Michael wrote:
> When I use corn starch as a thickener in chinese dishes with sauces,
> (regardless of how much I use), it just doesn't taste the same to me as what
> you find in many chinese restaurants.
>
> Especially sweet and sour dishes or general chicken.
>
> It seems they use something that gives a clearer, much thicker and more
> "neutral" taste. To me corn starch is more like a "gravy".
>
> Are they just cooking down the sugar to near carmalization or using corn
> syrup maybe? Or?
>
> Thanks.
>
>

Sounds like you may not be getting the temperature high enough/long
enough after adding the corn starch. We use corn starch all of the time
and get that same "shiny" smooth look you see in the restaurant version.