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 Stove
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 3 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: milk or cream, honey or maple syrup, fresh or dried fruits, nuts, or seeds
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Add the steel-cut oats and a pinch of salt to the boiling water. Then reduce the heat to low, allowing the oats to simmer gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Let the oats cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until they reach your desired texture. The oats should be tender but still have a slight chewiness.
If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can continue to cook the oats for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring more frequently.
Once the steel-cut oats have reached your desired texture, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Let the oats rest for a minute or two to thicken slightly.
Serve the cooked steel-cut oats in bowls. You can enjoy them plain or add your favorite toppings to enhance the flavor and texture.
Common toppings include milk or cream, honey or maple syrup for sweetness, fresh or dried fruits for added freshness and natural sweetness, and nuts or seeds for crunch and added nutrients.
Stir in your desired toppings and enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of cooked steel-cut oats.
2. How To Cook Steel Cut Oats in Microwave
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup steel-cut oats
- 1 1/2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the steel-cut oats, water, and a pinch of salt.
Place the bowl in the microwave and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plate to prevent splattering.
Cook the oats on high power for 3 minutes.
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and give the oats a stir.
Place the bowl back in the microwave and continue cooking on high power for another 3 minutes.
Stir the oats again to ensure even cooking and prevent any clumping.
Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the oats are tender and have reached your desired consistency. The total cooking time may vary depending on the power of your microwave, so adjust accordingly.
Once the oats are cooked to your liking, remove the bowl from the microwave and let it sit for a minute or two to thicken.
Serve the cooked steel-cut oats in bowls. You can enjoy them plain or add your preferred toppings to enhance the flavor and texture.
3. How To Cook Steel Cut Oats in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 3 cups water
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Add the steel-cut oats, water, and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot insert.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position.
Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function on the Instant Pot and set the cooking time to 4 minutes on high pressure.
The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure, and then the cooking time will begin.
Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve to the venting position. Be cautious of the hot steam.
Once the pressure has completely released, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.
Give the oats a stir to combine and ensure even consistency.
Serve the cooked steel-cut oats in bowls. You can enjoy them plain or add your desired toppings to enhance the flavor and texture.
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.
