What Is Cornstarch?

Cornstarch is a common thickening agent.

Here’s what you’re gonna wanna know about this common cooking ingredient.

Caitlin Bensel

Cornstarch is a common cooking ingredient, but what is it?

cornstarch

Credit:Caitlin Bensel

And what does it do?

While cornstarch may resemble flour in appearance, the two are not the same.

Cornstarch ismade from corn, while flour is made from wheat.

Both can be used for thickening, but there are other applications for cornstarch.

David Tineris a chef instructor and director of theLouisiana Culinary Institutein Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Cornstarch is a fine, white powder made from the endosperm of corn.

The endosperm is the center part of the corn kernel.

How Is Cornstarch Used In The Kitchen?

Tiner says that cornstarch is primarily used in recipes for thickening sauces and soups.

“Its great in making egg drop soup,” he says.

A teaspoon of cornstarch will even help make yourcookies more chewy.

The Louisiana chef adds that cornstarch-thickened items do not thaw well after freezing.

Is it OK to substitute cornmeal into the recipe?

The short answer is no.

“Cornstarch is different from cornmeal,” Tine says.

Cornmeal has a gritty texture and noticeably sweet, nutty flavor.

Instead, corn flour is typically used in batters and baked goods just like wheat flour and cornmeal are.

But the answer to this question is not as straightforward as it seems, thanks to our neighbors overseas.

In the UK, the term cornflour actually refers to cornstarch as opposed to finely ground cornmeal.

“I keep rice flourand potato flour in my pantry for thickening and other applications,” Tiner says.

“Either of these are great substitutes for cornstarch.”

Tiner goes on to add that other suitable substitutes include tapioca starch, casava flour or plain all-purpose flour.

With most cornstarch substitutes, you’re free to use the same amount that the recipe calls for.

Double the amount if you are substituting with tapioca flour or wheat flour.

Tiner says that making cornstarch is laborious, but it can be done.

A Registered Dietitian Answers.