This is how to cook steel cut oats on the stove, 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.
We have lots of easy steel cut oats recipes for you today. Only made it on the stove but want to try something new, like making a huge batch for Christmas brunch? We have all the ways you can cook to tender.
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
You are going to need 1/4 cup steel-cut oats : 1 cup water or milk (dairy or plant-based) Most like to add a pinch of salt as well but you use these measurements and double or triple depending on how much you want to make.
How to Cook Steel Cut Oats in Microwave
You want to select a microwave-safe bowl that’s large enough to accommodate the oats and liquid without overflowing during cooking. 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.
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.
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. Remove the bowl and 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 Long to Cook Steel Cut Oats on the Stove
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.
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.
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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:
Start by rinsing them under cold water. This step is optional but can help remove excess starch and result in a creamier texture. 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.
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.
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.
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. Stir in your preferred sweeteners and toppings. This is when you can add honey, brown sugar, fruits, nuts, or any other toppings you enjoy.
Steel Cut Oats on Stove Recipe
Equipment
- 1 pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 cup water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk, optional
Instructions
- 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.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
