Thickener|Starch | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free

Cornstarch

Zea mays Allergen-Free
cornstarch

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family Poaceae
  • Primary Cuisine Global
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Corn (Maize)

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 finely ground powder derived from the endosperm of corn kernels, primarily used as a thickening agent in cooking and baking.

Sensory Profile

TasteNeutral
TexturePowdery (dry), Viscous (cooked)
AromaNeutral
AcidityNeutral

Technical Metrics

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.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (8g)
Calories381 kcal
Total Fat0.1 g
Saturated Fat0 g
Trans Fat0 g
Cholesterol0 mg
Protein0.3 g
Total Carbohydrate91.3 g
Dietary Fiber0.6 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium2 mg
Iron0.5 mg
Potassium3 mg

Chef’s Secret

Always create a slurry with cold liquid before adding cornstarch to hot liquids to prevent lumps and ensure smooth thickening.

Substitutions

Best Match

Arrowroot Powder

1:1

Excellent for thickening, creates clearer sauces, works at lower temperatures, and is more acid-stable.

All-Purpose Flour

2:1 (flour to cornstarch)

Good for thickening opaque sauces and gravies; requires longer cooking to remove raw flour taste.

Tapioca Starch

1:1 (or slightly more)

Creates glossy, chewy texture; good for fruit pies and gluten-free applications.

Potato Starch

1:1

Similar thickening power to cornstarch, results in clear, silky sauces, but can become stringy.

Buying Guide

Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent clumping.

Flavor Pairings

Used as a thickening agent so it pairs with nearly any liquid base.

Recipes Using Cornstarch

Soups Stews Meat Stove Top Time To Make

George's At The Cove Black Bean Soup

Recreate the magic of La Jolla's famed George's at the Cove! This authentic Black Bean Soup recipe, originally crafted by Chef Scott Meskan, is so popular they keep it printed at the hostess stand. Experience the rich, smoky flavors of this unforgettable soup – a culinary masterpiece you can now make at home. Get ready for a flavor explosion with smoky chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy finish. This isn't just a soup; it's a taste of California coastal elegance.

See Complete Recipe
Beverages Course Easy Low In Something

2Bleu Cups Of Chocolate Lava Please

Indulge in pure chocolate heaven with this decadent hot chocolate recipe! Imagine a rich, velvety waterfall of warm chocolate cascading over your tongue, a truly unforgettable experience. This intensely flavorful, intensely *hot* drinking chocolate is unlike anything you've ever tasted. Created by bird for buddha, this recipe is divine and dangerously addictive. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special treat.

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Pork Pork Chops Low Calorie

A Little Of Everything Pork Chops

Juicy, flavorful pork chops are a breeze with this easy crockpot recipe! Even picky eaters will love the savory, slightly sweet sauce. Using pantry staples and fridge favorites, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. Get ready for tender, fall-apart pork chops in under 6 hours!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary Course Cuisine Preparation

A Very Proper English Custard

Indulge in the creamy perfection of this classic English custard! Thick, rich, and intensely sweet, this versatile custard recipe is perfect as a warm sauce over your favorite pudding, a luscious layer in trifles, or a delightful filling for tarts. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover.

See Complete Recipe
Main Dish Meat Preparation Low In Something

Amy's Beef Stir Fry

A restaurant-quality beef stir-fry, adapted from Donna Kaup's "Dining in Quarters A" cookbook. This recipe delivers tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory sauce in just 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests.

See Complete Recipe
Low Protein Citrus Course Fruit

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!

See Complete Recipe
Desserts French Apples Fruit

Apple Bread Pudding With Calvados Sauce

Elevate your dessert game with this decadent Apple Bread Pudding! Featuring perfectly caramelized apples and a rich, unforgettable Calvados sauce, this recipe is a true masterpiece. The sauce is so divine, it's almost sinful to add ice cream or cream (but feel free to indulge!). Using high-quality apples is key – their flavor will shine through in every bite. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

See Complete Recipe
4 Hours Or Less Apples Preparation Main Ingredient

Apple Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Indulge in the ultimate dessert fusion! This Apple Creme Brulee Cheesecake recipe, inspired by Tish Boyle's "Cake" cookbook, combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the caramelized sweetness of creme brulee and the delightful tang of apples. A water bath ensures a flawlessly moist and crack-free cheesecake, guaranteeing a perfect bake every time. Prepare for a taste sensation that will leave you craving more!

See Complete Recipe
Breakfast Time To Make Breakfast Brunch

Apple Syrup

Spice up your breakfast! This homemade apple syrup is a delightful twist on traditional maple syrup, perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Made with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, it's a comforting and flavorful treat that's surprisingly easy to make. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. Get ready for a taste sensation!

See Complete Recipe
Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Holiday Event Chicken

Asian Meatballs With Plum Sauce

These flavorful Asian meatballs, boasting a delightful blend of savory and sweet, are coated in a mouthwatering sweet and sour plum sauce that's simply to die for! Perfect served over fluffy rice for a comforting meal or as elegant cocktail meatballs for your next gathering. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe
Dietary 15 Minutes Or Less Course Dietary

Avgolemono Soup Greek Egg Lemon Soup

Experience the sunshine of Greece with this vibrant Avgolemono soup! A classic Greek recipe, this creamy, lemony soup is surprisingly easy to make and bursting with fresh, bright flavors. Perfect for a light lunch, comforting dinner, or a special occasion, our Avgolemono recipe delivers a taste of the Mediterranean in every spoonful. Learn how to make this traditional Greek egg lemon soup today!

See Complete Recipe
Poultry Low Carb Chicken Breasts Cheese

Bacon And Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts, stuffed with crispy bacon and melty cheese, then pan-seared to perfection and finished with a creamy, savory pan sauce. This easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

See Complete Recipe
Course Healthy Poultry Kid Friendly

Baked Hawaiian Chicken

This kid-approved Baked Hawaiian Chicken recipe was a massive hit at a Valentine's Day dance for 75 fourth graders! Sweet and savory, it's guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Juicy chicken baked with tangy pineapple, a delicious homemade sauce, and a festive cherry in each pineapple ring – it's a showstopper that's surprisingly easy to make. Serve over fluffy rice for a complete meal.

See Complete Recipe
Preparation Stove Top Low In Something Main Ingredient

Banana Custard Pudding

Indulge in this creamy, dreamy Banana Custard Pudding! This classic dessert features perfectly cooked custard infused with the sweetness of fresh bananas. Easy to make and unbelievably delicious, it's the perfect ending to any meal. Get the recipe now!

See Complete Recipe
Breakfast Course Pancakes And Waffles Time To Make

Banana Pancakes With Blueberry Sauce

Light & fluffy banana pancakes, elevated with club soda and whipped egg whites! Topped with a homemade blueberry sauce that's unbelievably delicious – perfect for pancakes, ice cream, angel food cake, and more! This easy recipe makes a special breakfast or brunch in minutes.

See Complete Recipe
Main Ingredient Seasonal Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less

Banana Wontons With Coconut Sauce

Delight your taste buds with these crispy Banana Wontons! Sweet ripe bananas and warm cinnamon are nestled inside golden-fried wonton wrappers, then drizzled with a luscious, homemade coconut sauce. This lighter take on a classic dessert is lower in fat and sugar, making it the perfect guilt-free treat. The natural sweetness of the bananas and coconut is irresistible, but you can easily customize the sweetness to your preference. Prepare for a delightful snack or dessert experience – approximately 16 wontons await!

See Complete Recipe
Presentation 4 Hours Or Less Appetizers Occasion

Bangkok Meatballs On Skewers

Capture the vibrant flavors of Bangkok's bustling street food markets with these delicious homemade meatballs! This recipe delivers authentic Thai taste, perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun weekend BBQ. Easy to follow instructions and a mouthwatering char sui glaze will have you saying 'Sawasdee' to a new favorite dish.

See Complete Recipe
Low Carb Low Saturated Fat Low Cholesterol Healthy

Beef Barley Stew Soup

Warm up your winter with this hearty Beef Barley Stew Soup! A family favorite, perfect for chilly evenings and guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest college students home for the holidays. This recipe boasts tender beef, wholesome barley, and a medley of fresh vegetables in a rich and flavorful broth.

See Complete Recipe