Rice Tortillas Recipe

Quick & Tasty Rice Tortillas Recipe: A Fun Twist on Classics

Crafting homemade rice tortillas redefines ordinary kitchen adventures into extraordinary culinary experiences.

These delicate, versatile discs offer a delightful alternative to traditional wheat-based flatbreads.

Gluten-sensitive individuals and health-conscious cooks celebrate the simplicity of these lightweight wraps.

Naturally light and pliable, rice tortillas bring a unique texture to your meal preparation.

Their subtle flavor provides an excellent canvas for countless fillings and creative combinations.

Minimalist ingredients and straightforward techniques make these tortillas accessible to novice and experienced cooks alike.

Your kitchen will soon buzz with excitement as you master this delectable craft.

Why Rice Tortillas Are a Game-Changer in Your Kitchen

  • Craft Unique Gluten-Free Tortillas: Revolutionize your meal prep with these incredible rice-based tortillas that offer a delicious alternative for gluten-sensitive food lovers.
  • Master Simple Kitchen Techniques: Create restaurant-quality flatbreads using minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that transform plain rice into flexible, tasty tortillas with just a few kitchen tools.
  • Enjoy Versatile Culinary Comfort: Discover a super adaptable recipe that works perfectly for wraps, tacos, or as a side dish, bringing exciting texture and a light, crispy finish to your meals without complex cooking skills.

Just a Few Ingredients for Soft Rice Tortillas

Main Ingredients:

Rice Base:- White Rice, Brown Rice: Soft, starchy foundation of the tortilla; short-grain varieties work best for sticky texture.

Binding Ingredients:- Rice Flour: Helps absorb extra moisture and provides structure to the tortilla; fine-ground rice flour recommended.

Seasoning:- Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps balance the rice’s natural taste.

Preparation Support:

Cooking Surfaces:- Wax Paper, Parchment Paper: Essential for rolling and shaping tortillas without sticking; non-stick and heat-resistant.

Equipment Support:- Potato Masher, Food Processor: Helps break down rice into smooth, consistent texture for better tortilla formation.

Cooking Support:- Skillet, Wooden Board: Provides even heat distribution and helps flatten tortilla to perfect thinness.

Additional Support:- Cooking Oil: Prevents sticking and helps achieve golden, crispy exterior; neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best.

How to Make Rice Tortillas Without the Fuss

Step 1: Prepare Rice Base

Thoroughly rinse rice until water becomes nearly transparent. In a saucepan, combine:
  • Rinsed rice
  • Fresh water
  • Salt

Bring mixture to boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-16 minutes.

Remove from heat, cover with lid, and let sit 10-15 minutes until rice becomes tender. Allow rice to cool completely.

Step 2: Create Rice Mixture

Transfer cooled rice to large mixing bowl. Mash rice using:
  • Potato masher
  • Food processor

Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth.

If mixture feels too moist, sprinkle small amount of rice flour to help bind ingredients.

Step 3: Shape Tortilla Disks

Lightly oil hands to prevent sticking.

Shape rice mixture into round disk.

Transfer disk to oiled plate and divide into 8 equal portions.

Roll each portion into compact ball.

Cover balls with kitchen towel to prevent drying.

Step 4: Flatten Tortilla Rounds

Place two sheets of wax paper on clean surface.

Lightly oil both sheets.

Position rice ball between papers.

Use wooden board or skillet to press ball into thin, wide circle.

Gently remove top paper layer.

Step 5: Cook Tortilla Rounds

Heat medium skillet over medium-high temperature.

Carefully transfer flattened rice disk to hot skillet.

Cook first side for 1-2 minutes until edges start turning golden.

Flip tortilla and cook opposite side for additional minute.

Look for slight crispness with dark spotting.

Transfer cooked tortilla to plate covered with kitchen towel.

Repeat process with remaining rice balls.

Step 6: Serve Warm Tortillas

Place tortillas on serving plate.

Pair with preferred toppings or fillings.

Enjoy immediately while warm and flexible.

Tricks to Keep Rice Tortillas Soft and Foldable

  • Rinse Thoroughly: Wash rice multiple times to remove excess starch, ensuring clearer and lighter tortillas with better texture.
  • Bind Smartly: Add rice flour gradually if the mixture feels too wet, helping create sturdy and cohesive tortilla discs without falling apart.
  • Press Evenly: Use consistent pressure when flattening rice balls between parchment paper to achieve uniform thickness and smooth edges.
  • Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium-high temperature for perfect golden-brown spots without burning the delicate rice tortillas.
  • Keep Warm Strategically: Cover cooked tortillas with a kitchen towel immediately to preserve moisture and prevent them from becoming brittle or dry.

Best Way to Store Homemade Rice Tortillas

  • Refrigerate: Wrap cooled rice tortillas in parchment paper or aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Layer tortillas between wax paper, seal in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for 1-2 months. Remove individual tortillas as needed.
  • Reheat: Warm tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for 30-45 seconds on each side until they become soft and pliable. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds, checking to prevent overheating.

What to Wrap in Your Fresh Rice Tortillas

  • Enhance Flavor with Protein Companions: Pair these rice tortillas with grilled chicken, seared fish, or black beans for a protein-packed meal that adds richness and depth to the delicate rice texture.
  • Create Zesty Dipping Magic: Whip up a fresh salsa verde, tangy guacamole, or creamy cilantro-lime sauce to complement the mild rice tortilla flavor and add exciting taste dimensions.
  • Match with Refreshing Beverages: Serve alongside a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo, a citrusy margarita, or a bright and zesty agua fresca to balance the tortilla's subtle earthiness and provide a cooling contrast.
  • Boost Nutritional Harmony: Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to create a balanced and nutritious meal that enhances the rice tortilla's light and gluten-free profile.

Delicious Add-Ins for Rice Tortillas to Try

  • Herbal Rice Wrap: Blend fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley into the rice mixture for an aromatic and flavorful tortilla that adds a vibrant green color and fresh taste.
  • Spicy Chili Rice Tortilla: Mix finely chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes into the rice dough to create a zesty, heat-packed version that brings extra kick to your meal.
  • Turmeric Golden Rice Tortilla: Incorporate ground turmeric powder into the rice mixture for a beautiful golden-yellow color and subtle earthy flavor with potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Sesame Seed Rice Tortilla: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds into the rice dough or press them onto the surface before cooking for a nutty crunch and enhanced nutritional profile.
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Rice Tortillas Recipe

Rice Tortillas Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican rice tortillas bring authentic flavor straight from traditional kitchens. Crispy edges and warm centers invite hungry diners to savor homemade comfort with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (190 g / 6.7 ounces) sushi rice (or any short grain rice)
  • 2 cups (480 ml / 16.2 fluid ounces) water

Secondary Ingredients:

  • ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Ingredients:

  • Oil (for hands and cooking)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly cleanse rice under running water until liquid appears translucent, ensuring complete rinsing.
  2. Combine rinsed rice with fresh water and salt in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil.
  3. Reduce heat and allow rice to simmer uncovered for approximately 15-16 minutes.
  4. Remove saucepan from heat source, seal with lid, and let rice rest for 10-15 minutes to absorb remaining moisture and achieve optimal tenderness.
  5. Allow rice to cool completely to room temperature.
  6. Transfer cooled rice into a spacious mixing bowl and pulverize using a potato masher or food processor until achieving a smooth, consistent texture.
  7. If the mixture appears excessively moist, incorporate rice flour gradually to enhance binding properties.
  8. Lightly lubricate hands with oil and form the rice mixture into a circular disk.
  9. Divide the disk into eight uniform segments, rolling each portion into compact spherical shapes.
  10. Place prepared rice balls beneath a damp kitchen towel to prevent moisture loss.
  11. Position one rice ball between two lightly oiled parchment sheets and flatten using gentle, even pressure from a wooden board or skillet.
  12. Carefully peel away the top parchment layer to reveal a thin, round tortilla.
  13. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high temperature.
  14. Gently transfer the pressed tortilla into the heated skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes until edges begin to crisp.
  15. Flip the tortilla and continue cooking for an additional minute, developing a golden-brown exterior.
  16. While one tortilla cooks, prepare the next rice ball for pressing.
  17. Aim for a slightly crisp texture with delicate char marks, maintaining flexibility.
  18. Transfer completed tortillas to a towel-covered plate to preserve warmth.
  19. Repeat the pressing and cooking process with remaining rice balls.
  20. Serve warm and enjoy with preferred accompaniments.

Notes

  • Thorough rinsing ensures clean, pure rice flavor and removes excess starch for better tortilla texture.
  • Cooling rice completely prevents sticky, difficult-to-shape dough and helps maintain structural integrity.
  • Adding rice flour helps bind ingredients when mixture feels too wet, creating smoother, more manageable tortillas.
  • Oiling hands and work surfaces prevents sticking and makes shaping process easier and less messy.
  • Using wax paper or parchment paper creates uniform, thin tortillas without frustrating handling challenges.
  • Cooking on medium-high heat develops delicate crispy edges while maintaining tortilla’s soft, pliable center.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 0.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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