🍞 Stovetop Fluffy Rice Bread
Prep time: 10 mins (+ 1 hour proofing) | Cook time: 20 mins | Yields: 1 Loaf
Ingredients
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Rice Flour: 2 cups (fine white rice flour works best)
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Warm Water or Warm Milk: 1 cup (approx. 110°F / 45°C)
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Sugar: 2 tablespoons (helps the yeast and adds flavor)
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Instant Yeast: 1 teaspoon
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Salt: ½ teaspoon
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Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon (plus extra for greasing the pan)
Instructions
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Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine the warm water (or milk), sugar, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes slightly foamy.
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Mix the Batter: Add the rice flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil to the yeast mixture. Whisk until the batter is smooth. It should be thicker than pancake batter but still pourable (like a thick heavy cream).
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First Rise: Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it rest in a warm spot for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until the batter has doubled in size and looks bubbly/aerated.
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Prepare the Pan: Grease a non-stick frying pan with a little oil. Pour the aerated batter into the cold pan and spread it out evenly.
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Second Rise (Optional but Recommended): Cover the pan with a lid and let the batter sit in the pan for another 15 minutes before turning on the heat.
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The “Bake”: Place the pan over very low heat. Keep it covered with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for about 10–12 minutes. The top should look set and dry to the touch, and the bottom should be golden brown.
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Flip: Carefully flip the bread over (you can use a plate to help). Cook the other side, uncovered, for another 5–8 minutes until golden.
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Cool: Transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the internal structure to set.
💡 Pro-Tips for Success
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Low Heat is Key: Because rice flour is dense, high heat will burn the outside before the middle is cooked. Keep the flame as low as possible.
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Don’t over-mix: After the batter has risen, try not to deflate all the bubbles when pouring it into the pan; those bubbles make it “fluffy.”
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Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the batter for a savory sandwich bread.