How to Make Rice Milk at Home

Rice milk is a popular plant-based milk that’s known for its delicious taste and nutritional value. It’s a fantastic alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy. The best part is that you can easily make this milk at home with just a few simple ingredients. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to make rice milk from scratch.

Rice milk is made from cooked rice, water, and any sweetener of your choice. You can make this recipe with brown rice or white rice, depending on your preference. Once you have all the ingredients ready, it’ll only take you a few minutes to make your own milk at home. Making rice milk at home means you can customize the ingredients to your liking, and you’ll know exactly what you’re putting into your body. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients for making rice milk

Making rice milk is pretty simple and gives you a healthy substitute for dairy milk. This recipe of rice milk is suitable for vegans and people with lactose intolerances. Here are the ingredients you will need to make one liter of rice milk:

1. One cup of uncooked rice

You can use any variety of white or brown rice. However, it’s always suggested to rinse the rice to remove any dirt or debris from the grains. The amount of rice you require depends on how thick you want your milk. One cup of rice is usually enough for a liter of milk.

2. Water

You need about 4-5 liters of water to cook the rice and blend it to make milk. Make sure you use filtered water to avoid any chemicals or heavy minerals affecting the taste of the milk.

3. Natural sweeteners

You can use any natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, etc. to give the milk a sweet taste. Avoid using artificial sweeteners as they can add a chemical taste to the milk.

4. Salt

If you wish to add a salty tang to the milk, you can add a pinch of salt. It’s optional, and you can skip this step if you prefer unsalted milk.

5. Vanilla essence

Vanilla essence is a lovely addition to rice milk if you like the flavor. A few drops of good quality vanilla essence can make the milk taste much better.

6. Nutritional yeast flakes

Nutritional yeast has a mild cheesy taste and is rich in nutrients like vitamins B12, B6, and minerals like iron, zinc, copper, and magnesium. You can add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast flakes to enhance the taste and nutritional benefits of your rice milk.

7. Cinnamon powder

Cinnamon powder is another excellent addition to the milk. It not only creates an addictively spiced aroma, but it also helps to regulate blood sugar levels if included in your diet regularly.

8. A blender or a food processor

You will need a blender or food processor to blend the cooked rice and water into milk. A blender works better if you have a high-speed blender, but any blender or processor can do the job.

9. A cheesecloth or strainer

A cheesecloth or strainer is required to filter the milk before storing or using it. It helps to separate the solids and impurities from the milk, giving you a smoother texture.

10. A container to store the milk

You can use any container with an airtight lid to store the milk. Glass jars or bottles are recommended over plastic ones, as they don’t absorb the flavor or color of the milk while storing it.

With the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the next step in making rice milk – cooking the rice.

The Steps to Make Rice Milk

Making your own rice milk at home is a simple and rewarding experience. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Soak the Rice

Before you begin to make rice milk, you must first soak the rice. Place one cup of rice in a bowl and cover it with enough water to submerge the rice completely. Soak the rice for at least four hours, or overnight.

Step 2: Rinse the Rice

After soaking the rice, rinse it thoroughly under running water. You want to make sure all of the starch has been removed.

Step 3: Blend Rice with Water

Put the rinsed rice in your blender and add four cups of water. Blend for around two minutes, until the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Strain the Mixture

Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove any remaining rice pieces. Squeeze and twist the bag to get all the milk out.

Step 5: Sweeten to Taste

This step is optional, but you can add sweeteners such as agave or maple syrup to the rice milk. Add as much or as little as you like.

Step 6: Flavor Your Rice Milk

You can add flavorings to your rice milk like vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa powder, depending on your preference. Add in small amounts at a time and taste test to find the perfect balance.

Step 7: Store in a Clean Container

Pour the rice milk into a clean container, such as a glass jar with a lid. Keep the milk refrigerated and consume it within five days.

Step 8: Shake Well Before Use

Before using your rice milk, give it a good shake to make sure all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 9: Use as a Replacement for Milk

Use your rice milk as a vegan or lactose-free substitute for cow’s milk in recipes like smoothies, coffee drinks, baking, and more.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Delicious Rice Milk!

Sit back and enjoy your delicious homemade rice milk. It’s tasty and healthy for you, and you can experiment with different flavors and combinations to find your favorite.

Benefits of Rice Milk

Rice milk is an excellent substitute for dairy milk and is loaded with nutrients that offer various health benefits. Here are some of the advantages of rice milk:

Calcium-Rich Rice Milk

Calcium is an essential nutrient required for the growth and maintenance of bones and teeth. As rice milk is a rich source of calcium, it is an excellent option for individuals who are looking for an alternative to dairy milk. One cup of rice milk contains approximately 300 mg of calcium, making it a suitable option for people with calcium deficiencies. You can consume rice milk as a standalone beverage or use it in recipes like smoothies, puddings, and desserts.

How to Use Rice Milk in Recipes

Rice milk is versatile and can be used in various recipes, including smoothies, milkshakes, soups, and stews. It is also an excellent ingredient in baked goods, including bread and cakes. Rice milk can be used in place of dairy milk in almost any recipe, and it does not impact the flavor or texture of the dish. However, as rice milk is low in fat, it is not suitable for recipes requiring high-fat content. Overall, when using rice milk in recipes, it is a healthier and beneficial alternative compared to dairy milk.

Vegan-Friendly Protein Source

Rice milk is a great source of protein for individuals who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet. It contains around one gram of protein per cup, which helps in building and repairing muscle tissue. For individuals who do not consume any animal products, incorporating rice milk in their diet can help them meet their daily protein requirements.

Risks Associated with Rice Milk Consumption

While rice milk offers many health benefits, there are some risks associated with its consumption. Rice milk contains high levels of carbohydrates and sugars, making it less suitable for individuals with diabetes. Additionally, if rice is not adequately cooked before making it into rice milk, it may contain excess levels of inorganic arsenic, which can lead to arsenic poisoning and long-term health issues. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you use properly cooked rice when making rice milk. Furthermore, rice milk is not suitable for individuals following a low FODMAP diet, as it contains high levels of oligosaccharides that can exacerbate digestive problems.

In conclusion, making rice milk at home is an easy and cost-effective way to replace dairy milk. Not only is rice milk delicious, but it is also loaded with essential nutrients that offer numerous health benefits. By incorporating rice milk in your diet, you can enjoy all the benefits without any of the risks associated with the consumption of dairy milk.

Bottom line

We hope this guide on how to make rice milk has been helpful to you, and that you now feel confident enough to try making it at home. Remember, rice milk can be used in various recipes from smoothies, to puddings, to baked goods. So it’s worth giving it a try! We appreciate you taking the time to read our article and we hope to see you again soon. Thanks for visiting.