勾芡

gōuqiàn

verb

Meanings

1 to thicken with cornstarch slurry
2 to add a starch thickener to a sauce

Characters

starch thickener

Examples

HSK 7-9

出锅前勾芡，汤汁会更浓。

Chūguō qián gōuqiàn, tāngzhī huì gèng nóng.

Thicken with cornstarch before plating and the sauce will be richer.

HSK 7-9

勾芡的时候要一边搅一边倒。

Gōuqiàn de shíhou yào yìbiān jiǎo yìbiān dào.

When thickening, stir while pouring the slurry in.

Tips

usage

芡 refers to the starch slurry itself, usually 水淀粉 (cornstarch mixed with cold water). 勾 means to draw/hook in. Skipping this step leaves Chinese braises watery.

Stroke Order

勾 gōu

芡 qiàn