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Sometimes, you get so busy using an ingredient for the same purpose that you forget its other potential. The same is true for cornstarch. It is mostly used as a batter or in soup. However, there are multiple uses for cornstarch in and around kitchens and houses.
It is a versatile and ubiquitous pantry staple and is a fine, powdery substance extracted from the endosperm of maize kernels. With its neutral taste and remarkable thickening properties, corn starch is a culinary chameleon that finds its way into a myriad of recipes, from creamy sauces and gravies to puddings and baked goods. Its ability to gelatinize when heated makes it an essential ingredient in custards and pie fillings, providing a silky, smooth texture.
Cornstarch VS. Corn Flour
You must have often used cornstarch and corn flour interchangeably. But these two are different types of items. The characteristics and applications are quite different. Corn flour is made by grinding whole corn kernels into a fine powder-like substance. It is yellow in colour and discernible in taste. While pure cornstarch is tasteless and white in colour. It is made by refining the starchy part of the corn and is packed with carbohydrates. In some countries, corn flour is called corn starch. Corn flour can be substituted with other types of flour; however, corn starch cannot.
Corn flour, on the other hand, is suitable for crafting a variety of culinary delights such as bread, pancakes, biscuits, waffles, and pastries. It can either enhance the flavour and colour of these dishes or serve as an alternative to wheat flour. It's important to note that corn flour lacks gluten, which is the key protein in wheat responsible for providing the elasticity and structure found in bread and baked goods. Consequently, recipes using corn flour may yield a denser and crumblier final product due to the absence of gluten.
Take a look at the top six uses of cornstarch apart from soup:
- For Extra Crispness
Whether you’re frying vegetarian or non-vegetarian foods, cornstarch can be added to make them extra crispy. Coating the ingredients, like cauliflower while making gobhi manchurian or chicken while making kebabs, cornstarch provides you with a crispy exterior. It can come to your rescue when you do not have breadcrumbs. Besides, if you’re making a special batter for frying your food item, adding cornstarch to it can enhance its consistency.
- For Fluffy Omelette
While you’re beating the egg to make an omelette, make sure to add a bit of cornstarch along with other seasonings. This can make your omelette fluffy and not rubbery. The nature of cornstarch is such that it reacts with the protein of the egg to keep it soft and moist for a long time.
- To Avoid Leaky Pies
The binding property of cornstarch can help us in multiple ways. When you’re making fillings for baked treats like pies, cornstarch can help ensure that they are not too watery or soggy. Additionally, you can also add cornstarch to your custards and puddings to improve their texture.
- For Velveting
Have you heard of the Chinese process of velveting? The technique involves cornstarch along with other ingredients that are thoroughly combined with meat, especially during pre-marination. Doing this helps retain moisture in the meat and also forms a succulent coating. The meat can later be cooked in gravy or fried.
- As An Egg Substitute
Cornstarch when mixed with water, can be used as an egg substitute for baking. Besides, if you're vegan, you can use this hack to make vegan and/or gluten-free baked items. Notably, in its pure form, cornstarch does not contain gluten.
- For Drying Countertops
Cornstarch has several other uses aside from being used in cooking. One of the hacks is to sprinkle cornstarch over your countertop, which can help you dry it before rolling dough or mixing other ingredients directly. Since cornstarch does not have flavour or colour, it won’t interfere with the taste or appearance of the food.
