Definition: Made from the starch of the cassava root, tapioca comes in several forms, including granules and flour, as well as the pellets that are called Pearl Tapioca. In Chinese cooking, tapioca starch is often used to thicken sauces, seal in marinade ingredients, and is a key ingredient in deep-fry batters and dumpling dough. With the exception of dumpling dough, in most cases cornstarch can be used as a substitute. (Tapioca starch can also be used as a substitute for cornstarch). Store tapioca in a cool dark place.
Examples:
Recipe using tapioca starch:Hot and Sour Soup
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