Cornstarch Recipes

Cornstarch is a fine, powdery pantry starch made from corn that is most often used to thicken sauces, gravies, soups, stews, fruit pie fillings, puddings, and custards. It creates a glossy, smooth texture quickly, making it especially useful in stir-fry sauces and last-minute pan sauces.

In recipes, cornstarch is usually mixed with a small amount of cold liquid before being added to hot food. This slurry helps prevent clumps and gives cooks more control over thickness. It can also be used in small amounts in baked goods for a more tender crumb.

Cornstarch is also a favorite for crisping. Tossing chicken, tofu, shrimp, or vegetables in a light coating before frying, pan-frying, or air frying helps create a delicate, crunchy exterior.