Brown rice flour tortillas are a fantastic alternative to traditional wheat tortillas, especially for those seeking gluten-free or whole grain options. They bring a subtle nutty flavor and hearty texture that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes.
Making your own brown rice flour tortillas at home means you can enjoy fresh, preservative-free wraps that are soft, pliable, and perfect for everything from tacos to wraps and quesadillas. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients and minimal equipment.
Whether you’re looking to add more whole grains to your diet or you have dietary restrictions, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Brown rice flour tortillas are not only nutritious but also versatile and delicious.
In this post, I’ll guide you through each step of making these tortillas from scratch, offer tips to perfect the dough, and suggest tasty ways to serve them. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This brown rice flour tortilla recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Unlike store-bought gluten-free tortillas, these homemade ones don’t contain unnecessary additives or preservatives.
Second, brown rice flour adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a boost of fiber compared to white flour tortillas. The texture strikes a lovely balance between soft and sturdy, so they hold up well to fillings without tearing.
Lastly, the recipe is simple and quick. With just a few pantry staples and no fancy equipment, you can whip up a batch of fresh tortillas in under 30 minutes.
Plus, they freeze beautifully for meal prep convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups brown rice flour (ensure it’s finely ground for best results)
- ½ cup tapioca starch (for elasticity and chewiness)
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (helps bind the dough)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (adds moisture and softness)
- ¾ cup warm water (approximately, adjust as needed)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin (or a tortilla press if you have one)
- Non-stick skillet or cast iron pan
- Clean kitchen towel (for covering dough and keeping tortillas warm)
- Plastic wrap or parchment paper (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown rice flour, tapioca starch, xanthan gum, and salt until well blended.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour in the olive oil and warm water gradually while stirring with a spoon or your hand. The dough should start coming together but remain slightly tacky. You may need to add a little more water or flour to get the right consistency.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a small amount of brown rice flour.
- Divide the dough: Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and cover them with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying out.
- Roll out the tortillas: Lightly flour your work surface with brown rice flour or tapioca starch. Using a rolling pin, roll each ball into a thin circle about 6-7 inches in diameter. If the dough sticks, place it between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap and roll out.
- Cook the tortillas: Heat your skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, place one tortilla in the pan. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until you see bubbles form and the underside develops light brown spots. Flip it and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Keep warm: Stack cooked tortillas on a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep warm and soft while you cook the remaining tortillas.
- Serve or store: Enjoy immediately or let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Tips & Variations
“For softer tortillas, cover the cooked ones with a damp cloth to keep moisture in.”
Use warm water: Warm water helps the dough bind better and makes it easier to roll out.
Adjust thickness: If you prefer thinner tortillas, roll the dough balls out a bit more, but be careful not to tear them.
Try different oils: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a slight flavor variation.
Add herbs or spices: For extra flavor, mix in some ground cumin, chili powder, or finely chopped fresh herbs into the dough.
Storage: Store tortillas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Tortilla (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Serving Suggestions
These brown rice flour tortillas are incredibly versatile. Use them to wrap up your favorite fillings such as grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, or beans and rice for a wholesome burrito.
They also make excellent bases for soft tacos topped with fresh salsa and avocado.
Try making quesadillas by layering cheese and your choice of protein or vegetables between two tortillas and cooking on a skillet until golden and melty. For a lighter option, brush with a little olive oil and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar before warming for a sweet treat.
Pair with homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, or a creamy cilantro-lime sauce for a full flavor experience. They’re also perfect for breakfast wraps filled with scrambled eggs and veggies.
Conclusion
Making brown rice flour tortillas at home is a rewarding and healthful way to enjoy a gluten-free alternative to traditional wraps. This recipe offers simplicity, flavor, and flexibility — all while ensuring you know exactly what’s going into your food.
With just a few pantry staples, you can create fresh, soft tortillas that complement countless meals.
Whether you’re gluten-free, looking for whole grain options, or just love homemade bread alternatives, these tortillas will quickly become a favorite. Experiment with fillings and serving styles to keep your meals interesting and delicious.
Don’t forget to try them alongside other wholesome recipes on the blog like Homemade Chickpea Flatbread, Quinoa Salad with Roasted Veggies, and Spiced Lentil Soup for a complete, nourishing meal experience.
📖 Recipe Card: Brown Rice Flour Tortilla
Description: A simple and healthy homemade tortilla made with brown rice flour. Perfect for wraps, tacos, or as a gluten-free alternative.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 8 tortillas
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup warm water
- Extra brown rice flour for dusting
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix brown rice flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Add olive oil and warm water gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 2-3 minutes.
- Divide dough into 8 equal portions and roll into balls.
- Roll each ball into a thin circle about 6-7 inches in diameter.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook each tortilla for about 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Keep tortillas warm wrapped in a clean towel until serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 110 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 20g
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