Cooking Tips Information

Chinese Cooking Technique: Thicken


"Thicken", or "Thickening" is a very common technique used in both Chinese restaurants and household kitchens. It is very easy to prepare, but if not used properly, can really mess up the presentation. Below is a brief description of "Thickening". You can learn more about other Chinese cooking techniques in the Techniques section of our website.

Technique: Thicken

Thicken, or thickening, refers to the use of cornstarch as a part of the process of preparing a Chinese dish. Cornstarch is a very commonly used condiment in Chinese cooking. When used properly, it can really make your presentation stand out. Below are two important pointers:

  • Follow the recipe as given

    Too much cornstarch can make the dish too pasty. Too little would make it too thin. After cooking a particular dish the first time, you can use the original recipe as a guide to increase or decrease the amount of cornstarch to add to your dish to your liking the next time (even though we are confident that you'll love the recipes we have on our website :).

  • Watch the timing and stir appropriately

    Do not add cornstarch (and water) until the dish is cooked. You must also stir gently and quickly once it is added to the dish, as it tends lump up if not stirred immediately.

  • Pretty simple, right? Now, you can check out our recipes section and find a recipe to practice it on (wink).

    Helen Fan grew up in a family that has owned various Asian restaurants all over North America, from Vancouver (Canada), Houston (Texas), Decatur (Illinois), to Chicago (Illinois). She, and the rest of the Fan family are now sharing their decades of knowledge on the art of Chinese cuisine at http://www.ChineseHomeCooking.Com

    You can learn more about other Chinese cooking techniques at http://www.chinesehomecooking.com/techniques/techniques.htm


    MORE RESOURCES:

    Energy saving cooking tips
    Northern Daily News, Canada - Nov 21, 2008
    What can we do with little money to promote energy conservation and efficiency? The answer is really quite simple --time equals energy. ...


    Taste of Home cooking tips
    FayObserver.com, NC - Nov 11, 2008
    Instructor Michelle Roberts offered the following cooking tips: If you chop anything that leaves a strong odor, such as garlic, washing your hands won’t get ...


    Hormel launches interactive Web site with cooking tips
    Post-Bulletin, MN - Nov 3, 2008
    By Tim Ruzek Hormel Foods. Corp. has launched its first Web site dedicated to the company's largest brand -- Hormel. This morning, the Austin-based company ...
    Hormel Website Offers Interactive Experience KAALtv.com
    Hormel launches Web site with cooking tips Post-Bulletin
    all 5 news articles


    Nation's turkey producers not so thankful this year
    LubbockOnline.com, TX - 12 hours ago
    Butterball, the market leader, will again be running its telephone hot line and is now offering cooking tips via text message as well. ...


    Examiner.com

    Buying your Thanksgiving turkey
    Examiner.com - Nov 17, 2008
    ... is a little different from the turkey you may be used to. Be sure to check out these tips in preparation: http://www.cavenyfarm.com/CookingTips.php.


    Parade Magazine

    a Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving
    Parade Magazine - 23 hours ago
    To view video highlights from these makeovers and to download B.'s diabetes-friendly recipes and cooking tips, visit www.JourneyForControl.com . ...


    Local Author Amelia Painter to be Featured at Book Fair
    Emailwire - Nov 19, 2008
    Also found in the cookbook are easy to follow recipe notes with helpful cooking tips, fun stories, comments for using the recipe, and cooking tips from the ...


    Helpful Hands make donations
    Reporter-Times, IN - Nov 21, 2008
    Juanita Wesseler gave a lesson on no calorie sweetners and baking and cooking tips on using them in recipes. A “Sweet Cheat Sheet” was given to each club ...


    First off, make a game plan.
    Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, PA - Nov 18, 2008
    KraftFoods.com: The food company's Web site offers recipes, cooking tips and a holiday entertaining guide. • LandoLakes.com: Land O'Lakes offers tips, ...


    Stuffing or Dressing? By Either Name, 48% of Survey Respondents ...
    MarketWatch - Nov 20, 2008
    ... for cooks of all skill levels seeking trusted recipes, entertaining ideas, everyday and holiday meal solutions, practical cooking tips and food advice. ...

    Cooking-Tips - Google News

    home | site map
    © 2008