Cornstarch is a versatile ingredient that’s not just for thickening sauces and soups. It can be used in a variety of surprising ways in the kitchen and around the house. In this recipe, we’ll explore 12 creative uses for cornstarch, from cooking to cleaning and beyond.
Ingredients for 12 Surprisingly Great Uses for Cornstarch:
- Cooking:
- Thickening Agent: Use cornstarch to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies.
- Baking: Add it to baking recipes to create a lighter texture in cakes and cookies.
- Breading: Use it as a coating for fried foods to create a crispy crust.
- Egg Substitute: Mix cornstarch with water to replace eggs in baking recipes.
- Gluten-Free Baking: Use cornstarch in gluten-free baking to improve texture and structure.
- Cleaning:
- Carpet Stain Remover: Sprinkle cornstarch on carpet stains, let it sit, then vacuum.
- Silver Polish: Make a paste with cornstarch and water to polish silverware.
- Shoe Deodorizer: Sprinkle cornstarch in shoes to absorb odors.
- Window Cleaner: Mix cornstarch with water and vinegar for a streak-free window cleaner.
- Personal Care:
- Dry Shampoo: Use cornstarch as a natural alternative to dry shampoo.
- Deodorant: Mix cornstarch with baking soda and coconut oil for a homemade deodorant.
- Sunburn Relief: Make a paste with cornstarch and water to soothe sunburned skin.
How to Make 12 Surprisingly Great Uses for Cornstarch:
- Cooking:
- For thickening sauces, mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry before adding it to hot liquid.
- For baking, use about 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of flour to lighten the texture of baked goods.
- For breading, dredge food in cornstarch before dipping it in beaten eggs and breadcrumbs.
- For an egg substitute, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.
- For gluten-free baking, use a blend of cornstarch, rice flour, and xanthan gum to replace wheat flour in recipes.
- Cleaning:
- For carpet stains, sprinkle cornstarch on the stain, let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up.
- For silver polish, make a paste with equal parts cornstarch and water, apply it to the silverware, then rinse and dry.
- For shoe deodorizer, sprinkle cornstarch inside shoes and let it sit overnight before shaking it out.
- For window cleaner, mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake well before use.
- Personal Care:
- For dry shampoo, sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch on your roots, then brush or comb through your hair.
- For deodorant, mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 6 tablespoons of coconut oil. Store in a jar and apply as needed.
- For sunburn relief, make a paste with cornstarch and water and apply it to sunburned skin. Let it dry before rinsing off.
About the Main Ingredients:
Cornstarch is made from the endosperm of corn kernels and is commonly used as a thickening agent in cooking. It is gluten-free and has a neutral flavor, making it versatile in both sweet and savory dishes. Cornstarch can also be used in a variety of household and personal care applications due to its absorbent and thickening properties.
Explore these 12 surprising uses for cornstarch to discover new ways to incorporate this pantry staple into your cooking and daily life.
