If you’re searching for a better alternative for flour to enhance the appearance and texture of your final baked products and culinary items. Look no forward! In this blog, you will explore how corn starch can be used in baking and culinary creations.
What is Cornstarch and where you can find it in Canada?
Cornstarch is a versatile ingredient that is extracted from the endosperm of corn. It has many culinary and baking applications. The product is easily available in every food store in Brandon, Canada. Corn starch is a typical thickening component in recipes. Furthermore, it can be utilized to improve the texture and flavor of baked items as well as other culinary preparations.
In Canada, corn starch is readily available at affordable prices in every nearest grocery store. However, many brands provide the best quality corn starch for culinary and baking purposes. You can easily access them through any reputable online food store. Maizena Canada has one of them that offers a wide range of cornstarch-based products for baking and culinary preparations.
Uses of Cornstarch in Baking and Culinary
Act as a Texture enhancer
Cornstarch has a cool effect on baked goods like cakes, cookies, and bread. Specifically, it makes them lighter and softer by soaking up moisture and stopping gluten from forming. Moreover, if you use just a little bit, it helps cookies stay in shape without spreading too much or breaking apart.
Many bakers use cornstarch to enhance the texture of their final product. It is typically added to the dry ingredients and mixed thoroughly before adding the wet ingredients. The amount of cornstarch needed varies by recipe. It is critical not to overdo it using cornstarch, as it can cause baked items to become dry and chalky.
As a Thickening Agent
One of the primary uses of cornstarch is as a thickening agent. It is often used to thicken sauces, gravies, soups, and other liquid-based dishes. To use cornstarch as a thickener, you need to mix it with cold liquid before adding it to the hot liquid. This will prevent it from clumping up and help it dissolve evenly. It is essential to mix the cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps from forming. The cornstarch-to-liquid ratio varies with every recipe. However, a rough rule of thumb is two tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of liquid.
In Gluten-Free Baking
Cornstarch is an excellent ingredient for gluten-free baking because it does not contain gluten, a protein found mainly in wheat, barley, and rye that can cause stomach issues in certain people. Rice flour and almond flour count as a gluten-free flour. But, the only drawback to using these flours is they are heavy and dense, while cornstarch can help lighten the texture of baked goods.
Cornstarch in gluten-free baking is typically added to a mixture of gluten-free flour and other ingredients, such as xanthan gum, to help bind the ingredients together. Many bakers add one to two tablespoons of corn starch per cup to replace gluten-free flour.
Coating of Fried Items
Cornstarch has a variety of uses beyond just being an anti-caking ingredient. In fact, it’s an excellent coating for fried foods like chicken or fish. Unlike in baked goods, cornstarch can be substituted for flour when coating these dishes. What’s more, it works similarly to flour but is superior in resisting sauces and absorbing less frying oil. This means less fat in your meal! However, it’s crucial to apply a light and even coating to ensure a crispy texture. When too much corn starch is used, the coating can become gummy rather than crunchy. For those looking for a gluten-free alternative, combining corn starch with almond flour is a great option. This blend will create a more breaded result similar to wheat flour.
Read More: Are Home Cooked Food Good for Pets’ Health?
Other Culinary Applications
Cornstarch can be used in other culinary preparations, such as marinades, coatings for fried foods, and custards. It can help to thicken marinades and prevent them from running off the food, creating a more flavorful dish. For instance, Corn starch can also be used to create a crisp coating for fried foods by combining it with flour or other dry ingredients. In custards, it helps to thicken and stabilize the mixture, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
Read More: What Impact Does Fast Food Have on Men’s Health?
Conclusion
Cornstarch is an amazing ingredient used in many different ways in baking and cooking. It is made from corn and is easy to find in Canada at grocery stores and online. When baking, cornstarch can improve the texture of cakes, cookies, and bread and can also act as a thickener for sauces and soups. It is also great for gluten-free baking because it does not contain gluten. In addition, cornstarch can be used to coat fried foods and to make marinades and custards. However, it’s important to use cornstarch in the right amounts to avoid dry or gummy results.