Why did sauce turn out this way?

Reduction thickens by removing water. A starch slurry thickens only after its granules absorb water and swell with heat, so a sauce may remain thin if it never returns to a simmer.

What should I do if sauce is still not fixed?

Repeat with half as much slurry and simmer again; small additions prevent a gummy result. For a pan sauce, whisk in 1 tablespoon cold butter off heat to add body and gloss without starch.

How can I prevent this problem next time?

Mix starch with cold liquid before adding it so it disperses without lumps. Judge consistency after the sauce simmers, and remember it will thicken slightly as it cools.

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sauces 6 min fix Soggy

Sauce Not Thickening

A sauce stays thin when it has not reduced enough, its starch has not reached a simmer, or too little thickener was used. Reduce it or add a measured slurry.

sauce not thickening · runny sauce · watery sauce · gluten-free

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The fix

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1 simmer the sauce uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, to evaporate excess water
2 for each cup of sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon cold water and whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce
3 simmer for 1 minute after adding the slurry, then remove from heat and check the consistency before adding more

If it's still wrong

Repeat with half as much slurry and simmer again; small additions prevent a gummy result.
For a pan sauce, whisk in 1 tablespoon cold butter off heat to add body and gloss without starch.

Prevent next time

Mix starch with cold liquid before adding it so it disperses without lumps.
Judge consistency after the sauce simmers, and remember it will thicken slightly as it cools.

Notes

Reduce before adding more thickener

First check whether the recipe simply contains too much water. If the flavor is weak, reduce it. If the flavor is already concentrated enough, use a slurry instead. Never sprinkle dry cornstarch or flour directly into hot sauce because it will form lumps.