Cornstarch

Zea mays (starch from endosperm) Thickener

Cornstarch Thickener

At a Glance

  • Category Thickener

The Forktionary Angle

"The secret to crystal-clear, glossy sauces and gravies, offering superior thickening power with a neutral flavor profile compared to flour."

Definition

A fine, white powder derived from corn, primarily used as a thickening agent in sauces, gravies, soups, and desserts.

Activation Method Requires mixing with a cold liquid (slurry) before adding to hot liquids to prevent lumps.
Texture Result Creates a translucent, glossy finish and a smooth, almost gel-like texture when cooked.
Thickening Power Twice the thickening power of flour; 1 tbsp cornstarch = 2 tbsp flour.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cornstarch are:

Neutral

Chef’s Secret

For extra crispy fried chicken or tempura, add a small amount of cornstarch to your dry dredging mix or batter.

Best Substitutes

1:1 arrowroot powder

1:1 tapioca starch

2:1 all-purpose flour

needs more cooking time

Buying Guide

Look for pure cornstarch with no additives. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture.

Recipes Using Cornstarch

Equipment Condiments Etc Low Fat Time To Make

Anything Goes Low Fat Mushroom Sauce

This incredibly versatile and delicious low-fat mushroom sauce elevates any dish! From juicy pork chops and succulent chicken to perfectly cooked pasta and fluffy baked potatoes, this recipe is a game-changer. Inspired by *Light & Tasty* magazine, this tweaked-to-perfection recipe is bursting with flavor without the guilt. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, it's your new go-to sauce for weeknight dinners and special occasions.

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Low Fat 30 Minutes Or Less Taste Mood Desserts

All Purpose Blueberry Sauce

Indulge in this irresistible honey-sweetened blueberry sauce – a delightful twist on a classic! Skip the refined sugar and embrace the natural sweetness of honey in this versatile sauce, perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, crepes, French toast, ice cream, cheesecake, sponge cake, or pound cake. Made with fresh blueberries and a touch of lemon, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to become your new favorite topping!

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Picnic Preparation Heirloom Historical Gifts

Angela's Chocolate Cream Pie

Comfort in every bite! This decadent chocolate cream pie is the perfect ending to any meal, especially when celebrating a new arrival or offering solace during difficult times. Rich, creamy chocolate filling, made from scratch, is poured into a buttery pie crust and chilled to perfection. A dollop of cool whip adds the ideal touch. This recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth and happiness to any gathering.

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Citrus Main Ingredient Low Sodium Dietary

Ann Lander's Best Lemon Meringue Pie With Never Fail Meringue

Conquer the art of the perfect lemon meringue pie with this foolproof recipe! Achieve that iconic sky-high, bakery-style meringue with our simple trick: 6 egg whites and double the sugar! This recipe offers incredible flexibility: use a classic pie crust or a delicious graham cracker crust (perfect with whipped cream!), adjust the tartness to your liking, and even make the filling in the microwave! Prepare the filling the night before for optimal thickening, then top with meringue or whipped cream the next day. Get ready to impress with this unbelievably easy and delicious lemon meringue pie!

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Healthy Dietary Main Dish Holiday Event

Apple Dapple French Toast Cobbler

Warm, comforting, and utterly irresistible! This Apple Dapple French Toast Cobbler combines the best of French toast and cobbler into one incredible dessert. Imagine crispy, buttery French toast pieces baked beneath a sweet and spiced apple filling, topped with a golden-brown crumble. A perfect fall treat or anytime you crave a cozy, delicious dessert!

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Pork Crock Pot Slow Cooker Main Dish Preparation

Apple Apricot Pork Chops Crock Pot

Fall in love with this incredibly juicy and flavorful Apple Apricot Pork Chops recipe! Slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot, these tender pork chops are bathed in a sweet and savory sauce, bursting with the delicious flavors of apples and apricots. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Copycat Occasion Course One Dish Meal

Applebee's Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl

Recreate the irresistible Applebee's Crispy Orange Chicken Bowl at home! This recipe delivers tender, crispy chicken tossed in a vibrant orange sauce, served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables. A complete and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Preparation Chicken Main Ingredient Main Dish

Apricot Chicken With Cashews

Microwave your way to dinner with this unbelievably quick and easy Apricot Chicken with Cashews recipe! Inspired by Taste of Home, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights. Sweet apricots and crunchy cashews complement tender chicken for a flavor explosion that's surprisingly sophisticated. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

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Pies Dietary Low In Something Course

Arizona Lemon Meringue Pie

This Arizona Lemon Meringue Pie recipe is a family favorite, bursting with fresh lemon flavor from our backyard! The high meringue is unbelievably fluffy, and the creamy lemon filling is simply divine. Use your favorite pie crust (recipe #339607 recommended!) or grab a store-bought one for a quicker dessert. Get ready for a taste of sunshine in every bite!

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Main Ingredient Course Time To Make Beans

Asian Style Grilled Tofu

Experience a burst of Asian flavors with this irresistible grilled tofu recipe! Inspired by a family heirloom, this recipe features a savory marinade (easily customizable to your spice preference) that perfectly complements the tender, smoky tofu. Quick to prepare and bursting with umami, this dish is a perfect weeknight meal or a show-stopping appetizer. Get ready to impress!

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Preparation Pork Low In Something Vegetables

Asian Style Pork And Broccoli In Garlic Sauce

This sizzling Asian-inspired dish is a flavor explosion! Tender pork (or chicken!) is stir-fried to perfection with crisp-tender broccoli, mushrooms, and a rich, savory garlic sauce. Double the recipe for a crowd-pleasing meal – it's that good! Easily adaptable to your taste, this recipe is quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious. Get ready for a taste of authentic Asian flavors in just 30 minutes!

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Main Ingredient Cuisine Main Ingredient 30 Minutes Or Less

Asparagus Black Bean Sauce Stir Fry

Craving that authentic Chinese restaurant taste? This Asparagus Black Bean Sauce Stir-Fry delivers! Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe recreates your favorite takeout dish in just 20 minutes. Tender asparagus spears meet a rich, savory black bean sauce, all perfectly balanced for a delightful culinary experience. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen!

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Greens Preparation Greens Occasion

Baby Bok Choy With Mushrooms And Tofu

This vibrant and flavorful Asian-inspired dish features crispy pan-fried tofu, tender baby bok choy, and savory mushrooms in a luscious homemade sauce. Inspired by traditional Chinese cooking, this recipe from Country Living Magazine is a quick weeknight meal perfect served over rice or ramen noodles. We've enhanced it with tips from countless reviews for the perfect balance of savory and umami.

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Cuisine Preparation Cuisine Course

Baked Lemon Chicken With Chinese Lemon Sauce

This Baked Lemon Chicken with Chinese Lemon Sauce recipe is an absolute winner! Enjoy restaurant-quality flavor at home with half the fat. Adapted from Betty Crocker's best chicken recipes, this dish is so delicious, there will be no leftovers! Get ready for juicy, tender chicken coated in a vibrant, tangy lemon sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Taste Mood Healthy 2 Equipment Time To Make

Baked Pasta With Mushroom Chicken Cream Sauce

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy baked pasta casserole! Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and perfectly cooked pasta are enveloped in a rich, homemade cream sauce, then baked to golden perfection. This comforting classic, adapted from a Woman's Day magazine recipe, is sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a taste of pure culinary bliss!

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Beef Pasta Rice And Grains Soups Stews Pasta

Beef And Ravioli Soup

Warm up with this hearty and comforting Beef and Ravioli Soup! A family favorite, this recipe features tender beef, fresh vegetables, and delicious cheese ravioli all simmered in a rich broth. Inspired by a classic Ladies Home Journal recipe, this updated version is easy to follow and perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.

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Preparation Main Ingredient Low Calorie Inexpensive

Beef Curry Stir Fry

A quick and flavorful Beef Curry Stir-Fry recipe ready in under 30 minutes! This hearty and satisfying dish features tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich, aromatic curry sauce. Serve over fluffy rice or noodles for a complete and delicious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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15 Minutes Or Less Preparation Course Steak

Beef Lo Mein Ww

Satisfy your cravings with this incredibly flavorful Beef Lo Mein, clocking in at only 6 Weight Watchers points! A quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. This recipe is so good, you'll want to make it again and again!

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