Surprising kitchen combo: corn starch and vegetable shortening for perfect pastries and more!
What To Know
- Vegetable shortening is a type of fat that is used in baking to create a tender and flaky texture.
- Corn starch is used to thicken liquids, while vegetable shortening is used to create a tender and flaky texture in baked goods.
- Vegetable shortening is a type of fat that is used in baking to create a tender and flaky texture.
Corn starch is a common kitchen ingredient used as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and gravies. It is also used as a coating for fried foods and as a dusting agent for baked goods. However, despite its versatility, many people wonder if corn starch can be used as a vegetable shortening.
What Is Vegetable Shortening?
Vegetable shortening is a type of fat that is used in baking to create a tender and flaky texture. It is typically made from hydrogenated vegetable oils, which means that the oils have been treated with hydrogen to make them more solid. Vegetable shortening is commonly used in pie crusts, biscuits, and cookies.
The Differences Between Corn Starch and Vegetable Shortening
Corn starch and vegetable shortening are two very different ingredients, both in terms of their composition and their function. Corn starch is a carbohydrate, while vegetable shortening is a fat. Corn starch is used to thicken liquids, while vegetable shortening is used to create a tender and flaky texture in baked goods.
Can Corn Starch Be Used as Vegetable Shortening?
No, corn starch cannot be used as a vegetable shortening. Corn starch is a thickening agent, while vegetable shortening is a fat. Corn starch will not create the same texture in baked goods as vegetable shortening.
What Can Be Used Instead of Vegetable Shortening?
If you do not have vegetable shortening on hand, there are a few other ingredients that you can use instead. These include:
- Butter
- Lard
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Canola oil
How to Use Corn Starch
Corn starch is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few tips for using corn starch:
- To thicken sauces, soups, and gravies, whisk corn starch into a small amount of cold water until smooth. Then, add the mixture to the hot liquid and cook until thickened.
- To coat fried foods, dredge the food in corn starch before frying. This will help to create a crispy coating.
- To dust baked goods, sprinkle corn starch on the surface of the dough before baking. This will help to prevent the dough from sticking to the pan.
The Bottom Line: Is Corn Starch a Good Substitute for Vegetable Shortening?
No, corn starch is not a good substitute for vegetable shortening. Corn starch is a thickening agent, while vegetable shortening is a fat. Corn starch will not create the same texture in baked goods as vegetable shortening.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: What is corn starch?
A: Corn starch is a carbohydrate that is used as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and gravies.
Q: What is vegetable shortening?
A: Vegetable shortening is a type of fat that is used in baking to create a tender and flaky texture.
Q: Can corn starch be used as vegetable shortening?
A: No, corn starch cannot be used as vegetable shortening. Corn starch is a thickening agent, while vegetable shortening is a fat.
Q: What can be used instead of vegetable shortening?
A: Butter, lard, coconut oil, olive oil, and canola oil can all be used instead of vegetable shortening.
Q: How do I use corn starch?
A: Corn starch can be used to thicken sauces, soups, and gravies. It can also be used to coat fried foods and dust baked goods.