Corn starch is made by grinding corn and sieving before collecting the white powder that settles on the bottom. Corn starch has a variety of different uses from thickening sauces to coating fried foods. It is one of the most essential ingredients in Chinese cuisine.
Uses: Mix corn starch with cold water to form a slurry. Add slurry in a slow stream to sauces over medium heat. The sauce will thicken as the slurry cooks. Use corn starch mixed with all purpose flour in equal parts to make a breading that is crispy when fried.