandra V. September 9, 2016
kappa and xantham are also options, but I go with a cornstarch slurry usually.
 
702551 September 9, 2016
Are talking about flour (milled grain) in general or wheat flour specifically?

There are certainly non-wheat flours that can be used include (by not limited to): cornstarch, rice, arrowroot, tapioca, potato starch and others.

Dairy can be used, milk, cream, yogurt, cheeses among others.

There are also thickening agents such as agar, guar gum, xanthan gum, egg whites, gelatin, egg yolks, tomato puree, cooked potato, mustard (an emulsifier), lecithin amongst others.

In many cases, a specific dish may have thickeners that are more appropriate or work better than others, so it's difficult to make a recommendation without knowing the preparation that it is intended for.

Good luck.
 
Susan W. September 9, 2016
Cornstarch, tapioca starch, Arrowroot (my favorite), pureed root vegetables, or a simple reduction of the sauce. Mustard or swirling butter in to emulsify also will thicken a sauce some. Tomato paste will also help. It really depends what the sauce is as to which method is the best.
 
Nancy September 9, 2016
Yes to Susan W suggestions.
Also depends on whether sauce is hot or cold.
Another emulsifier is egg yolk and, to a lesser extent, pureed silken tofu.
Last, for volume and smoothness, pureed cooked root vegetables.
 
Nancy September 9, 2016
Susan W - sorry for repetition; didn't notice your root vegetables on 1stcquick read.
 
Susan W. September 9, 2016
No problem Senorita. :)
 
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