While rice flour is a popular ingredient in gluten-free recipes, it can be challenging to find (it’s not found in most grocery stores).
And sometimes expensive to purchase online. Fortunately, there are several affordable substitutes for rice flour! Any gluten-free starches can help you prepare delicious dishes from tapioca flour to potato starch.
However, they’re all more straightforward to find than rice flour! This list of substitutes for rice flour will help you make your favorite gluten-free recipes at home, even if you live in an area where specialty items are harder to come by.
1. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a common ingredient in many gluten-free recipes. It can help give baked goods the same light and fluffy texture as wheat flour. Cornstarch is an excellent rice flour substitute when combined with other gluten-free flour.
Plus, it’s cheaper than most gluten-free flours on the market. Here are some tips for using cornstarch as a substitute for rice flour. Combine equal parts cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
This will help thicken sauces and gravies, just like rice flour would. Add cornstarch to dry ingredients for baking cakes, cookies, or quick loaves of bread.
2. Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is a starch that comes from the root of the Maranta arundinacea plant, also known as the arrowroot plant. It’s a popular ingredient in gluten-free and Paleo baking because it can be used as a replacement for wheat flour.
Nonetheless, arrow toot powder is also a good substitute for rice flour because it has a similar texture and absorbency. When substituting arrowroot powder for rice flour, use 1/4 cup arrowroot powder for every 1 cup of rice flour called for in the recipe.
3. Tapioca Starch
Tapioca starch is an excellent substitute for rice flour because it has a similar texture and can be used in many ways. Plus, it’s gluten-free and has a neutral flavor so that it won’t alter the taste of your food.
If you’re looking for healthier substitutes for rice flour, quinoa flour is a good choice. Moreover, it’s high in protein and fiber and has a nutty flavor that goes well with savory dishes.
For sweet words, Tapioca flour is a good substitute. It’s lower in carbs than other flour types and has a rich, buttery flavor.
4. Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is an excellent substitute for rice flour because it is gluten-free, high in fiber, and has a mild flavor. It can be used in many recipes that call for rice flour, such as cakes, cookies, and loaves of bread.
Additionally, when substituting coconut flour for rice flour, you will need to use less coconut flour than rice flour because it is more absorbent.
You may need to add more liquid to your recipe. Experiment with different ratios until you find one that works for you.
5. Potatoes
Potatoes are great substitutes for rice flour because they’re gluten-free, have a similar texture, and can be used in various recipes. They’re a good source of fiber and vitamins C and B6.
However, to substitute potatoes for rice flour, boil or bake them until soft, then mash or puree them. You can also use potato flour, which is readily available in most supermarkets.
6. Sweet Potatoes
While sweet potatoes don’t have the same light and fluffy texture as rice flour, they are delicious and healthy substitutes for rice flour.
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for those looking to add more nutrient-rich foods to their diet.
Therefore, to use sweet potatoes as a substitute for rice flour, steam or bake them until soft and then mash or puree them.
You can also grate them into rice-sized pieces and use them in stir-fries or other dishes where you usually use rice.
7. White Beans or Chickpeas
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, white beans or chickpeas are your best bet. Grind them up in a food processor until they’re okay, and then use them as you would rice flour.
Also, you may need to add a bit more liquid to your recipe. But other than that, the substitution should be seamless.
8. Apple Sauce
Apple sauce is an excellent substitute for rice flour because it is high in fiber and has a similar texture. Plus, it is a natural sweetener so you can use less sugar in your recipe.
Notwithstanding, to substitute applesauce for rice flour, use 1 cup of applesauce for every 1 cup of rice flour called for in the recipe. For example, if your recipe calls for 3 cups of rice flour, replace it with 3 cups of apple sauce.
9. All-purpose Flour
All-purpose flour is a good substitute for rice flour because it is gluten-free and has a similar consistency. You can use all-purpose flour in most recipes that call for rice flour.
But, you may need to add a little extra liquid to the recipe. Other substitutes for rice flour still serve you anytime.
10. Almond Flour
Almond flour is an excellent substitute for rice flour because it is gluten-free, has a similar texture, and can be used in many recipes. A good substitute for rice flour is gluten-free and has a great texture.
If you’re looking for a healthy option, quinoa flour is a good choice because it is high in protein and fiber. For a lighter option, try almond flour.
Finally, if you need a gluten-free option that mimics the flavor of rice flour, try almond flour. The trial will surely convince you.
11. Oat Flour
If you’re looking for gluten-free flour, oat flour is an excellent substitute for rice flour. It’s made from finely ground oats and has a similar texture to rice flour.
You can use it in any recipe for rice flour, such as cakes, cookies, and loaves of bread. Just be sure to add extra liquid to your recipes since oat flour is more absorbent than rice flour. And it will be an incredible substitute for rice flour.
12. Sorghum Flour
Sorghum flour is an excellent option if you’re looking for substitutes for rice flour. It’s made from grass that’s native to Africa and has a slightly sweet flavor. It’s also high in fiber and protein, which makes it a nutrient-rich option.
However, when substituting sorghum flour for rice flour, use a 1:1 ratio. You may need to add more liquid to your recipe since sorghum flour is more absorbent than rice flour.
13. Buckwheat Flour
Buckwheat flour is an excellent substitute for rice flour because it is gluten-free and has a similar nutrient profile. Plus, it has a nutty flavor that can enhance the flavor of your dish. However, buckwheat flour does not bind as well as rice flour.
In addition, you may need to use more to get the desired consistency as an alternative to using 100% of your dry ingredients with this type of flour: Mix 75% buckwheat and 25% other grain like oatmeal or cornmeal.
14. Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour is an outstanding substitute for rice flour because it has a similar flavor and texture. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthier option.
So, chickpea flour is also a good choice if you’re looking for a gluten-free option. Another plus is that it’s easy to find at most grocery stores.
15. Cake Flour
When it comes to baking, cake flour is often seen as the best all-purpose flour. However, it can also be an excellent substitute for rice flour. Here are some tips on how to use cake flour as a substitute for rice flour in your baking recipes:
When substituting cake flour for rice flour, use 1/2 cup of cake flour for every 1 cup of rice flour called for in the recipe. Because cake flour is made from wheat, it contains gluten.
Nevertheless, if you are looking for a gluten-free option, try using tapioca or potato starch instead. When using cake flour as substitutes for rice flour. Your baked goods will likely be denser than if you had used rice flour.
16. Millet Flour
Millet flour is a gluten-free flour used as a 1:1 replacement for rice flour in most recipes. It has a light, nutty flavor and a slightly grainy texture.
Conclusion
There are a variety of substitutes for rice flour that can be used in recipes. These include all-purpose tapioca, potato, and bean flour. Each of these substitutes has unique properties that make it ideal for specific recipes.
On the other hand, experiment with different substitutes to find the one that works best for your needs. For example, select from the substitutes mentioned above if you want something to work well as a substitute for rice flour.
