Rice Flour Substitutes

Rice flour is a versatile and popular ingredient used in many recipes, especially in gluten-free and Asian cooking.

However, you may sometimes need a replacement for rice flour if you run out, want to avoid rice, or are looking for a different flavor. Fortunately, there are many great rice flour substitutes available.

Table of Contents

What is Rice Flour?

Rice flour is a finely milled powder made from either white or brown rice kernels with the hulls and bran layers removed. This results in a light, gluten-free flour that has a mild taste, fine texture, and easily dissolves into liquid.

There are several varieties of rice flour:

White rice flour - The most commonly used made from polished white rice. It has a neutral flavor, smooth and powdery texture perfect for baking.
Brown rice flour - Milled from partially precooked brown rice so some bran remains. It has a coarser texture and nuttier taste.
Sweet rice flour - Made from “sticky” short grain, glutinous rice. It has an elastic, gummy texture when cooked.
Rice starch - Pure starch derived from rice, primarily used as a thickener.

Rice flour lacks gluten, the elastic protein found in wheat, so it produces denser baked goods that don't rise as well. However, it is an excellent binder and adds a light crispiness to fried foods when used as a dredging flour. It also produces creamy, smooth sauces and gravies.

Reasons for Using a Rice Flour Substitute

There are several reasons why you may need or want to use a substitute for rice flour:

Allergies - Some people have rice allergies or sensitivities and require gluten-free non-rice flours.
Avoiding grains - Low-carb, keto, and paleo diet followers avoid all grains and need alternative nut or starch-based flours.
Lack rice flour - Don't have any rice flour on hand or can't find any in local stores.
Flavor change - Looking to add a different flavor like coconut or almond to a recipe.
Texture modification - Wanting a less dense or more chewy texture than rice flour provides.
Nutritional benefits - Seeking more protein, fiber, or nutrients by using flours like almond or chickpea.

Gluten-Free Rice Flour Substitutes

For those avoiding gluten, there are several grain and nut-based rice flour alternatives:

1. Almond Flour

Almond flour provides a delicious nutty flavor and coarser, dense texture. It contains healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Use an equal 1:1 ratio when replacing rice flour but reduce other fats in the recipe. Best for baking cookies, cakes, and pastries.

2. Coconut Flour

Coconut flour has a sweet coconut taste, dry crumbly texture, and is high in fiber. Reduce rice flour amount by half and increase liquids when substituting. Provides structure to baked goods.

3. Tapioca Flour/Starch

Tapioca is a neutral-flavored starch that provides chewiness and is great for binding. Use twice the amount of tapioca for the rice flour it replaces. Excellent thickener for pies or sauces.

4. Cassava Flour

Cassava is also neutral tasting and mimics the texture of rice flour well. Replace rice flour 1:1, combines well with other gluten-free flours. An easily accessible alternative.

5. Buckwheat Flour

Despite the name, buckwheat is gluten-free with an earthy, nutty taste. Substitute 1:1 for rice flour. Increases density and nutrition of baked goods.

6. Oat Flour

Mildly sweet oat flour adds great flavor and nutrition. It also improves the texture of baked goods. Use a 1:1 ratio to replace rice flour. Certify the oats were processed gluten-free.

7. Chickpea Flour

Chickpea flour has an earthy bean flavor and can be dense. Combine with other flours when substituting for rice and adjust liquids. Provides protein and fiber.

8. Potato Starch

Potato starch has a light taste, fine texture, and adds chewiness to recipes. Replace rice flour 1:1. Increases moisture needs which produces tender baked goods.

9. Cornstarch

A very neutral starchy powder that substitutes well for the thickness and binding properties of rice flour. Use half the rice flour amount. Excellent gluten-free thickener.

Non Gluten-Free Rice Substitutes

For those who can tolerate gluten, there are also several flour options:

1. All-Purpose Flour

This wheat flour has decent binding and thickening properties with a neutral flavor. Replace rice flour 1:1 in recipes. Provides better rising compared to rice.

2. Whole Wheat Flour

Nutty, earthy tasting whole wheat flour adds great texture and nutrition when substituted for rice flour. May increase density more than white flours.

3. Oat Flour

Mildly sweet oat flour that enhances the flavor and texture of baked goods made with rice flour. Use certified gluten-free oats or opt for regular oat flour.

4. Rye Flour

Rye flour has a distinct earthy rye flavor and adds hearty texture to recipes. Combine with lighter flours or starches when replacing rice flour. Provides fiber.

Key Differences Between Rice and Substitute Flours

Each flour differs in key ways that impact the outcome of recipes:

Protein content - More protein equals more structure but potential dryness without sufficient moisture.
Absorbency - How much liquid a flour soaks up affects the density and texture.
Flavor - Some flours like almond or buckwheat have a distinct taste.
Gluten content - Gluten provides elasticity for rising but must be avoided by some.
Nutrition - Alternative flours may provide more protein, healthy fats, or fiber.
Grittiness - Flours like almond or coconut can have a coarser, grainier texture.

Test ratios and adjust liquids and leaveners when using an unfamiliar rice flour substitute to achieve the ideal results. Consider the flavor, mouthfeel, and nutrition the alternative flour provides.

How to Substitute for Rice Flour in Recipes

Substituting alternative flours in recipes using rice flour requires a few adjustments:

Start by replacing rice flour with your desired alternative in a 1:1 ratio by volume.
For flours like coconut or almond, you may need to reduce the amount to avoid dryness or density.
Increase liquid to compensate for the absorbency differences compared to rice flour. Add eggs or binding agents if needed.
Adjust baking times and temperatures to account for differences in moisture, protein levels, and behavior when heated.
For starch thickeners like cornstarch or potato starch, reduce amounts and make slurries to prevent clumping.
When using distinct flavored flours like buckwheat or rye, consider how it will impact the overall taste.
For best results, try substituting flours in recipes specifically developed for that ingredient if possible.
Experiment and take notes! Finding the perfect rice flour substitute may require testing and tweaking.

The Best Rice Flour Substitutes for Different Uses

The choice of the ideal rice flour substitute depends on the specific purpose:

For Frying:

Cornstarch - Crispy and ultra light
Potato starch - Imparts crispness with a neutral flavor
Almond flour - Nutty flavor but burns easily
Oat flour - Adds light crispness and flavor

For Baking:

Almond flour - Provides moisture and richness but denser texture
Coconut flour - Imparts fluffiness but requires more liquid
Buckwheat flour - Adds nuttiness and benefits but increases density
All-purpose flour - More rise than rice flour but contains gluten

As Thickeners:

Cornstarch - Excellent thickener for gravies and sauces
Tapioca starch - Adds sheen and thickness with neutral taste
Arrowroot - Clear thickener good for fruit fillings or puddings
Potato starch - Thickens and provides sheen with bland flavor

In Asian Cooking:

Tapioca starch - Provides desired chew and gloss in noodles or dumplings
Sweet rice flour - For authentic chewy mochi or rice cakes
Cornstarch - Makes excellent crispy Asian fritters and batters
Chickpea flour - Adds protein and nutrition to dishes

Tips for Cooking and Baking With Rice Flour Substitutes

Combine flours like buckwheat and tapioca to balance flavor, texture, and moisture absorption.
Add gums like xanthan or guar to mimic the binding properties lost when omitting rice flour.
Adjust liquids, leaveners, and cooking times to account for absorbency and behavior differences of alternative flours.
Start by substituting 1:1 by volume then tweak amounts based on the results. Take notes for next time.
Purchase premade gluten-free flour blends formulated with rice alternatives for easy baking.
Try recipes specifically created using your desired substitute flour for guaranteed success.
Balance stronger flavored flours like almond or coconut with more neutral starches or alternative grain flours.
Experiment with combining different percentages of substitute flours to create your own perfect blend.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of rice flour?

Yes, all-purpose flour can substitute 1:1 for rice flour. The texture will be less dense and have more rise. But it contains gluten, so is not suitable for gluten-free diets.

What's the best rice flour substitute for frying?

Cornstarch and potato starch make the crispiest and lightest coatings for frying. They produce a delicate crunch without heavy flavor.

Is tapioca starch the same as tapioca flour?

Tapioca starch and tapioca flour come from the cassava root but differ in processing. Tapioca starch is more pure and powdery making it better as a thickener. Tapioca flour is more granular and better for baking.

Can I use almond flour instead of rice flour in recipes?

Yes, almond flour can substitute for rice flour. Use equal amounts but reduce other fats in the recipe. The texture will be denser and have a nutty flavor.

What is the most nutritious rice flour substitute?

Flours like almond, chickpea, buckwheat, and oat provide more protein, healthy fats, and fiber than rice flour. Coconut flour is also high in fiber.

Conclusion

Rice flour is used for its mildly sweet flavor, fine powdery texture, and gluten-free properties. However, there are many great rice flour substitutes to use when you want to avoid rice, need added nutrition, or seek a different texture and taste.

Flours like almond, coconut, and tapioca along with starches such as potato and cornstarch make excellent alternatives. Just remember to adjust liquid ratios, leaveners, and cook times to account for differences when substituting.