While rice flour is a popular ingredient in gluten-free recipes, it can be challenging (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. When combined with other gluten-free flour, cornstarch is an excellent rice flour substitute.
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.
Cornstarch will help thicken sauces and gravies, just like rice flour. You can also add cornstarch to dry ingredients for baking cakes, cookies, or quick loaves of bread.
2. Arrowroot Powder
Arrowroot powder is a starch 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 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, fiber-rich, and mildly flavorful. It can be used in many recipes for rice flour, such as cakes, cookies, and loaves of bread.
Additionally, when substituting coconut flour for rice flour, you must 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. Potato flour, which is readily available in most supermarkets, can also be used.
6. White Beans or Chickpeas
If you’re seeking 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.
You may also need to add a bit more liquid to your recipe. But other than that, the substitution should be seamless.
7. 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.
However, you may need to add a little extra liquid to the recipe. Other substitutes for rice flour are still available.
8. 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 miming rice flour’s flavor, try almond flour. The trial will surely convince you.
9. 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. 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.
10. Sorghum Flour
Sorghum flour is an excellent substitute for rice flour. It’s made from grass native to Africa and has a slightly sweet flavor. It’s also high in fiber and protein, making 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.
11. 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 if you use 75% buckwheat instead of 100% of your dry ingredients with this type of flour: Mix 75% buckwheat with 25% other grain, like oatmeal or cornmeal.
12. 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 healthier.
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.
