This recipe roundup contains a curated list of the most delicious and creative rice flour recipes! This list includes many Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Filipino, Hawaiian, and Chinese recipes and will show you how accessible they are. Not only will I include some of the best recipes using both regular rice flour and sweet rice flour (which are different), but I also list why you might like each recipe. Plus, you’ll walk away from this comprehensive list knowing all about the amazing benefits and uses of rice flour!
jump to:
🍚 what is rice flour?
Rice flour is basically what it sounds like – a flour made of rice! To make rice flour, rice is ground down to a very fine powder to create a naturally gluten-free thickening agent. Under the umbrella of rice flour itself, there are a few different kinds you can use for a variety of recipes.
Important note – rice flour (粘米粉, zhān mǐfěn in Chinese, sometimes described as long-grain rice powder) is different than sweet rice flour (糯米粉, nuòmǐ fěn in Chinese, also called glutinous rice flour). They have very different applications in recipes.
White, brown, and glutinous rice flour are the three most commonly used, although there are other variants as well.
- White rice flour is created by milling long or medium-grain white rice (with no bran). It’s a neutral flavor that can work with most recipes, but it does add a slightly chewy and stretchy texture.
- Brown rice flour is produced by milling long or medium-grain whole-grain rice. It’s similar to white rice flour, but its flavor is slightly nutty and more earthy. It’s also a better thickener.
- Glutinous rice flour is milled with either both long and short grains or only short grains. The grains consist of cooked and dehydrated kernels of glutinous rice. Glutinous rice is higher in starch and is much more chewy, bouncy, and stretchy than the other types.
Since there are multiple rice flours with different flavors and textures, the versatility of this ingredient really knows no bounds. Today I’m going to share 27 recipes, both savory and sweet, that benefit from the inclusion of rice flour!
✨ what can I use rice flour for?
Rice flour is commonly used in Asian cuisine for both sweet and savory recipes. You can use rice flour for everything from noodles, boba, pancakes, and soups! White rice flour is really good for things like snappy noodles or tempura batter. Its neutral flavor lends itself to recipes that have strong flavors because this rice flour won’t compete with the other flavors.
Brown rice flour is great for baking because it has that earthy and nutty taste that will pair well with sweets. It’s also a fantastic thickener for soups or stews. Glutinous rice flour, on the other hand, is all about the texture! If you want a bouncy, chewy, QQ texture, this is the rice flour you want. It’s what gives boba and mochi the mouthfeel we all know and love.
If you need sides to go with the recipes I share below, check out these East Asian vegetable dishes.
📋 16 dessert recipes for glutinous rice flour
Here are some of the best dessert recipes that use glutinous rice flour (aka sweet rice flour). Many of these Asian desserts have that "not too sweet" characteristic that you might be looking for, yet they're still delicious! The sweetness can be easily customized to your liking of course.
As a professionally trained chef, I've looked through all these recipes and picked out the reasons you might like them – and listed them in bullet form so you can easily find what you want to try.
mochi muffin (cupcakes) with a magical crust
This recipe is a crowd favorite and is easy to make. As far as baked goods go, mochi muffins are a lot more forgiving when it comes to getting a delicious and tender final product. Make these to share with loved ones and you'll have a line of people asking you for the recipe!
why you'll love this recipe:
- This might be the best way to package a mochi muffin to get a magical golden crust and bouncy, yet moist center.
- This recipe is easily customizable with different flavors – try the original, black sesame, matcha, and chocolate (instructions are all in this one recipe)!
- You can make mini muffins/cupcakes with this recipe too.
- Easy to make in an oven or air fryer.
- The recipe guides you through making these with step-by-step photos.
palitaw (filipino rice cakes)
These fragrant, soft, and QQ chewy rice cakes are such a delicious treat. I've always wanted to visit the Philippines, but making this authentic palitaw that you would find at local markets and street vendors there will have to do for now.
why you'll love this recipe:
- The ingredients are pretty easy to find.
- It's an easy recipe with just 2 ingredients for the dough.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ There are already 47 5-star reviews!
- These keep well too – make sure to check the storage notes in the recipe post.
wife cakes (老婆餅)
These wife cakes look just like the ones my maternal grandmother used to make. With layers of flakey pastry on the outside and a flavorful sweet chewy center, you'll look forward to every bite.
why you'll love this recipe:
- The outer pastry layers are light and fluffy.
- Like usual East Asian pastries and desserts, the filling actually isn't too sweet. So you won't be overwhelmed by eating more than one.
- The recipe guides you through making these with step-by-step photos. You'll want to scroll down to the bottom to see the photo of the flakey layers!
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ There are multiple 5-star ratings, so you know it'll be worth your time.
injeolmi (korean sweet rice cakes)
I love all kinds of sweet rice cakes (more commonly known as mochi, the Japanese term, in the States). Since rice cake recipes don't usually store as well, it's convenient to have quick recipes on hand so you can satisfy your QQ craving anytime.
why you'll love this recipe:
- Instead of spending hours making sweet rice cakes from scratch (think steaming sticky rice and pounding it by hand), this recipe shows you how to use glutinous rice flour and a microwave to make this in just 10 minutes.
- If you're looking for a gluten-free and/or vegan sweet rice flour recipe, this is an easy one to try.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Check out all the 5-star reviews if you're on the fence.
hobakjuk with sweet rice balls (kabocha squash porridge)
Who knew fresh tang yuan (sweet rice balls) were so easy to make? You can use the instructions in this recipe just for the sweet rice balls and serve with a simple ginger syrup (the traditional Taiwanese way), or add them to this silky smooth kabocha squash porridge.
why you'll love this recipe:
- This was one of the top requested dishes when I worked as a private chef for families and I'm sharing the recipe with you here!
- The recipe guides you through making these with step-by-step photos and a calming cooking video.
- There's a Cooking with Kids section if you'd like to make this as a family.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Check out all the 5-star reviews and over 420 Pinterest shares if you're trying to decide.
black sesame mochi muffins
This might be one of the easiest ways to use sweet rice flour for a flavorful and fragrant treat. If you love all things black sesame (especially Asian black sesame desserts), this is the recipe to try!
why you'll love this recipe:
- They taste amazing as mini muffins/cupcakes too! (Instructions are included in this recipe)
- Detailed step-by-step photos will guide you through making these successfully every time.
- This recipe is easily customizable with different flavors – try the black sesame flavor, original butter mochi, matcha, and chocolate (instructions are all in this one recipe)!
- Easy to make in an oven or air fryer.
sesame balls
You no longer have to wait until the weekends for this dim sum favorite – sesame balls! They're crispy, chewy in a wonderful way, and filled with delicious red bean paste.
why you'll love this recipe:
- You can make these with just 6 ingredients. Can you believe that?
- This recipe includes key tips for making restaurant-quality sesame balls.
- Sesame balls can be easily reheated so you can make a whole batch and take your time enjoying them.
strawberry cheesecake mochi
I love to try creative mochi recipes like this one. It tastes like strawberry cheesecake with an outer mochi layer, so you get that satisfying chewiness from the sweet rice flour.
why you'll love this recipe:
- A bite-sized, soft, and chewy strawberry dessert – there's so much flavor in such a small package!
- Made by a creative baker and winner of the Netflix show 'Crazy Delicious.'
- The step-by-step photos show you exactly how to make these look just as beautiful as shown in the photo.
vietnamese glutinous rice balls (chè trôi nước)
These rice balls are a comforting and sweet dessert soup. Filled with super creamy mung bean filling (a favorite of mine), every bite is a perfect combination of soft and chewy textures with sweet and creamy flavors. The sweet ginger syrup brings it all together.
why you'll love this recipe:
- This recipe uses palm sugar, which gives it a deeply rich sweetness that pairs so well with the creamy mung bean filling.
- Detailed step-by-step photos will guide you through making these successfully.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Let the multiple 5-star ratings do the talking. 🙂
mango mochi ice cream
Mochi ice cream makes the perfect bite-sized dessert or snack. I especially like ones that have fresh fruit inside like mango! It really helps to elevate a dessert into something that's sweet and refreshing at the same time.
why you'll love this recipe:
- You only need 6 ingredients!
- The recipe is easy to follow with step-by-step photos.
- Mochi dough is cooked in the microwave in under 2 minutes.
- This recipe is vegetarian and can be made vegan if you swap out the ice cream with a vegan one – simple for serving guests with different dietary preferences/restrictions.
red bean mochi
This mochi is filled with a sweet red bean paste, a classic filling for many East Asian desserts, which is also what makes it satisfying to eat. I love it paired with a good cup of oolong tea.
why you'll love this recipe:
- If you have an instant pot and have been looking for more recipes, this one's for you!
- Both the mochi dough and red bean paste are made in an instant pot to save time.
- The addition of coconut milk to the mochi dough makes this recipe unique from others. I love that flavor combination!
chocolate mochi ice cream
Not your typical mochi ice cream flavor, yet a wonderfully chocolately dessert that's perfect for hot summer days and holiday get togethers. I like how even the mochi is chocolate flavored!
why you'll love this recipe:
- Detailed step-by-step photos will guide you through making these successfully.
- You won't need any super special kitchen equipment to make this since the recipe shows you how to steam the mochi dough using just a steamer pot and kitchen cloth.
- You only need 6 ingredients to make this, including store-bought chocolate ice cream.
mochi red bean buns
Just look at that mochi pull! You get so many different yet satisfying textures in one snack here. I'm seriously impressed with this recipe by its flavor and presentation. This is probably a weekend baking project, but worth it.
why you'll love this recipe:
- This recipe shows you how to make soft Asian bakery bread.
- You can choose to use store-bought red bean paste or make your own in an instant pot.
- The recipe includes both volumetric and weight measurements for ingredients, which is a must-have for baked goods... especially for bread recipes.
peanut mochi (muah chee)
A Chinese version of a Taiwanese dish I love. Similar to Taiwanese muah chee but with the addition of a more savory ingredient, sesame oil, and with a coarser peanut coating.
why you'll love this recipe:
- With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy fragrant bites of soft, chewy moch in 25 minutes.
- You won't need any special kitchen equipment since the recipe includes multiple methods of making this – with a steamer, microwave, rice cooker, or air fryer (your choice!).
hotteok (korean sweet pancake 호떡)
You can get a taste of street food found in South Korea with this recipe. It's crispy on the outside with a soft yeast dough filled with a caramelized gooey filling.
why you'll love this recipe:
- Detailed step-by-step photos will guide you through making these successfully.
- You don't need any special kitchen equipment to make this, though a kitchen scale is recommended.
- It only takes 30 minutes of active prep and cook time, so you can relax while your dough is resting.
- These are freezer-friendly!
kuih dadar
Crepes, pandan-scented, and coconut might be one of my favorite combinations. It's so comforting to eat and the smell is amazing.
why you'll love this recipe:
- This recipe would make a delicious brunch dish that just might impress your guests.
- Detailed step-by-step photos will guide you through making these successfully.
- You won't need any special kitchen equipment to make this.
pro tip: store opened but unused rice flour in an airtight container and keep it in the pantry or somewhere cool in temperature. I like to use Rubbermaid containers (affiliate link) that are wide enough to fit measuring cups or ones that have lids with a pouring spout.
📋 11 savory rice flour recipes
Although glutinous rice flour works in savory recipes too (and is commonly used in many Asian cuisines), some savory recipes use rice flour. I'll introduce the delicious savory rice flour recipes first, then end with ones that use sweet rice flour.
savory recipes with rice flour
Not to be confused with 'sweet rice flour' aka 'glutinous rice flour,' regular rice flour makes tasty recipes too.
cheung fun (腸粉)
A favorite dim sum dish that I must get every time. Rice flour is used to make freshly steamed rice noodles that are soft and delicious with a simple sauce.
why you'll love this recipe:
- It only takes 10 minutes to cook! Although the recipe shows a prep time of 5 minutes, I find it might be closer to 10-15 minutes especially if it's your first time making it.
- This dish makes a really good snack or side dish.
- Easy-to-follow step-by-step photos and a video!
gobi manchurian
Crispy on the outside, crunchy on the inside, and covered in an umami-rich sauce. This might be one of my favorite ways to eat cauliflower. It is a more involved recipe (total time: 1 hour), so you'll want to make this on a day off or when you're feeling inspired to cook something amazing.
why you'll love this recipe:
- This recipe includes instructions for fried, baked, or air-fried versions.
- The step-by-step photos and instructions are really easy to follow.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Just look at all those 5-star reviews (over 80 votes)!
bánh khọt (vietnamese mini savory pancakes)
Such a fun dish to eat with vibrant flavors and textures. This dish isn't as commonly found in Vietnamese restaurants in the Western regions, which makes me even more grateful for this recipe.
why you'll love this recipe:
- Easy-to-follow step-by-step photos will guide you through making this popular dish found in Southern regions of Vietnam.
- It's easily customizable to your choice of protein, fillings, herbs, and dipping sauces.
- This dish is especially fun to eat with friends and family.
char siu rice rolls
If you happen to have a perforated pizza pan, this is a unique way of making steamed rice rolls at home – similar to how they're made in dim sum restaurants. This is one of my favorite dishes to order at dim sum, either with shrimp or beef filling.
why you'll love this recipe:
- A unique way to steam rice noodle rolls (cheung fun) so that you can enjoy this popular dim sum dish at home.
- This specific recipe is free from major allergens like peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, fish, and seafood.
instant pot turnip cake (Chinese lo bak go 蘿蔔糕)
Another great way to make turnip cakes (which actually use daikon radish, by the way). A umami-rich savory dish you'll love for breakfast or any meal or snack.
why you'll love this recipe:
- This recipe is great for meal prep.
- Detailed Instant Pot instructions with step-by-step photos.
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Multiple 5-star reviews!
savory recipes with sweet rice flour (glutinous rice flour)
These recipes use the bouncy texture you get from sweet rice flour in a savory application. It's a combo you didn't know you needed!
teochew png kueh (sticky rice dumplings 紅桃粿)
These sticky rice dumplings are beautiful and so delicious. It's usually something I buy from online group buys during special occasions, but I love how this recipe breaks it down into easy-to-follow steps so that anyone can make it at home.
why you'll love this recipe:
- The filling is seriously delicious and can be eaten on it's own too.
- Step-by-step photos show you exactly how to fill and mold these at home.
- These are freezer-friendly too!
sweet rice bulgogi (찹쌀불고기 chapssal bulgogi)
What a great way to combine the texture of sweet rice flour with a savory meat dish. This recipe will definitely impress any dinner guests. I've been making this to uplevel my Korean BBQ at home.
why you'll love this recipe:
- This is a unique recipe that will be hard to find elsewhere – according to JinJoo, it's a dish only found in a few restaurants even in Seoul.
- It's so delicious!
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ So many 5-star ratings!
shortcut homemade gochujang
A 12-minute gochujang when you haven't had time to make it to H Mart in a while. This recipe is easy to make if you happen to have ingredients like gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), fermented soybean paste, any sweetener syrup, mirin, barley malt powder, and glutinous rice flour in your pantry – which are common pantry ingredients if you enjoy making Korean food!
why you'll love this recipe:
- A gochujang substitute in less than 15 minutes.
- It's easy to make with pantry items.
korean-style hot dogs
If you've never tried a Korean-style hot dog before, this recipe just might inspire you! The use of rice flour in the batter makes it so delicious. You end up with a crispy, light, and satisfyingly chewy texture with every bite. There is a 1-hour resting time, so plan for that when adding this to your menu.
why you'll love this recipe:
- There's no messy wet batter involved, so it's easy to handle.
- The filling includes cheese too so you get that satisfying cheese pull.
- The step-by-step photos will guide you through making these.
- Like all Asian-style hot dogs, these will definitely be a hit for guests.
korean mozzarella cheese balls
You get a cheese puff coating on the outside with a delicious cheese pull on the inside. The glutinous rice flour in the dough gives these a crispy and bouncy crust. It's a more time-consuming recipe to make but might be worth trying if you want to experience different types of Korean street food.
why you'll love this recipe:
- These cheese balls are fun to snack on!
- It's freezer-friendly, which helps to make up for the longer cook time.
- Step-by-step photos will help you make these.
bánh xôi khúc (vietnamese sticky rice and spinach balls)
So much flavor and a variety of textures and nourishing ingredients all in a small package. These sticky rice balls made with both sticky rice (grains) and sweet rice flour are easier to make than it looks.
why you'll love this recipe:
- A savory and sweet dish that's sure to impress guests.
- The step-by-step photos and instructions are easy to follow.
- The recipe is broken up into small steps, making it more manageable to make.
- You can skip the step of using spinach to color the dough if you'd like to shorten the prep time.
🍲 main ingredients and equipment
Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we do make a small profit from your purchases (your price is not affected by this commission). We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you click on an affiliate link, you consent to a cookie being placed on your browser for purposes of tracking commissions.
The regular rice flour (affiliate link) I love and use is a Thai one, but you can also find others at your local Asian market.
For sweet rice flour (also called glutinous rice flour) recipes, I especially like Mochiko (affiliate link).
Here are some of the kitchen equipment used in the featured recipes that you might find helpful.
- Muffin/cupcake pan
- Mini muffin pan
- My favorite air fryer
- Cooking chopsticks
- Favorite microwave for easy mochi making
❄️ storage
Leftover rice flour, regular or glutinous, should be stored in an airtight container (affiliate link) and placed in a dry, cool area.
Some of the recipes listed above are freezer-friendly (noted in the "why you'll love this recipe" portion for each).
💭 top expert tip
Unlike flours that contain gluten, rice flour is easy to work with and most of the recipes highlighted here are easier to make in comparison. Make sure you're using the right type of rice flour when making any recipe since they yield very different textures. For a fluffy and just slightly bouncy dish, regular rice flour is used. For that satisfying chewy, QQ, texture, you'll need glutinous rice flour (also called sweet rice flour), which is also gluten-free!
💭 faq
Rice flour is more readily available in large grocery stores. Sweet rice flour (also known as glutinous rice flour), on the other hand, can be found at your local Asian grocery stores. Japanese grocery stores like Mitsuwa or Marukai will carry my preferred brand of sweet rice flour – Koda Farms' Mochiko (affiliate link). You'll also be able to find other sweet rice flours at Taiwanese, Chinese, Korean, and Southeast Asian stores, usually packaged in plastic with just text on the front of the bag. The ones I frequent are 99 Ranch Market and online at Weee! (affiliate link).
Yes, glutinous rice flour, also called sweet rice flour, is gluten-free. For gluten-free recipes, I like to use Mochiko. Although rice flour is naturally gluten-free, there may be cross-contamination with some brands. Make sure to look for the gluten-free label on the packaging as needed.
'Sweet rice flour' and 'glutinous rice flour' are different names or terms for the same thing. Both refer to flour made from the same type of rice, glutinous rice which is a short-grain rice (also sometimes called sticky rice).
Mochiko is glutinous rice flour. It's the branded name of glutinous rice flour (or also known as sweet rice flour) by the brand Koda Farms. You can find other brands of glutinous rice flours online or at a local Asian grocery store.
💭 final thoughts
I hope you enjoy making some of these rice flour recipes! If you’ve grown up eating rice flour-based dishes, I hope these recipes transport you to a land of sweet nostalgia and empower you to recreate your favorites. If you’re new to rice flour - enjoy!
Sit down and enjoy these recipes with a hot cup of tea, iced matcha, a Taiwanese watermelon milk, or taro boba!
If you’d like some more inspiration, check out my Asian desserts category for more!
🥢 other easy recipes you'll enjoy
Looking for other easy recipes? Try recipes that use Mochiko sweet rice flour like the mochi muffins with different flavors or a delicious air fryer Japanese sweet potato:
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below. If you make any of these recipes, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @thesoundofcooking. I would love to see what you make!
Happy cooking! ~ Cin
Want to get recipe updates, pro cooking tips, and nutrition info on East Asian ingredients straight to your inbox? Sign up here for a free PDF with cozy soup recipes.
share your thoughts below. let's chat at the kitchen table: