The present study explored the applicability of tamarind gum in making gluten-free rice bread. Hydration properties of gums and pasting properties of rice flour with the gums were analyzed with Rapid ViscoAnalyzer. Batter properties and bread quality characteristics of rice bread containing gums were analyzed. Except for guar and xanthan gum, the final viscosity after hydration of other gums and the pasting properties of rice flour with the gums were similar. The batter properties and the quality of rice bread containing tamarind gum were equivalent or superior to those containing other gums. Cross-sections of rice bread showed that addition of tamarind gum and pectin resulted in a fine appearance, but pectin may not be preferred due to its lower pH causing unpleasant sour taste and smell of the rice bread containing the gum. Therefore, tamarind gum can be a useful gum for applying to make gluten-free rice bread.

The formula and processing parameters for gluten-free rice bread were optimized using a factorial design, including a center point. Gum concentration (GC), water amount (WA), mixing time (MT), and fermentation time (FT) were selected as factors, and two levels were used for each factor: 1 and 2% for GC; 80 and 100 g for WA; 5 and 10 min for MT; and 30 and 60 min for FT. The WA and FT were identified as the most significant factors in determining the quality of gluten-free rice bread with tamarind gum. Thus, the optimized formula and processing conditions for maximizing bread volume and minimizing bread firmness were 1% gum, 100 g water, 5 min MT, and 60 min FT. The addition of an anti-staling enzyme reduced the increase in bread firmness and the enthalpy of starch retrogradation, suggesting its potential for successful application in commercially manufactured rice bread with tamarind gum.