Ultratex in the Kitchen: How to Use Ultratex 3 and Ultratex 4 to Thicken Without Cooking
When it comes to thickening sauces, creams or desserts, we are used to thinking of ingredients such as flour or cornstarch, which require cooking to activate and give consistency. However, there is a modern and much more versatile alternative:Ultratex. This is a modified starch that makes it possible to thicken liquids cold, without having to heat them. Today we delve into how to use Ultratex 3 and Ultratex 4, two versions of this amazing thickener.
What is Ultratex?
Ultratex is a modified starch derived mainly from tapioca or corn, whose thickening power is particularly effective at low temperatures. This means you can create sauces, creams and desserts without the need for cooking, best preserving the fresh and delicate flavors of the ingredients.
The two types of Ultratex most commonly used in cooking are:
- Ultratex 3: It has good thickening power and is ideal for sauces and creams that require a softer consistency.
- Ultratex 4: More powerful and versatile, it imparts a firmer, smoother texture, perfect for preparations that require a stable structure, such as gels and mousses.
Using Ultratex is simple: just add it to liquid ingredients and mix well to achieve the thickening effect. There is no need to heat the mixture, which makes it ideal for recipes that need to maintain fresh, natural flavors. It is perfect for:
- Sauces: Add thickness to fruit or vegetable sauces or even salad dressings.
- Creams: Prepare dessert creams, cake fillings or custards without baking.
- Cold desserts: Thicken fruit coulis, ice cream or sorbets for the perfect texture.
Dosage varies depending on the desired consistency, but usually 3 to 10 grams of Ultratex per 100 g of liquid is enough.
Recipes with Ultratex
To show how Ultratex can be used in the kitchen, here are some practical ideas.
1.Berries Coulis
A thick, rich berry sauce, perfect for decorating ice cream or panna cotta.
Ingredients:
- 150 g berries
- 30 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 5 g Ultratex 3
Blend berries with sugar and lemon, then add Ultratex and stir. You'll get a glossy, thick sauce in a few minutes.
2.Roasted Peppers Sauce
A savory, creamy sauce ideal for accompanying meat or fish dishes.
Ingredients:
- 2 roasted and peeled red peppers
- 1 clove of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 5 g of Ultratex 4
Blend peppers with garlic and oil, add Ultratex and blend until you reach the desired consistency.
Advantages of Ultratex
The use of Ultratex brings with it many advantages for those who like to cook creatively:
1. Preserves fresh flavors: Because it requires no cooking, Ultratex keeps the flavors of fresh ingredients such as fruits or vegetables intact.
2. Easy to use: It requires no advanced techniques or special equipment. Just add and stir.
3. Versatility: Works well in both sweet and savory preparations, from appetizer to dessert.
4. Perfect texture: Allows you to create velvety, stable textures without altering the final appearance or flavor of your preparations.
Ultratex 3 andUltratex 4 are an innovative solution for thickening and giving texture to preparations without the use of heat. Whether you are a professional chef or a culinary enthusiast, trying this ingredient can open up a world of culinary possibilities. From fruit coulis to creamy fillings, Ultratex will help you make high-quality dishes with minimal effort.
If you've never used Ultratex, now is the perfect time to try it! Discover its versatility and make your recipes even more interesting and tasty.
Other Available Recipes:
1. Mango Sauce for Dessert.
Ingredients:
- 200 g of mango puree
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 30 g of sugar
- 5 g of Ultratex 3 (o Ultratex 4)
- Pinch of salt
Preparation:
- Mix the mango puree, lime juice, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
- Gradually add the Ultratex and stir with a whisk until the sauce is thick and velvety.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator to garnish desserts such as ice cream, cakes or fresh fruit.
2. Vegetable Cream for Cakes
Ingredients:
- 200 ml almond milk or vegetable milk
- 50 g of sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 10 g of Ultratex 4
- 1 pinch of turmeric for color (optional)
Preparation:
- In a bowl, mix the almond milk with the sugar and vanilla.
- Add the Ultratex and mix with a whisk until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- Add a pinch of turmeric for a touch of color (optional).
- Use the cream to fill cakes or as a base for desserts without baking.
3. Thickened Soy Sauce for Sushi
Ingredients:
- 100 ml of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 5 g of Ultratex 4
Preparation:
- Combine the soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar in a bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the Ultratex and stir until a thicker sauce is obtained.
- Use the sauce as an accompaniment for sushi or sashimi.