Easy Gluten-Free Rice Tortillas
These simple tortillas are a fantastic gluten-free alternative to traditional flour or corn tortillas. Made with just rice, they are incredibly pliable and perfect for tacos, wraps, or even soft-shell quesadillas.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: Makes 8-10 small tortillas
Ingredients:
2 cups of long-grain white rice, raw
3 cups of water
1 tsp of fine sea salt
Optional but recommended for pliability: 1 tbsp of Psyllium Husk Powder OR 2 tsp of Xanthan Gum
Equipment:
Large pot with a lid
High-speed blender or food processor
Large bowl
Tortilla press (optional, but helpful)
2 sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap
A non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan
Instructions:
Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the water is completely absorbed. Remove from heat and let it steam (covered) for another 5 minutes.
Blend the Dough: While the rice is still very warm (the heat is key to making the starch sticky), transfer all of the cooked rice to a high-speed blender. Add the optional psyllium husk or xanthan gum at this stage. Blend on a medium-high setting for 1-2 minutes. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed. You are aiming for a very smooth, sticky, dough-like paste with no visible rice grains remaining.
Knead and Rest: Carefully transfer the dough from the blender to a clean, slightly oiled surface or a large bowl (be careful, it will be hot). With lightly oiled hands, knead the dough for a minute until it’s uniform. Form it into a log and divide it into 8-10 equal-sized balls. Cover them with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Let them rest for 10 minutes to cool slightly.
Press and Shape:
With a Tortilla Press: Place one dough ball between two sheets of parchment paper or heavy-duty plastic (like a cut-open Ziploc bag). Center it in the press and gently press down to form a thin, even circle.
Without a Tortilla Press: Place the ball between the parchment sheets and use a heavy-bottomed pot or a rolling pin to press or roll it out into a thin circle. The edges might be slightly uneven, which is part of its charm.
Cook the Tortilla: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully peel the top layer of parchment/plastic off the tortilla, flip it onto your open palm, and then peel the bottom layer off. Transfer it to the hot skillet.
The Toasting Phase: Cook for about 30-45 seconds. The tortilla should start to release steam and small bubbles will form on the surface. Flip it over. Cook for another 30-45 seconds. The tortilla is done when it’s soft, flexible, and has light brown toasted spots, just like in the picture.
Store and Serve: Stack the cooked tortillas on a clean towel or in a tortilla warmer to keep them soft and warm until ready to serve. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
Pro-Tips:
Keep It Warm: The dough is easiest to blend and work with when it's hot. If the dough gets too cold, it may lose its stickiness and become crumbly.
The Power of a Binder: While "rice only" is a popular tagline, using psyllium husk powder or xanthan gum ensures that the tortillas hold their shape without cracking when you roll them.
Make it Fresh: These tortillas are best served immediately. For leftovers, reheat them quickly in a dry pan or microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel) for just a few seconds to restore their pliability.

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