What Is Rice Flour?
Rice flour is made by finely grinding hulled rice grains; white rice flour is the most common type, and brown rice flour made from whole-grain rice is also available. It has a mildly sweet, neutral flavor.
Compared with wheat flour, it has a finer, sand-like texture. It is naturally gluten-free, making it a staple ingredient in gluten-free cooking.
Rice Flour Nutrition Facts
Per 100 g, rice flour contains about 366 kcal, 6 g of protein, and 80.1 g of carbohydrate; it has 2.4 g of fiber. Rice flour is naturally gluten-free.
What Are the Benefits of Rice Flour?
Because it contains no gluten, rice flour can be an alternative to wheat flour for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity as part of a balanced diet. Its neutral flavor makes it easy to use in many sweet and savory recipes.
This is general information; rice flour is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. When a gluten-free diet is required, check the certification on the package.
How to Choose Rice Flour
When buying rice flour, check how finely it is milled and make sure the package has not been exposed to moisture.
- Choose a fine, smooth-textured flour; coarsely milled flour can create unwanted crispness in some recipes.
- It should be smooth white, or light brown for the brown-rice variety.
- Products certified as “gluten-free” provide additional assurance against cross-contact.
How to Store Rice Flour
Rice flour can be stored for 6–12 months in a sealed container in a cool, dry place; moisture can cause its starch to clump and spoil.
Using Rice Flour in the Kitchen
Rice flour is used in gluten-free bread and cake mixes, coatings, East Asian foods such as mochi and rice paper, and some soups and sauces as a thickener.
How to Make a Gluten-Free Flour Blend
Rice flour is usually combined with ingredients such as cornstarch, potato starch, and xanthan gum to make a gluten-free flour blend; the blend partially imitates the elasticity of wheat flour.
Recipes That Use Rice Flour
Rice flour is used in gluten-free cakes and cookies, mochi, rice paper, tempura batter, and some soups as a thickener. Sweet rice flour is especially popular in Asian desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rice flour gluten-free?
Yes. Rice flour naturally contains no gluten. It can be a safe option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but choose a certified product to avoid cross-contact.
Can rice flour be substituted for wheat flour one for one?
A direct one-for-one substitution generally does not work well because rice flour contains no gluten and the dough may not bind properly; specially formulated blends are recommended for gluten-free recipes.
What is the difference between white rice flour and brown rice flour?
White rice flour is made from hulled grains and has a finer, more neutral flavor; brown rice flour is made from whole-grain rice, contains more fiber, and has a slightly nutty flavor.
Why is rice flour used in tempura batter?
Because rice flour contains no gluten, it helps the batter stay crisp and light; this is why it is often used in fried batters such as tempura.
Can rice flour be used in baby food?
Because of its neutral flavor and gluten-free nature, rice flour is often used during the transition to solid foods; consult a pediatrician about the amount and the age to begin.