Cornstarch vs. Corn Flour: What’s the Difference? (2024)

FAQs

Cornstarch vs. Corn Flour: What’s the Difference? ›

Corn flour is made by finely grinding whole corn kernels, whereas cornstarch is made just from the starchy part of corn. As a result, corn flour contains protein, fiber, starch, vitamins, and minerals, whereas cornstarch is mostly carbs.

Corn flour is a yellow powder made from finely ground, dried corn, while cornstarch is a fine, white powder made from the starchy part of a corn kernel. Both may go by different names depending on where you live. Corn flour is used similarly to other flours, whereas cornstarch is mainly used as a thickener.

Cornstarch is a 'starchy' gluten free flour, whereas corn flour is a 'protein' gluten free flour. Therefore, they carry out very different functions in gluten free baking. That means that you can't substitute cornstarch for corn flour, or vice versa.

Cornstarch typically makes for a crispier finish than flour. Cornstarch absorbs moisture from the food and expands, giving deep-fried foods a crispy coating. When the food is fried, the moisture cooks out of the cornstarch, leaving a crackly, puffy coating on the outside.

Cornstarch is a pure carbohydrate, but flour has more nutrients. Cornstarch is a common ingredient in a wide variety of foods and beverages. It's used by home cooks and in commercial settings. Cornstarch is not a very nutrient-rich food, though, so it's an open question whether or not cornstarch is bad for you.

The major difference between corn flour and cornmeal is the texture. Corn flour is soft and powdery, while cornmeal is coarse and grittier. Cornmeal can be classified as fine, medium or coarsely ground, but it is never as silky as corn flour.

Ground flaxseeds, glucomannan, psyllium husk, xanthan gum and guar gum are also substitutes for cornstarch, and you may come across mentions of them. On the whole, we prefer the substitutes we already discussed because they're more readily available, affordable and easy to use.

Its main use is as a thickening agent and due to its fine texture it is less likely to form in lumps than ordinary flour. Another advantage that cornflour has over plain flour as a thickening agent is that it is flavourless so can be used to thicken delicately flavoured dishes.

When paired with all-purpose flour, cornstarch helps prevent gluten development, which makes the flour coating crispier, and absorb moisture (from the frying and the chicken), which also means a crispier coating. If you already have a favorite fried chicken recipe, try replacing a quarter of the flour with cornstarch.

Does cornstarch go bad? ›

Storing Cornstarch

Despite any date you might see on the package, cornstarch shouldn't go bad or lose its power. As long as you keep it in a cool, dry place, free from moisture, it should last indefinitely on your shelf—that is, if you don't use it up quickly.

Browning adds more flavor to the gravy and gets rid of the raw flour taste. You're basically making a roux. We find that a flour-based gravy holds up better and reheats better later, which is why we tend to prefer using flour over cornstarch to make gravy unless we have a guest who is eating gluten-free.

No. Cornstarch is a starch used for thickening, while cream of tartar is an acid used for leavening, stabilizing, and preventing crystallization. They play totally different roles in baking and are not considered substitutes for one another.

No. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. It is a alkaline and when combined with an acid and a liquid, it produces carbon dioxide gas which will leaven baked goods. Corn starch is a finely textured starch derived from the endosperm of the kernel of a maize plant.

Cornflour is an ideal thickener if you're a coeliac or simply intolerant to gluten, because as the name suggests, it is made from corn. Be aware, though, that it produces a slightly more gelatinous texture than flour, so don't overdo it or you'll end up with a slightly gloopy sauce.

Cornflour's prowess extends to the realm of baking, where it can redefine your favorite recipes. When combined with regular flour, cornflour imparts a lightness and tenderness to baked goods. Experience the joy of savoring a cake with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, all thanks to the magic of cornflour.

Cornstarch is a common ingredient made from the starchy portion of corn kernels known as the endosperm. It's used as a thickening agent for gravies, marinades, sauces, soups, and casseroles. Though most people think cornstarch is reserved for cooking, it's quite useful outside the kitchen.