How To Cook Steel Cut Oats (Stovetop or Microwave)

This is your comprehensive guide on how to cook steel cut oats that turn out creamy and tender every time! Learn both stovetop and microwave methods, storage tips, serving ideas, and more. This fiber-rich ingredient makes a nutritious and delicious breakfast any day of the week!

 

Steel cut oats, sometimes referred to as Irish or pinhead oats, are whole oat groats that have been chopped into pieces using industrial steel blades.

They’re high in plant-based protein and fiber and offer a chewy, hearty texture. They’re the perfect option to keep you full and energized all day!

Steel Cut oats vs. rolled oats

While both are derived from the same whole oat groats, rolled and steel-cut oats are quite different types of oats in texture and cooking time.

Production: Steel cut oats are simply chopped, giving them a rougher, more granulated texture. Rolled oats, on the other hand, are steamed and then rolled flat, resulting in a flatter and softer texture that take less time to cook.

Flavor: Steel cut oats have a nuttier flavor and require a longer cooking time than rolled oats, which are more processed.

Benefits: Nutritionally, both types of oats offer similar benefits, but steel-cut oats have a lower glycemic index, which means they may have a slower impact on blood sugar.

Dried to cooked measurements

For those wondering about measurements, here is a handy conversion guide for cooking steel cut oats:

• 1 cup of dried steel cut oats = about 3 cups of cooked oats
• ½ cup of dried steel cut oats = about 1 ½ cups of cooked oats
• ¼ cup of dried steel cut oats = about 1 serving

How to cook steel-cut oats

Knowing how to cook steel-cut oats properly will give you creamy and consistent results every time! Here’s what to do:

Stovetop

Start with 1 cup of steel cut oats, 3 cups of water, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. The general ratio is 1 cup of steel-cut oats to 3 cups of water for 4 servings, but you can also increase the water to 4 cups if you prefer for a runnier oatmeal.

1. Boil: In a large saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil.
2. Cook: Once boiling, stir in the steel-cut oats and reduce the heat to just over low. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oats are tender and have absorbed most of the water.
3. Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand for a couple of minutes to thicken. Serve the oats with your favorite toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, sweeteners, or spices.

Microwave

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine ¼-cup of steel-cut oats with ¾ cup of water and a pinch of salt. This makes 1 serving, which is best when using the microwave.

1. Stir everything together. Make sure the bowl is big enough to allow the oat mixture to expand without overflowing (it will bubble vigorously at the beginning).
2. Cook: Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Stir the oats and then microwave for another 5 minutes. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot), and stir the oats.
3. Serve: Let the oats sit for a couple of minutes to thicken to your preferred consistency. Serve with your favorite toppings!

Note: Microwave ovens vary, so you might need to adjust the cooking time based on your microwave’s wattage and your desired oatmeal consistency.

Tips for the perfect oats

• Soak the oats: Soaking steel-cut oats overnight in water or milk will help soften them and reduce the cooking time.
• 1:3 ratio: Use a ratio of 1 part oats to 3 parts liquid. Water is a budget-friendly option, but milk can add even more flavor and creaminess if you have some on hand.
• Stir occasionally: Stir the oats occasionally as they’re cooking to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Non-stick pan: Cook your steel-cut oats in a non-stick saucepan so they don’t stick. They’re very starchy, so they need all the help they can get! 
• Salt: Add a pinch of salt to the water or milk before cooking. This will help enhance the nutty flavor of the oats and prevent them from tasting bland.

Storing & reheating

Steel cut oats are a convenient breakfast option, especially when prepared in advance. Here are the best ways to store your steel cut oats once cooks:

• Fridge: Once cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze leftovers in single-serving portions using an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Add a splash of milk or water and reheat them on the stovetop over low-medium or in the microwave.

Recipes with steel cut oats

Now that you know how to cook steel-cut oats, here are some of my favorite recipes for you to use them in!

• Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Butternut Squash
• Vegan Haggis
• Cranberry Orange Oatmeal
• Spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal
• Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Steel Cut Oats FAQs