How do I keep my corn starch from clumping?

Question

Every time I try to use the stuff to thicken gravys and the like, I always end up with little clumps I have to work out. What is the secret?

Answer 1

Mix cornstarch with COLD water, chicken broth, etc. in a cup or small bowl. You should have a syrup consistency. Then slowly pour a small amount of the mixture into your simmering mixture and STIR constantly until it is desired constancy. Add more of the cornstarch mixture if needed. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes minimum.

Answer 2

you have to make what is called a Slurry. You mix your corn starch with a cold liquid. It doesn't have to be water, hell, why not use chicken stock, or wine, something to add more flavor to your dish. Never add corn starch to a hot dish, or else, as you found out, it will simply clump up. Only do that when you are in a serious bind, and if you find yourself in that position, you better prepared to whisk like hell. and I seriously mean like hell.

Answer 3

Corn starch can be a little stubborn, for sure. But here's how you can get it to smoothly go into anything. Take however much you need to put in your dish and put it in a glass. Add enough cold water to get the consistancy of glue, or a little thinner. Stir well. Then when dissolved, simply add it to the food!

Answer 4

Ta Da!

If the cornstarch has lumps, put the starch through a sieve to remove the lumps. Then always use cold water to mix the starch in before adding the starch to your recipe. That is all! Good Luck!

Answer 5

you have to mix water into the corn-starch and just put in in what ever your making

Answer 6

cornstarch is not like flour, put in a cup with cold water and mix, the key here is to make sure that whatever you are thickening is at a constant simmer(not boiling ) The cornstarch and water mixture does not have to be really really thick to make the gravy.As it rests? it also will thicken.

Answer 7

usually keeping it dry in the first place helps...keep it in the box, in a plastic bag or container...then when you go to use it, whisk the lumps (if there are any) out, before you add water or whatever liquid you're using. ( I use what my grandmother used, a small lidded jar, like olives come in....you put the liguid in the jar, add flour (for gravy) or cornstarch (for pudding) and then shake the heck out of the jar....)

Answer 8

mix with cold water in a coffee cup before hand,,,then pore into gravy slowly as u stir consistently,,,only a little at a time,,at medium high heat , as it thickens quickly! Good luck!

Answer 9

Try sifting the cornstarch first. Then, dissolve it in a small amout of cool water.

Answer 10

you have to st-er to all the time