Lump it in with “blush” and “pajamas with feet” as things we should be unashamedly grateful for. Cornstarch is a miracle worker for the desperate home cook. It’s not fancy, but it’s incredibly loyal when you need a quick fix.
Why does it work so fast? It’s all about starch gelatinization. Basically, those tiny granules of cornstarch soak up liquid, swell up, and burst. This creates a loose, web-like structure that traps water, instantly turning your thin sauce into a glossy, thick blanket of goodness. Science for the win, right?
