Cornstarch Spreading Method

egret

I've been trying different techniques to spread the cornstarch more evenly on chicken pieces. The best method I've found to date is by using a very fine strainer and tapping it on side of strainer as you move it over the chicken pieces with a spoon. Here is the setup :
[p][p]Here is a closeup of the strainer showing the fine mesh :
[p][p]Here is the setup prior to beginning the spreading :
[p][p]And, finally the result of the spreading :
[p]

I didn't have a piece of chicken handy to use but you can see it spreads pretty evenly.[p]John

irishrog

egret,
I put the corn starch in a plastic bag, along with Salt & Pepper and any other dry seasonings I am using. Toss togethre and add the chicken pieces (or fish, or cubed beef for a casserole or whatever) twist the top of the bag and shake well.
Open the top of your bag and shake off any excess corn starch mixture from your meat inside the bag. When all the meat is removed throw away the bag and your clean up is finished. No spoons, sieves or anything else to wash.
Roger

tach18k

egret, the other day I did this as a trial and I used corn meal instead. quit good.

RRP

<p />egret,
This shaker works for me and after I'm done I just stretch a piece of Saran Wrap over the container and snap the lid back down - that way no transfer back to the box nor waste either.

egret

irishrog,
That's an effectibe way to coat with a dry mixture, but the method that has been discussed is to apply the CS as the last step.

egret

tach18k,
That does sound good......

egret

RRP,
I tried a shaker (actually it was a DP rub jar that had been long empty) and wasn;t too happy with it. The CS is so fine that I had a lot of 'clumping' and voids.

RRP

egret,
I assume you used the smaller holes so those are 7/64" while the holes in mine are about half that size at 1/16" or in other words 4/64".

egret

RRP,
I don't know what size the holes are, but it is one of the older jars with holes on both sides rather than the new configuration with a scoop and holes. I don't know, Ron, this CS just doesn't flow freely enough to 'shake' on. At least mine sure doesn't.....

RRP

<p />John, since it so happened that I was egging chicken parts tonight I decided based on your recommendation to re-think my shaker that I have been steadfastly recommending as it worked for me. My shaker had worked OK and not knowing the difference I assumed the results were satisfactory, albeit I now know heavier than needed. I figured I had nothing to lose and started looking through the kitchen drawers for a fine mesh strainer like you suggested. All I found was this tea strainer. As you can see for size reference by the quarter next to it, it is small. The handle has a spring which keeps it closed tightly and being in a ball shape there is no chance of dumping the corn starch nor the need to tap it - just an easy wave and shake produced a terrific fine dusting. The other advantage is a personal one in that I have some arthritis in my hands and using this "baby rattle" type thing makes quick work but also pain free effort. Thanks John for your post!

egret

RRP,
That's tremendous, Ron. You know, it's like the standard technique of 'sifting' powdered sugar over a pound or bundt cake.....

Trouble

I saw egret's post yesterday and thought "I wonder if I still have a teaball." That's what I call that tea strainer, anyway, a teaball. Looks like it's just the right thing! Now, where did I put that?