Thickening Agent Insights: What Does Cornstarch Taste Like?

We all know what cornstarch is. This versatile household item can be found in almost every panty.

It’s an ingredient commonly used for cooking, especially as a thickening agent for desserts, soups, gravies, sauces, and stews.

Besides using it as a cooking ingredient, cornstarch is also helpful in many ways, such as relieving sunburn, preventing athlete’s foot, cleaning purposes, bug bite relief, and various DIY purposes.

Though it’s commonly used, you may not know what does cornstarch tastes like.

So, in this article, we’ll tell you about its flavor, what it is, and other helpful information.

What is Cornstarch?

First, let’s clear up the confusion that most of you might have.

Don’t confuse cornstarch with corn flour.

Although they come from the same cereal plant, they’re produced and used differently.

Also, has distinct flavors.

Corn flour comes from corn, while cornstarch is produced from the endosperm of corn, so it makes a difference.

Also, this powdery substance is used to thicken sauce or soups and not as a tastemaker.

Cornstarch is gluten-free and highly used in saucy dishes, pies, and stir-fries, adding a glossy shine.

Moreover, you can also use this ingredient as a substitute for flour in recipes when baking.

Also, to prevent pastry or puddings from having a runny texture, a small amount of cornstarch is added as it thickens the fruit juice while baking.

This is also the main reason why cornstarch is famous and used widely.

What Does Cornstarch Taste Like?

You must be curious about the flavor of this star ingredient that magically turns any watery soup or stew into a thick sauce.

Is it sweet? Bitter? Does it taste like flour? Or potato starch?

You might assume that cornstarch and corn taste alike, but it doesn’t.

Not even close. The answer is that cornstarch is tasteless.

Its flavor is lost while extracting the kernel from corn and multiple filtrations.

Hence, it’s bland. However, if you’ve tasted plain flour, they basically taste the same.

Although commonly used in cooking, frying, and baking, surprisingly, this powder has no taste.

This is also why it can be added to several recipes without changing the original flavor of the dish.

Still, some manufacturers tend to add preservatives. So this can somehow alter the taste of cornstarch.

If you’re sensitive to gluten, choose a certified gluten-free package to avoid cross-contamination, as it can cause issues.

Although high in calories and carbs, cornstarch lacks other essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, so it might not provide enough nutrition for your health.

But you can always pair it with other nutritious foods for a healthy diet.

Also, remember that too much consumption of cornstarch is not recommended as it can increase your glucose level.

Moreover, it’s best not to eat this powder raw as it can cause health problems like anemia or digestive issues.

If you’re following a keto diet, limit your intake or use other alternatives such as potato starch, arrowroot, guar gum, or wheat flour.

How to Cook and Use Cornstarch?

Aside from being a popular thickening agent in dishes and soups, cornstarch is also used in several ways than you might know.

You can use cornstarch in almost all recipes, from custard, gravy, desserts, cakes, and marinades.

While using this ingredient for cooking, ensure not to pour it directly into hot broth or any boiling liquid to prevent lumps.

Mix cornstarch using warm or cold water, add it to your dish, and constantly stir for better results.

Once the mixture is added to the soup or stew, let it boil nicely before turning off the heat.

Though it might look thick if not fully gelatinized, the soup can become watery once the moisture is released.

• You can also use cornstarch to make a fluffy omelet. Just add a pinch, then mix it, and you’re done. .
• Crispy waffles? Add a bit of cornstarch to the mix, and your waffle won’t be soggy.
• For crispy fried chicken, fish, or vegetables, use cornstarch instead of breadcrumbs. .

Lastly, you should know that cornstarch doesn’t work well with vinegary or sour dishes like lemon juice, as it won’t thicken your dish.

Instead, your soup will be left with an unpleasant taste.

Conclusion

Cornstarch is a versatile ingredient and is often used, but by now, you’re well aware of the dangers of using it daily.

Of course, it’s safe, but it may also lead to health problems, which can be concerning.

Moreover, since it doesn’t have taste, you might unknowingly overuse this ingredient in your dishes.

But always use it in moderation and follow a healthy diet to eliminate its ill effects.

Note: Don’t freeze sauces or broths after adding cornstarch, as it’ll become watery once thawed.

If you plan to freeze your dish, use arrowroot or tapioca starch instead.