Substitutes for Glutinous Rice Flour

Substitutes for Glutinous Rice Flour

There are many substitutes for glutinous rice flour, depending on your need. Regardless of your chosen ingredient, you can constantly adjust the amount you use based on the recipe. Start with a little less than what the recipe calls, and add more as needed.

With so many substitutes available, there’s no need to let gluten or any other dietary restriction keep you from enjoying your favorite foods. With some creativity and experimentation, you can find the perfect substitute for glutinous rice flour that works for you and your family.

What is Glutinous Rice Flour?

Glutinous rice flour (sticky rice flour) is a type of flour made from glutinous rice. It is also known as sticky rice flour or waxy rice flour. This flour is commonly used in Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisine to make foods such as dumplings, noodles, and sweets.

It is made from ground glutinous rice. Glutinous rice (sweet rice) is a type of sticky rice and has a high amount of amylopectin, which is a type of starch. This flour is different from regular rice flour because it is made from sticky rice with higher starch content.

What Is Glutinous Rice Flour Used For?

Glutinous rice flour has been popularly used in Asian desserts and savory dishes. You can use it to make chewy and sticky sweets like mochi and dango and other tasty dishes like rice cakes and steamed buns. Glutinous rice flour, also known as sweet rice flour, sticky rice flour or waxy is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.

The Best Substitutes for Glutinous Rice Flour

Sorghum (Jowar) Flour

Sorghum (Jowar) flour has been an excellent option to use as an alternative for sweet rice flour for gluten-free baked goods, including cookies, cakes, and bread.

It is made from ground sorghum grains and is naturally gluten-free. It has a light, fluffy texture and a mild flavor that makes it versatile for use in various recipes.

Though jowar flour is less dense and doesn’t absorb liquid as well as sticky rice flour, you have to add more water to your recipes. Finally, it also tends to produce a softer end product, so it’s not ideal for use in recipes that require a crispy texture.

With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to create delicious sorghum flour-based recipes that the whole family will enjoy.

Almond Flour

Another great sweet rice flour substitute is almond flour because aside from being a gluten-free, it is also has a similar consistency. You can use it in making noodles, dumplings, and pancakes. It’s also a good source of protein and fiber.

The main difference is that it doesn’t have that sticky consistency from waxy rice flour, so it may not work well for recipes that require a lot of stickiness, such as mochi.

But still, if you’re looking for a healthy alternative to waxy rice flour, you can go for almond flour. Just be sure to keep an eye on your portion sizes and beware of the potential pitfalls.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour has been used as an alternative option too since it is readily available at most supermarkets and is usually less expensive than sticky rice flour. It’s also relatively easy to work with, so it’s a good choice for beginner bakers.

On the downside, all-purpose flour doesn’t have the same sticky texture as waxy rice flour, so it might not work as well in recipes that require that quality (such as certain Asian dishes). And because all-purpose flour is less refined than sweet rice flour, it can sometimes produce a slightly grainy final product.

Though it’s not perfect for the texture and flavor of dishes, still all-purpose flour is a decent substitute.

Coconut Flour

There are many reasons why coconut flour can be considered as the best substitute for sweet rice flour. For starters, it is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which can help regulate digestion and prevent constipation. Additionally, it is also rich in healthy fats and proteins and low in carbs and calories, making it an ideal choice for those on a weight loss or diabetic diet.

Some drawbacks of using coconut flour as a sweet rice flour substitute are that it can be quite drying, and it can cause baked goods to be dense and heavy. As a result, it is essential to use smaller amounts of coconut flour when baking.

With these tips in mind, you can enjoy all of the benefits of coconut flour without any drawbacks. Try it in your following baking recipe and see for yourself!

Tapioca Flour

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option to make your favorite Asian dishes, you must try tapioca flour. Both have a similar starchy texture, making them perfect for binding and thickening. And while tapioca flour doesn’t have the same sticky quality as sticky rice flour, it’s still a delicious and versatile ingredient.

You’ll just need to use less of tapioca flour since it doesn’t have the same binding quality and might be slightly crumbly. And finally, because it is sweeter than waxy rice flour, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in your recipe.

Nonetheless, you’ll still be able to create delicious and gluten-free Asian dishes that everyone will look for. Give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for something new and exciting.

Millet Flour

Millet flour is not a surprise substitute for sweet rice flour. Why? First, millet flour is gluten-free, rich in fiber, and a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron and magnesium.

However, millet flour is tricky to work with, as it tends to be dense and sticky and have a slightly bitter taste, so it’s essential to adjust your recipe accordingly.

When substituting millet flour for sticky rice flour, use a 1:1 ratio. Also, to help offset the density of millet flour, add an extra egg or two to your recipe. And if you’re using millet flour to make noodles or dumplings, cook them thoroughly to avoid a sticky, gummy texture.

Oat Flour

Oat flour is another perfect option if you’re looking for a sticky rice flour substitute. It has a similar texture and taste and can be used in many of the same dishes. It is also much easier to find and less expensive than sweet rice flour. 

If you decide to use oat flour instead of waxy rice flour, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, sift the oat flour before using it. This will help prevent lumps from forming. Add water to the recipe to account for absorbency. Finally, cook the dish a little longer than you would use sticky rice flour. 

This will help ensure that the final product has the same sticky texture.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a popular substitute for sweet rice flour too. It is inexpensive and readily available in most supermarkets. Cornstarch has a neutral taste and provides a similar texture to sticky rice flour.

However, cornstarch doesn’t have the sticky texture as waxy rice flour and does not absorb flavors as well. It is also not as gluten-free as sweet rice flour.

When substituting cornstarch for sweet rice flour, you need to use twice as much cornstarch as you would waxy rice flour. You have to add more water to the recipe to compensate for the lack of stickiness.

Arrowroot Flour

Arrowroot flour is another best alternatives to sticky rice flour. It is gluten-free, making it a good choice for celiac disease and gluten intolerance.

Though arrowroot flour doesn’t have the same consistency as sweet rice flour, it absorbs more liquid, so use less liquid when cooking. Finally, arrowroot flour can have a slightly bitter taste, so it’s best to use it in recipes with other intense flavors, such as curry or chili.

When substituting arrowroot flour for waxy rice flour, starting with a 1:1 ratio is best. If the dough is too dry, add more liquid until it reaches the desired consistency. 

Potato Starch

Potato starch is often used as a gluten-free alternative, and it can be a good substitute for sweet rice flour in many recipes. However, there are some things to keep in mind when using potato starch instead of waxy rice flour.

For one, potato starch doesn’t have the same sticky quality and sweet taste as sticky rice flour, so it may not be ideal for desserts or other sweet dishes.

When substituting potato starch for sweet rice flour, it’s essential to use a 1:1 ratio and add more liquid to your recipe to compensate for the lack of stickiness and may have a lighter color than what you’re used to.

Despite these potential drawbacks, potato starch can be a good substitute for sticky rice flour in many recipes. Keep these tips in mind to ensure that your dish turns out the way you want it to.