Cornstarch. It’s that small, unassuming box sitting quietly in your pantry, mostly reserved for thickening soups or sauces. I used to think that’s all it could do, too. But one day, while trying to save a ruined dish, I realized just how versatile this humble ingredient really is. From crispy fried foods to even soothing irritated skin, cornstarch has a range of uses that can change the way you cook—and even the way you manage your household!
So, if you’ve got a box of cornstarch just lying around, let me take you through some surprising, and downright genius, ways to put it to work. And trust me, you’ll want to try #7—it’s not what you’d expect!
1. Thickening Sauces and Soups
Let’s start with the most obvious use: thickening. Growing up, my grandmother always made the most velvety smooth gravies and sauces. Her secret? Cornstarch. She’d mix a spoonful with cold water to create a slurry and then stir it into the simmering pot. I remember the first time I tried it—instant success! No lumps, just a perfectly thickened, silky sauce. So the next time you’re working on a stew, gravy, or soup that’s just too runny, don’t panic. Reach for the cornstarch!
2. Crispy Coating for Fried Foods
If you love fried chicken (and who doesn’t?), you know the crispy coating is half the fun. My little secret for that extra crunch? Cornstarch! I discovered this trick when I was experimenting in the kitchen one weekend. Mix it with flour before dredging your chicken or veggies, and you’ll be left with a light, crispy, irresistible coating. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never go back to just plain flour again. It’s like a tempura-like crunch but with a lighter, airier finish.
3. Making Cornstarch Chunks
Alright, this one might sound strange to some, but bear with me. There’s a whole subculture of people who love the texture of cornstarch chunks. I didn’t believe it until I tried making some myself, just out of curiosity! If you’re one of those people who love satisfying textures, it’s actually really fun. I have a step-by-step guide to making cornstarch chunks (yes, it’s a thing!), and once you try it, you might just become a cornstarch chunk enthusiast, too.
4. Baking: The Secret Ingredient for Soft Cookies
I remember the first time I baked cookies for my family, they turned out more like hockey pucks than the soft, crumbly delights I’d hoped for. Then a friend of mine told me about using cornstarch. Just a small amount mixed into your dry ingredients can make cookies and cakes incredibly tender. It’s like magic. Now, whenever I bake, cornstarch is my secret weapon for those soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. Try it, and you’ll notice a difference in texture!
5. Egg Substitute for Baking (Especially for Vegans)
I’ve got a few vegan friends, and for a while, baking for them was a bit of a challenge. Enter cornstarch. I learned that you can use it as an egg substitute in baking! Just mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with three tablespoons of water to replace an egg. It’s a fantastic option for anyone allergic to eggs or following a plant-based diet. The best part? It works like a charm—no one can ever tell the difference in cakes or cookies!
You can learn more about baking with cornstarch for soft cookies!
6. Preventing Cake Sticking
I’m not going to lie—there’s nothing more heartbreaking than pulling a freshly baked cake out of the oven, only for it to stick to the pan. I learned this trick the hard way, and now I swear by it: dust your cake pans with cornstarch before pouring in the batter. It works wonders, especially with those intricate cake molds that always seem to cause trouble. Since I started using cornstarch, I haven’t had a cake disaster since!
7. Homemade Deodorant – Yes, Really!
This is where things get interesting. Cornstarch as deodorant? I was skeptical too, but after reading about its absorbent properties, I decided to give it a shot. I mixed cornstarch with a bit of coconut oil and essential oils, and voilà—homemade deodorant! It’s all-natural, keeps you dry, and feels incredibly refreshing. Plus, it’s a great option for anyone looking to avoid chemicals in commercial deodorants. Trust me, once you try it, you might never go back!
8. Cleaning Windows Without Streaks
I used to dread cleaning windows because no matter what I used, they always ended up with streaks. Then I stumbled across a recipe for a cornstarch-based window cleaner—yes, you read that right! Just mix cornstarch with water and vinegar, and you’ll have a natural, streak-free solution. I was amazed at how well it worked! My windows have never looked better, and I feel great knowing I’m using a more eco-friendly option.
9. Removing Grease Stains from Fabrics
As someone who loves to cook (and eat), grease stains are inevitable. I remember spilling oil on one of my favorite shirts and panicking—until I remembered cornstarch! Sprinkle it on the stain, let it sit for a few hours, and then brush it off. It’s saved quite a few of my clothes from the trash. It’s a lifesaver for those unexpected spills, and I always keep some cornstarch handy for just this reason.
10. Soothing Skin Irritations
Cornstarch isn’t just for cooking—it’s also a gentle remedy for skin irritations. When my little one had diaper rash, I was hesitant to use harsh creams. A friend suggested using cornstarch, and it worked like a charm. It’s soothing, gentle, and totally safe for sensitive skin. I’ve also used it for sunburns, and the relief is almost immediate. Now, it’s my go-to for any skin irritation in the family.
Conclusion
So there you have it—ten surprising ways to use cornstarch in your kitchen and beyond. What started as just a thickening agent in my cooking has now become a go-to ingredient for so many household tasks. From crispy fried chicken to streak-free windows and even homemade deodorant, cornstarch is far more versatile than I ever imagined.
Next time you’re in your kitchen, don’t just reach for the cornstarch for soups—get creative with it! And if you’re like me, you’ll find yourself falling in love with this simple, yet indispensable pantry staple all over again. For more kitchen tips and tricks, check out my other articles on solving everyday kitchen issues!
