How to Eat Argo Starch
- 1). Determine how you want to use the cornstarch. Argo starch can be used dry in certain recipes, but it needs to be hydrated if it is going to be combined with liquid ingredients. It makes an excellent light coating for deep-fried foods when used dry, either by itself or in combination with flour. Once cooked, the powdery texture of the dry cornstarch turns extremely crispy. It can also be added to flour to lighten the texture of baked goods.
- 2). Sift the cornstarch if necessary. Argo starch tends to clump in the container, and lumps of cornstarch are quite unpleasant in cooked food. If you are hydrating the Argo starch there is no need to sift it, but if you are using it in its dry form as a coating, sifting may be necessary. Argo starch should always be sifted before adding it to cake batter as well.
- 3). Hydrate the cornstarch if necessary. If you want to use Argo starch to thicken a sauce or soup, place the desired amount of cornstarch in a small bowl and add an equal amount of cold water. Stir well to combine. This will keep the cornstarch from forming lumps when it is added to another liquid. Also, Argo starch must be heated before its thickening capabilities will take effect, so add it slowly to your sauce, stir and then heat to a simmer. This process also cooks out any raw flavor left in the cornstarch.