How to Cook Steel Cut Oats

This is how to cook steel cut oats on the stove top, slow cooker steel cut oats, in the oven, or in the microwave is here. A healthy breakfast you can make tender in no time at all. Add brown sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup or agave to make sweeter. Part of a heart healthy diet!

How Long to Cook Steel Cut Oats

That depends on what method you want to try. In the microwave is quite fast but it is harder to make a large batch of it all at once that way. You are looking at about 5 minutes for that though!! Of course in a Crockpot would take the longest but low and slow really does get them nice and tender.

We have added fruit into the mix with some nuts on top to make our Peach Baked Oatmeal Recipe. That takes about 30 minutes. Stovetop method is below which is somewhere in between but doesn’t take long.

Cooking steel-cut oats in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a hearty and nutritious breakfast. You only need the main ingredients and the liquid of your choice. I always add some sweetness to the top but that is optional of course. You’ll need;

Steel-Cut Oats to Water Ratio

• 1/4 cup steel-cut oats
• 1 cup water or milk (dairy or plant-based)
• Pinch of salt (optional)
• Sweeteners and toppings of your choice (honey, agave, brown sugar, fruits, nuts, cinnamon)

How to Cook Steel Cut Oats Microwave

1. Select a microwave-safe bowl that’s large enough to accommodate the oats and liquid without overflowing during cooking.
2. In the bowl, combine the steel-cut oats and water or milk. If you’re using milk, it will add creaminess to the oats. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
3. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, but a general guideline is as follows:
   • Start with 3 minutes of cooking time.
   • Stir the oats to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
   • Continue cooking in 1-minute increments, stirring after each minute, until the oats reach your desired consistency. This usually takes about 4 to 6 minutes in total.
4. As the oats cook, they may bubble and expand, so keep an eye on the bowl to ensure it doesn’t boil over.
5. The oats should be tender but still have a slight chewiness to them. If the oats are not yet cooked to your liking, continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
6. Once the oats reach your desired consistency, remove the bowl from the microwave. Be cautious as the bowl may be hot.
7. Stir in your preferred sweeteners and toppings. This is the time to add honey, brown sugar, fresh fruits, nuts, or any other additions you enjoy.

Your easy microwave recipe is ready to be enjoyed. Eat them while they’re warm for the best flavor and texture.

How to Cook Steel Cut Oats on the Stove

Below is the one featured here. Now the timing for all methods will vary depending on your texture preferences. I like a bit more oomph where my husband wants it more mushy like porridge. Just keep an eye on it and taste along the way to make it right for your family.

• Begin to heat water in a pot. 
• Once the water is boiling add the steel cut oats and salt. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for approximately 20 minutes. Stirring often.
• Once the oats have absorbed the water and are tender, remove from heat and stir in milk, if desired. This is not required, but helps create a creamier consistency. 
• Top with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey.

Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats Recipe

This is probably the most popular brand out there. They have instant oats and overnight oats that are great too. Steel cut oatmeal is what we are talking all about today though. On the stove you can make a big batch in a larger pot by doubling the amounts quite easily. With guests you can have an array of toppings too like chocolate chips, fruit and honey.

What is the difference between Steel Cut Oats vs Rolled Oats?

Steel-cut oats and rolled oats are both made from whole oat, but they undergo different processing methods. This course version is made by cutting the whole oat groats into small pieces using steel blades. They have a chewy texture and take longer to cook than rolled. These are only gluten free if listed on the package.

Rolled, on the other hand, are made by steaming the oats and then rolling them into flat flakes. They have a softer texture and cook faster than these. In terms of nutrition, both are good sources of fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. This chewier type have a slightly lower glycemic index though which means they may provide a slower, steadier source of energy.

Slow Cooker Cinnamon Oatmeal is a better choice for people with diabetes or other blood sugar issues. A healthy and nutritious choice for breakfast or snacks, and the choice between them may come down to personal preference and cooking time available.

Can you eat steel-cut oats raw?

Yes and no. You don’t have to boil them to make let’s say Steel Cut Oats Cookies. I wouldn’t eat them right out of the bag just because in true raw form they would upset your stomach because it would be hard to digest without any heat to them beforehand.

How to Cook Steel Cut Oats Overnight

For this you would need to use the Crockpot method listed below. You’d need to time it right depending on when you were waking up. It will take 7-8 hours so you could start it around midnight or if you had a timer on your machine just add ingredients and set to start around then. Keep in mind that that way they will soak for hours which will make them mushier.

How to Cook Steel Cut Oats in a Rice Cooker

Cooking steel-cut oats in a rice cooker is a convenient and hands-off method that yields delicious and creamy results. Ingredients are slightly different for this method.

• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 4 cups water or milk (non dairy milk works too)
• Pinch of salt is optional
• Sweeteners and toppings of your choice

Instructions:

1. Start by rinsing them under cold water. This step is optional but can help remove excess starch and result in a creamier texture.
2. Place the rinsed oats in the rice cooker’s inner pot. Add the water or milk, and a pinch of salt if desired. The liquid-to-oat ratio is usually 4:1 for a creamy consistency, but you can adjust it to your preference.
3. Close the rice cooker’s lid and select the appropriate cooking setting. Some rice cookers have a Porridge setting or Oatmeal setting that’s ideal for cooking steel-cut oats. If not, you can use the White Rice setting.
4. Start the rice cooker’s cooking cycle. The cooking time will depend on your rice cooker’s specific settings. Generally, this can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to cook in a rice cooker.
   • During the quick cooking process, if you can give the oats a gentle stir once or twice this can help distribute the liquid and prevent sticking.
5. After the cooking cycle is complete, check the oats for your desired consistency. They should be tender but still have a slight chewiness. If they need more cooking time, you can let them cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.
6. Once the oats are cooked to your liking, stir in your preferred sweeteners and toppings. This is when you can add honey, brown sugar, fruits, nuts, or any other toppings you enjoy.
7. Your creamy and delicious steel-cut oats are now ready to be served. Enjoy them warm and customize them to your taste.

Using a rice cooker to prepare steel-cut oats is not only convenient but also results in a creamy and satisfying bowl of oatmeal that’s perfect for starting your day with a nutritious and delicious meal. Jump to recipe and enjoy friends!