Cornstarch Chunks are definitely a trendy treat, easy to prepare and to eat. They can be stored for days or even weeks, and is being perfect for people that need a quick bite.
These chunks can be used in your recipes to thicken sauces and gravies. They are even essential snacks in the diet of some people with special diets.
But the big question here is, how to make cornstarch chunks? How to prepare them using a microwave oven? What is the fastest way to make cornstarch chunks?
Well, this article will bring you all the info you need to know and make cornstarch chunks!
Firstly, What are Cornstarch Chunks?
If you never heard about them, now you’ll know it all. Cornstarch chunks, as the name suggests, are chunks made of starch sourced from corn.
They can be small, medium, or large chunks, with irregular shapes, or even be made into perfect cubes. There is the possibility of finding them sweetened, seasoned, spiced, or colored. They look simple but are a new form of contemporary food art.
Interesting: Who invented the Cornstarch Chunks?
The exact origin of cornstarch chunks is unclear; however, Thomas Kingsford is pointed out as the inventor of the cornstarch itself. Around the 1840s, Thomas found a way of isolating the starch in the corn grain from the other elements.
To your surprise (maybe), cornstarch was not used as a food for many years, being first applied in Laundry and cleaning. Well, cornstarch chunks would be impossible if Thomas did not come up with these audacious ideas for that time.
How to Make Cornstarch Chunks? Various ways of preparing them:
As with many things in life, cornstarch chunks allow many possibilities. They can be prepared in diverse ways, using a box, a microwave, an oven, a freezer, flavorings, spices, herbs, and food colorings. The sky’s the limit when it comes to cornstarch chunks!
What are the Main ingredients of Cornstarch Chunks?
Essentially, you just need one ingredient to prepare cornstarch chunks: Pure Cornstarch! Sounds super easy. You are right, it is extremely simple, and cornstarch is a staple, available in any supermarket or grocery store.
Of course, you can use your imagination to create the most diverse variations of cornstarch chunks. Why not add thyme & pepper, for instance? Then, you can season and thicken a sauce at the same time with only a single chunk!
Method 1: Making Cornstarch Chunks Fast Using Microwave
The microwave came into this world to make all our lives better and cooking more efficient. Thanks to this incredible machine, you can apply this fast method to prepare your desired cornstarch chunks. Feel free to drink a cup of tea or coffee while preparing this.
Things you will need:
- 450g cornstarch (about a Pound)
- 1 microwavable bag (can be made of paper or of another material)
- Any seasonings or additions you would like.
Check the easy steps:
- Put cornstarch and any seasonings in the bag.
- Press well, putting all the strength you can into making a block with the cornstarch. If needed, use a brick or some heavy object you have at home.
- Place in the microwave at high for 5 minutes. Remember to constantly check the starch brick inside the microwave, taking care to not burn. Use more time if needed.
- That is it, break the block into chunks and enjoy!
Method 2: Making Hard, Crunchy Cornstarch Chunks in an Oven
Of course using the microwave is the fastest way to prepare the famous cornstarch chunks. Despite the ease and peace of mind, the microwave method will not make cornstarch chunks so crunchy.
To achieve that, you need time and heat to evaporate all the water inside the starch powders. It might not be visible, but this powder has indeed a very small percentage of water.
Things you will need:
- 450g cornstarch (about a Pound)
- An empty box (can use the cornstarch box)
- Aluminum foil (need to be generous)
- Any seasonings or additions you would like
Check the easy steps:
- Put cornstarch and any seasonings in the box.
- Press well, putting all the strength you can into making a block with the cornstarch. The goal here is to remove air and condense the powder. If needed, use a brick or some heavy object you have at home.
- With the brick formed, carefully transfer it to the aluminum foil and wrap it well. It will look like a silver brick.
- Place in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 2 hours. Every 30 minutes, open the oven and take a look. Should be more solid than before, but not burned.
- Finally, place in the freezer for at least 4 hours.
- That is it, break the block into chunks and enjoy!
Quick note: you can keep it frozen to preserve freshness
Lastly, How to store Cornstarch Chunks?
Keep them in the freezer, and they will last for months. Can also store in a small airtight container, away from humidity and light.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, so they will not ‘borrow’ the cornstarch chunks you made!
Luisa Chitolina Schetinger is a culinary expert, food stylist and an amazon published author who lives in Santa Maria, Brazil. She completed her undergraduate degree in Gastronomy and went on to obtain several cooking-related certifications from HarvardX(Science & Cooking), UFCSPA(Culinary) and others. She is the author of "Easy Brazilian Desserts: 10 Recipes Collection", an amazon published cookbook and even participated in a Famous Brazilian Pastry TV Show namely Que Seja Doce. Luisa Schetinger loves writing recipes, cookbooks and she herself is a foodie too.