Are you looking for a gluten-free alternative to traditional roux?
Look no further than rice flour!
While some may argue that roux is outdated, it remains a staple in many classic dishes, from gravy to mac and cheese.
And with the flexibility of gluten-free roux, you can use whatever fat fits your diet, from butter to lard to liquid vegetable oil.
But can you really make a roux with rice flour?
The answer is yes!
In fact, sweet rice flour, ground from glutinous rice, makes a velvety gluten-free roux and nicely replaces wheat flour measure for measure.
Keep reading to learn more about making roux with rice flour and how to use it in your favorite recipes.
Can You Make A Roux With Rice Flour?
As mentioned above, sweet rice flour is the best option for making a roux with rice flour. It thickens well and doesn’t clump up as readily as regular wheat flour.
To prepare a roux with rice flour, heat the fat in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the fat is heated, add the sweet rice flour all at once and begin whisking the mixture with a balloon whisk.
Unlike traditional roux made with wheat flour, rice flour roux does not darken when cooked. The roux will remain pale, so keep your eye on the timer and cook the roux for five minutes. After five minutes of cooking, the sweet rice flour loses its raw flavor, which is the goal.
To make a sauce or gravy, whisk liquid (milk or stock) into the cooked roux in a slow and steady stream. Allow the roux to absorb the liquid as you add it to the saucepan and adjust the sauce’s consistency as desired.
What Is Roux And Why Use Rice Flour?
Roux is a classic thickener made from fat and flour. It is used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, and gravies. Roux is typically made with wheat flour, but for those with gluten intolerance or allergies, rice flour can be used as a substitute.
Sweet rice flour is the best option for making roux with rice flour. It is ground from glutinous rice and makes a velvety gluten-free roux that nicely replaces wheat flour measure for measure. Rice flour roux does not darken when cooked, unlike traditional roux made with wheat flour.
Using rice flour to make roux allows for more flexibility in the kitchen. It allows those with gluten intolerance or allergies to enjoy dishes that traditionally require roux as a thickener. Rice flour also has a delicate neutral taste, making it a great option for those who prefer a milder flavor in their dishes.
How To Make Roux With Rice Flour
If you want to make a gluten-free roux using rice flour, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, not all rice flours are created equal. Sweet rice flour is the best option for making roux as it thickens well and doesn’t clump up as readily as other rice flours.
To begin, melt the fat in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the fat is heated, add the sweet rice flour all at once and begin whisking the mixture with a balloon whisk. Cook the roux for five minutes while whisking constantly.
Unlike traditional roux made with wheat flour, rice flour roux does not darken when cooked. The roux will remain pale, so keep your eye on the timer and cook the roux for the full five minutes. After five minutes of cooking, the sweet rice flour loses its raw flavor, which is the goal.
To make a sauce or gravy, whisk liquid (milk or stock) into the cooked roux in a slow and steady stream. Allow the roux to absorb the liquid as you add it to the saucepan and adjust the sauce’s consistency as desired.
It is important to note that if you are using a gluten-free flour blend instead of sweet rice flour, be sure to choose a blend with fewer binders such as Pamela’s Gluten-Free Artisan Blend or King Arthur Gluten-Free All-Purpose blend.
Tips For Using Rice Flour Roux In Recipes
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using rice flour roux in recipes:
1. Use sweet rice flour: As mentioned earlier, sweet rice flour is the best option for making a roux with rice flour. It thickens well and has a velvety texture, which makes it perfect for sauces and gravies.
2. Adjust the amount of flour and fat: Since rice flour does not absorb liquid as well as wheat flour, you may need to adjust the amount of flour and fat used in your recipe. Use slightly less sweet rice flour than usual and more fat than the recipe calls for.
3. Cook the roux for at least 5 minutes: Unlike traditional roux made with wheat flour, rice flour roux does not darken when cooked. However, it is important to cook the roux for at least 5 minutes to get rid of the raw flavor of the sweet rice flour.
4. Use it as a thickener for sauces and gravies: Rice flour roux works just as effectively as regular flour-based roux to thicken sauces and gravies. Use it in small or large quantities depending on your recipe.
5. Keep it in the fridge: If you have leftover rice flour roux, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes it easy to use in future recipes without having to make a new batch every time.
By following these tips, you can successfully use rice flour roux in your recipes and enjoy delicious sauces and gravies without worrying about gluten intolerance or allergies.
Recipes To Try With Rice Flour Roux
Now that you know how to make a roux with rice flour, here are some recipes to try:
1. Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Use rice flour roux to make a creamy cheese sauce for gluten-free mac and cheese. Simply cook gluten-free pasta according to package instructions, then toss it with the cheese sauce.
2. Mushroom Gravy: Use rice flour roux as the base for a flavorful mushroom gravy. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they release their liquid, then add the roux and whisk in vegetable or chicken broth until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie: Use rice flour roux to thicken the filling of a gluten-free chicken pot pie. Sauté diced vegetables and cooked chicken in butter, then add the roux and whisk in chicken broth until thickened. Pour the filling into a gluten-free pie crust and bake until golden brown.
4. Creamy Rice Flour Soup: Use rice flour roux to thicken a creamy soup made with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Sauté the vegetables or proteins in butter, then add the roux and whisk in vegetable or chicken broth until the desired consistency is reached. Finish with heavy cream or coconut milk for added richness.
5. Gluten-Free Gravy: Use rice flour roux as the base for a classic gluten-free gravy. Sauté diced onions in butter until softened, then add the roux and whisk in vegetable or chicken broth until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or sage for added flavor.
With these recipes, you can enjoy the classic flavor and texture of roux without using wheat flour. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique dishes using rice flour roux.
Conclusion: Rice Flour Roux As A Gluten-Free Alternative
In conclusion, rice flour can be a great gluten-free alternative for making a roux. Sweet rice flour, in particular, is a good choice because it creates a velvety texture and doesn’t clump up as easily as other gluten-free flours. When making a rice flour roux, it’s important to use an equal amount of fat to sweet rice flour and cook it over medium-low heat for five minutes to eliminate the raw flavor.
While the color of the roux may not darken like traditional wheat flour roux, it still works well as a thickener for sauces and gravies. Experiment with different types of liquid to whisk into the cooked roux, such as milk or stock, and adjust the consistency to your liking. With a little practice and experimentation, you can create delicious and flavorful dishes using rice flour roux as a gluten-free alternative.
