How Much Cornstarch Should You Use to Thicken Soup? Expert Tips

Learn the perfect cornstarch to soup ratio for thickening. Use 1 tbsp cornstarch per cup liquid for smooth, ideal soup consistency.

Published

Video transcript

To thicken soup, start with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water for every cup of liquid in the soup. Stir the mixture until smooth and then gradually add it to the simmering soup, stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the soup reaches the desired thickness. You can add more cornstarch slurry if needed, but do it incrementally to avoid over-thickening.

Questions and answers

  1. Can I use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken soup?

    Yes, cornstarch is a common gluten-free thickening agent that works well to thicken soups when mixed properly with cold water.

  2. How do I prevent lumps when thickening soup with cornstarch?

    Create a smooth slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water before slowly adding it to the hot soup while stirring constantly.

  3. How long does it take for cornstarch to thicken soup?

    Typically, cornstarch thickens soup within a few minutes of simmering after the slurry is added and stirred in.