Tips

Differentiating Rice and Glutinous Rice Flour

Rice flour and glutinous rice flour are two distinct types of flour that are commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. At a glance, they might appear similar, but there are key differences that set them apart. Let's delve into these differences and explore how they can impact your cooking and baking endeavors. These two flours have their own unique characteristics, and understanding these nuances will help you utilize them effectively in your culinary creations.

Administrator

21 July, 2024

To create a delicious and visually appealing cake, in addition to careful and meticulous hands, bakers also need to know how to differentiate between different types of flour. If you accidentally choose the wrong type of flour, the final product will not only lose its distinctive flavor, but it will also look unappetizing and unattractive.

There are two common types of flour used in baking recipes: rice flour and sticky rice flour. Both types of flour have similar appearances, so it can be challenging to distinguish between them. Understanding the concerns of home cooks, today I will share some tips on how to identify these two types of flour.

1Differences Between Sticky Rice Flour and Rice Flour

Ingredients

Sticky rice is the main ingredient used to produce sticky rice flour. Sticky rice, also known as waxy rice, is commonly used to make dishes such as sticky rice cakes, sweet soups, and traditional square cakes (“bánh chưng” in Vietnamese).

In contrast, rice flour, also known as rice starch, is made from regular rice grains, the type typically used for daily cooked rice.

Characteristics of Each Type

Sticky rice contains amylopectin, a compound that makes it sticky, chewy, and quite sticky. Therefore, when ground into sticky rice flour, it exhibits similar characteristics. Sticky rice flour is fine and naturally white, resembling sticky rice.

At a glance, it can be challenging to distinguish between the two types of flour based on color alone. However, if you look closely, you will notice that rice flour is slightly opaque white and not as fine as sticky rice flour. The characteristic of this type of flour is that it gives the cake a soft and moist texture without drying it out.

Processing Materials

Due to its sticky and chewy nature, sticky rice flour is commonly used in making various types of cakes, such as “bánh ít,” “xôi khúc,” “bánh dày,” “bánh cam,” “bánh rán,” and “bánh chuối.”

Five-color cake with soft and sticky rice flour, sweet and fragrant

On the other hand, rice flour is an indispensable ingredient in making popular cakes from the South to the North of Vietnam. For example, in the South, rice flour is used in dishes such as “bánh ướt” (wet cake), “bánh canh” (rice noodle soup), “bánh bò” (cow cake), “bánh đậu xanh” (mung bean cake), and “bún gạo” (rice vermicelli). In Central and Northern Vietnam, rice flour is used to make dishes like “bánh bèo,” “bánh xèo,” “bánh đúc,” “bánh đập,” and “bánh cuốn.”

Price of Each Type

Both sticky rice flour and rice flour are widely used, so their prices do not differ significantly. Currently, rice flour costs around 20,000 VND per kilogram, while sticky rice flour is priced at approximately 22,000 VND per kilogram.

For reference:

2How to Choose Delicious Rice Flour and Sticky Rice Flour

To enhance the taste and appearance of your dishes, selecting the right type of flour is crucial. When purchasing these two types of flour, pay attention to their color and freshness. Opt for flour with an opaque white color for rice flour (similar to the color of regular rice) and a pure white color for sticky rice flour (resembling sticky rice). The flour should feel fine to the touch, free from impurities, odd colors, or any signs of insect infestation.

With these simple tips on differentiating between rice flour and sticky rice flour, I hope home cooks will be able to select the appropriate type of flour to create delicious dishes or cakes for their families. Good luck with your culinary endeavors!

Frequently asked questions

Rice flour and glutinous rice flour are made from different types of rice and have distinct characteristics. Rice flour is made from long-grain or medium-grain rice and has a finer texture, while glutinous rice flour is made from short-grain, sweet rice and has a sticky texture. Rice flour is versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes, while glutinous rice flour is typically used for specific desserts and snacks.

Rice flour has a fine texture and a subtle flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking. It is often used as a thickening agent in sauces and soups, and can also be used to make noodles, dumplings, and bread.

Glutinous rice flour, also known as sweet rice flour, has a sticky texture and a sweet flavor. It is commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly in desserts and snacks such as mochi, rice cakes, and dumplings. Glutinous rice flour is also used as a thickening agent and can give dishes a chewy texture.

No, rice flour and glutinous rice flour cannot be used interchangeably due to their distinct characteristics. Rice flour is more versatile and suitable for a wider range of dishes, while glutinous rice flour is specific to certain types of desserts and snacks that require a sticky texture.

Both rice flour and glutinous rice flour should be stored in airtight containers and kept in a cool, dry place. They can also be refrigerated or frozen to extend their shelf life.