Corn starch is a versatile ingredient that often takes a backseat in our kitchen pantries. We associate it primarily with thickening soups, gravies, and sauces. However, this humble white powder can do much more than just add thickness to your culinary creations.
In this article, we will explore ten innovative and mouthwatering recipes that showcase the culinary uses of cornstarch, allowing you to unlock its full potential and bring a flavorful twist to your dishes.
Read More on Corn Starch vs Flour: Comparing Uses and Variations
Vegetarian Recipes
Crispy Corn Starch Onion Rings
Transform your ordinary onion rings into an extraordinary appetizer by incorporating corn starch into the batter. The cornstarch creates a light and crispy coating that perfectly complements the sweet, caramelized onion inside. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful start to any meal.
Corn Starch Dusted Grilled Vegetables
Enhance the flavours of your grilled vegetables by dusting them with a light coating of starch before grilling. It helps to create a delightful char and adds a subtle crispness to the vegetables. Toss them with your favourite herbs and spices for a tasty and healthy side dish.
Corn Starch-infused Fruit Sauce
Add a twist to your fruit sauce by incorporating corn starch as a thickening agent. Whether you’re making a luscious strawberry sauce or a tangy citrus glaze, starch will give your sauce the perfect consistency, allowing it to cling to your favourite desserts like a dream.
Fluffy Corn Starch Pancakes
Say goodbye to dense and heavy pancakes. By adding a touch of cornstarch to your pancake batter, you can achieve a fluffy and tender texture that will make your breakfast a delightful experience. Top them with fresh fruits, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Starch-Coated Tofu Stir-fry
Coating tofu with starch before stir-frying creates a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and creamy centre. Toss it with your favourite stir-fried vegetables and a flavorful sauce for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.
Starch-Coated Zucchini Fries
Swap the traditional potato fries for a healthier alternative by using zucchini and corn starch. The corn starch creates a crunchy coating while the zucchini remains tender and moist. Serve them with homemade garlic aioli or a spicy dip for a guilt-free snack.
Starch Vegetable Tempura
Prepare a light and crispy tempura batter using starch for your favourite vegetables. Dip them into the batter and fry until golden brown for a delightful Japanese-inspired dish. Serve with a dipping sauce of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an authentic touch.
Creamy Corn Starch Tomato Soup
Elevate your tomato soup by incorporating starch for a creamy and velvety texture. The starch thickens the soup while allowing the flavours of the tomatoes to shine. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for a comforting bowl of goodness.
Starch-Coated Stuffed Bell Peppers
Add an extra crunch to your stuffed bell peppers by coating them with a starch-based mixture before baking. The corn starch creates a delicious crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender filling. Experiment with different stuffing options such as quinoa, black beans, and cheese for a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Corn Starch Fruit Crumble
Create a mouthwatering fruit crumble by incorporating starch into the fruit filling. The starch thickens the juices, ensuring a perfect consistency and preventing a soggy bottom crust. Top it with a buttery crumble topping and bake until golden and bubbling for a delightful dessert.
Non-Vegetarian Recipes
Starch-Coated Fried Chicken
Take your fried chicken game to the next level by using corn starch as a secret ingredient in your breading mixture. The starch adds an unbeatable crunch to the chicken while keeping the meat moist and tender. Serve it with a side of homemade coleslaw for a classic comfort food combination.
Starch-Coated Fish Tacos: Elevate your fish tacos by using a starch-based batter to fry the fish. The result is a golden and crispy coating that perfectly complements the tender fish. Top it off with zesty salsa and some fresh avocado for a burst of flavour in every bite.
Starch-Coated Shrimp Stir-fry
Coat shrimp with starch before stir-frying to achieve a crispy texture that pairs beautifully with a medley of stir-fried vegetables. Toss it in a savoury sauce with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a quick and delicious seafood dish.
Starch Battered Calamari
Create a restaurant-worthy appetizer by coating calamari rings with a cornstarch-based batter. The cornstarch adds a light and crispy texture to the calamari, making it irresistible. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful seafood treat.
Sweet and Sour Chicken with Starch
Make a delectable sweet and sour chicken dish by coating the chicken pieces with corn starch before stir-frying. The corn starch helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside. Toss it in a tangy and sweet sauce along with colourful bell peppers and pineapple chunks for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Starch-Coated Chicken Wings
Elevate your chicken wings by coating them with cornstarch before baking or frying. The cornstarch creates a deliciously crispy and golden crust that locks in the flavorful juices. Toss the wings in your favourite sauce, whether it’s buffalo, honey garlic, or barbecue, for a finger-licking good experience.
Corn Starch-Coated Beef Stir-fry
Tenderize beef and create a velvety texture by coating it with corn starch before stir-frying. The cornstarch helps seal in the juices and creates a rich sauce that coats the beef and vegetables. Add your favourite stir-fry sauce and serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Crispy Orange Chicken with Starch
Prepare a tantalizing orange chicken dish by coating the chicken pieces with corn starch before frying. The cornstarch creates a crispy and light coating that pairs beautifully with the tangy and sweet orange sauce. Serve it with steamed broccoli and jasmine rice for a delightful Asian-inspired dinner.
Starch-Coated Pork Chops
Achieve a perfectly juicy and flavorful pork chop by coating it with corn starch before grilling or frying. The starch helps create a golden crust while keeping the meat tender and moist. Season it with your favourite herbs and spices for a tasty and satisfying main course.
Mongolian Beef with Corn Starch
Create a savoury and indulgent Mongolian beef dish by coating the beef with cornstarch before stir-frying. The starch creates a delightful caramelized crust on the beef, while the savoury sauce coats each piece perfectly. Serve it with steamed rice and garnish with green onions for an impressive and delicious meal.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating starch into your recipes opens up a world of culinary creativity. From crispy coatings to creamy desserts, this often-overlooked ingredient adds a delightful twist to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, reach for that box of cornstarch and let your imagination run wild. Prepare to surprise your taste buds with these innovative and delicious corn starch-based recipes.
