Rice flour is a versatile and naturally gluten free flour made from finely milled rice. It’s an essential ingredient in many Asian cuisines and a valuable alternative for those seeking gluten free options in baking, thickening, and frying.
But what exactly is rice flour, and how can you make the most of it? This guide covers all aspects, from what is rice flour to how to make rice flour, along with its many ways you can use it in the kitchen!
➡️ Shop Chico Rice’s Brown Milled Rice Flour! ⬅️
What is Rice Flour?
Rice flour is a fine, powdery flour made from ground rice. It comes in two main types: white rice flour and brown rice flour, each with unique qualities.
White rice flour is mild and neutral, while brown rice flour, made from whole grain rice, has a nuttier flavor and offers additional nutrients and fiber.
With its light texture and adaptability, rice flour is ideal for a range of rice flour recipes, making it a staple for gluten free diets and an excellent alternative for those sensitive to wheat flour.
Benefits of Rice Flour
Rice flour is an exceptionally versatile ingredient with multiple benefits, making it an excellent addition to any pantry.
Rice flour is naturally gluten free and can be a wheat flour substitute in some recipes. This is benefit is especially important for those who are gluten-sensitive, celiac, or simply prefer gluten-free cooking.
Among rice flours, brown rice flour stands out for its added nutritional profile. Chico Rice’s Brown Milled Rice Flour, for example, is made from whole-grain rice and is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. These nutrients help support digestive health, aid in regulating blood sugar levels, and offer a nutritious, balanced alternative to traditional flours.
Rice flour is also valued for its versatility in the kitchen. In gluten free baking, rice flour can give a delicious, but slightly dense texture to breads, cakes, and cookies. It can also serve as a thickening agent for sauces and gravies, and a coating for frying foods like chicken, fish, and vegetables.
How to Make Rice Flour?
Making rice flour involves several careful steps to achieve the fine, powdery texture used in baking and cooking. Commercially, rice flour is made using specialized milling equipment designed to produce a consistent and smooth flour from both white and brown rice.
The process on how to make rice flour begins with selecting high-quality rice, such as Chico Rice’s Brown Milled California Japonica Rice, which provides a rich, nutty flavor profile and added nutrients.
Once selected, the rice is ground down into an ultra-fine consistency. The ground rice is then sifted to remove any remaining larger particles, leaving only the finest rice flour. The result is a smooth, uniform flour.
At Chico Rice we take the extra step to ensure freshness by ground to order, providing customers with a product that is freshly ground and packed with flavor. This careful production process preserves both the taste and nutrient content of the rice, delivering a superior product.
Chico Rice Brown Milled Rice Flour: A Fresh Option
For those looking for fresh milled brown rice flour, Chico Rice offers a premium option with its Brown Milled Rice Flour. Ground to order from California-grown Japonica rice, Chico Rice flour is crafted for maximum freshness and flavor.
Here’s what sets Chico Rice’s Brown Milled Rice Flour apart:
Small-Batch Freshness: Chico Rice grinds each bag only after an order is placed, ensuring customers receive the freshest flour possible.
Nutrient-Rich: Made from whole-grain brown rice, it offers added fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Sustainably Farmed: Committed to stewardship of the land, Chico Rice uses sustainable farming practices, such as avoiding field burning post-harvest and creating wildlife habitats when they flood their fields.
Popular Rice Flour Recipes
One of the exciting aspects of rice flour is all the different ways you can use it. Below are some popular rice flour recipes that showcase its adaptability across different cuisines and cooking methods:
Gluten Free Rice Flour Banana Bread
Looking for a gluten-free treat that’s both delicious and healthy? This Rice Flour Banana Bread is an ideal option!
Made with our premium Chico Rice Brown Rice Flour, it brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the earthy, slightly nutty flavor of brown rice flour for a loaf that’s perfectly moist and flavorful.
Whether you're gluten sensitive or just seeking a healthier twist on classic banana bread, this recipe delivers on taste, texture, and nutritional benefits. With its wholesome ingredients, this banana bread is bound to become a favorite in any kitchen!
Gluten Free Rice Flour Bread
Unlike some gluten free options that sacrifice taste and texture, this recipe brings a fluffy, soft bread with a mildly nutty flavor from brown rice flour.
Using binding agents like psyllium husk powder and xanthan gum ensures the bread holds together seamlessly, providing a texture similar to traditional wheat bread.
Gluten Free Brown Rice Flour Pancakes
These pancakes are light, fluffy, and packed with the nutty flavor of whole grain brown rice. Ideal for those looking for a gluten free alternative or anyone wanting to enjoy a nutritious spin on a breakfast classic, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying start to your day.
Plus, with the added fiber and nutrients in brown rice flour, these pancakes aren’t just tasty—they’re a nourishing choice that supports digestive health and helps keep you full longer.
How to Use Rice Flour in Your Cooking
Whether you’re following a gluten free diet or experimenting with new flours, there are countless ways to use rice flour.
Here’s a breakdown of tips for incorporating rice flour into your cooking:
In Combination with Other Flours: For some gluten free baking recipes you can mix rice flour with almond, coconut, or tapioca flour for the added texture and flavor.
Rice Flour as a Roux Alternative: For gluten free sauces, use rice flour in place of wheat flour to create a roux that’s thick, creamy, and just as delicious.
Substitute in Breading: Add rice flour to breading mixtures for a light, crispy coating on fried foods like tempura or fried chicken.
How to Store Rice Flour
Proper storage is essential for preserving the freshness of rice flour.
Here are some to make your rice flour last longer:
Use Airtight Containers: Keep rice flour in airtight containers to prevent moisture and bugs from affecting its quality.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Rice flour should be stored away from direct sunlight, ideally in a cool, dark pantry.
Refrigerate for Longer Shelf Life: For the freshest flour, consider refrigerating or even freezing it, especially if you’ve made rice flour at home.
Embrace the Versatility of Rice Flour
Rice flour brings an incredible range of possibilities to your kitchen, making it easy to explore gluten-free cooking without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Whether you’re baking, thickening sauces, or creating crispy coatings, rice flour offers a nutritious and adaptable alternative to traditional wheat flour.
Chico Rice’s commitment to fresh, sustainably farmed brown rice flour means you can enjoy a product that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Embrace the versatility of rice flour and discover new ways to elevate your recipes with this simple, wholesome ingredient!
