Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oatmeal, are a hearty and nutritious breakfast. Made from whole oat groats that have been cut into smaller pieces, steel cut oats have a chewier texture and nuttier flavor than regular rolled oats. While they take longer to cook than quick oats, the payoff is a creamy bowl of hot cereal that will stick with you through the morning. Here are three easy methods for cooking steel cut oats.
1. How To Cook Steel Cut Oats on Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 2 1/2 cups water or milk
- Pinch of salt
- Desired toppings like brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, raisins, etc.
Instructions
Add the oats, liquid, and salt to a medium saucepan. Whisk together.
Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, immediately turn the heat down to low. The oats should be at a gentle simmer.
Cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Add more liquid if needed.
Remove pan from heat and let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. The oats will continue to thicken as they sit.
Serve oats in a bowl and top with your desired ingredients like fruit, nuts, brown sugar, or milk.
2. How To Cook Steel Cut Oats in Microwave
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup steel cut oats
- 1 cup water or milk
- Pinch of salt
- Desired toppings
Instructions
Add the oats, liquid, and salt to a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk together.
Microwave on high power for 3 minutes.
Remove bowl, stir oats, and return to microwave. Cook on high another 2-3 minutes.
Check oats and continue cooking in 1 minute intervals, stirring between each, until thick and creamy. This may take 6-8 minutes total.
Let oats stand for 2 minutes before topping and serving.
Keep in mind that microwaved oats may not get as thick and creamy as stove-cooked.
3. How To Cook Steel Cut Oats in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 cups water or milk
- Pinch of salt
- Desired toppings
Instructions
Add the oats, liquid, and salt to the Instant Pot inner pot. Whisk together.
Lock the lid and set the pressure release valve to “Sealing.”
Select the “Porridge” setting and adjust cook time to 8 minutes (or Manual/Pressure Cook on high for 10 minutes).
Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, manually release any remaining pressure.
Carefully remove the lid. The oats will be hot so stir and let sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Transfer oats to bowls and add desired toppings.
With so many easy methods, there’s no excuse not to enjoy nutritious steel cut oats for breakfast. Whether cooked on the stovetop, in the microwave, or Instant Pot, steel cut oats make a hearty and delicious start to the day. Adjust the flavors and toppings to suit your tastebuds.
