Rich in protein and fiber, steel-cut oat helps increase satiety and provides the macronutrient building blocks of a healthy diet. It may take a little longer to cook, but it has many benefits. Yes, this superfood is a great source of protein, fiber, and iron.
Steel-cut oats are dense and crunchy because they are passed through sharp steel blades that cut them into thin slices that help retain fiber and protein. The steel-cut oats, like other whole grain oats, can be a healthy addition to your diet. Today, I’m gonna share with you the ideas and tips on how to cook steel-cut oats in an easy way.
Are Steel Cut Oats And Rolled Oats The Same?
Steel-cut oats are derived from the same plant as rolled oats, instant oats, and other oat products. The difference between steel-cut oats and rolled oats is the processing method.
Steel-cut oats are never cooked, starting with whole grains and fed to a narrow blade that slices oat kernels thinly. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, the rolled oats are prepared the outdated way, that is steamed and rolled.
The main difference between the two types of oats is the cooking time. Rolling the oatmeal speeds up the cooking, and in just a few minutes, your bowl of oatmeal is ready. Steel-cut oats, on the other hand, can take up to 25-30 minutes to cook.
How To Cook Steel Cut Oats?
Although you can cook the steel-cut oats in an instant pot or pressure cooker, mostly it is cooked on the stovetop. This method is simple and hands-off.
Follow these simple steps when cooking the steel-cut oats on the stovetop:
- To add flavor, toast the oats in a tablespoon of butter or vegan butter for about two minutes.
- Add water and cook uncovered, and low simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Thoroughly mix, and add 1/2 to 1 cup of milk to make the oats extra creamy.
- Stir in spices, more butter, and a little sweetener.
Topping Ideas For Steel Cut Oats
- Almond butter, peanut butter, pecan butter
- Homemade chia jam or your favorite jam
- Applesauce or grated fresh apple
- Whipped cream
- Yogurt
- Splash of cream
- Sliced Fruits (bananas, apples, strawberries, pears, mangos)
- Fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
- Dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, blueberries, raisins, chopped dates, or apricots)
- Toasted chopped nuts
- Flaxseed
- Chia seeds
- Dark chocolate (chopped or mini chocolate chips)
Pressure Cooker & Stovetop Cooking Ratio For Steel Cut Oats
When cooking steel-cut oats on the stove, you need to remember the ratio of 1 part oats to 3 parts liquid. Remember, this ratio is for stovetop oatmeal, so if you use a pressure cooker, the ratio will be slightly different.
To cook them in a pressure cooker like an instant pot, combine one cup of steel-cut oats with three cups of water, a pinch of salt, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and one tablespoon of butter. Stir oats, secure lid, then cook on high pressure for 3 minutes on a manual or pressure cooker setting.
After the cooking time is over, wait for the cooker to release all the pressure naturally. Stir well before serving. For creamy oats, add 1/2 to 1 cup of milk.
Can We Refrigerate Steel-Cut Oats
Since cooking the steel-cut oats will take longer, preparing them in advance and refrigerating them is a good idea for busy mornings. You can cook them during the weekends and store them all week long for healthy breakfasts. Yes, steel-cut oats can be refrigerated for up to one week, just grab a serving of steel-cut oats and heat it up.
Ways To Reheat Steel Cut Oats
Place the steel-cut oats in a pan or microwave-safe bowl. Add some milk or water. Gently heat in the microwave or stovetop, stirring several times, adding liquid as needed to keep it from drying out. Keep in mind the portion of your oatmeal, it will quadruple when it’s reheated.
How To Cook Steel Cut Oats In Microwave
Remember to use a microwave-safe bowl that can hold up to 8 cups of liquid for this method. Even if you only add 2 cups of liquid, it will immediately start bubbling and expanding as electromagnetic waves heat the liquid. If the bowl is too small, it will overflow and be a mess.
Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring once in between. If you only have personal-sized portions, this is a good option. Compared to cooking rolled oats in the microwave, steel-cut oatmeal requires more water and time.
How Do We Know If Steel Cut Oats Are Done?
You can start tasting the oatmeal around the 20-minute mark, if not satisfied yet you can keep cooking it until it’s thickened. The steel-cut oat has an earthier and nuttier flavor than the rolled oats.
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Do We Need To Soak Steel Cut Oats Before Cooking?
Soaking not only softens the steel-cut oats, but also makes them softer, cooks faster, and is easier to digest. In direct comparison, the unsoaked steel-cut oats lacked the fluffy, creamy texture that soaked oats provided. Once they are soaked, it’s time to cook them.
Tips For Always Making Perfect Steel Cut Oats
- Cook them long enough. You may want to pull them out of the heat early. We’d say give them 20 minutes to simmer. They are at their best in texture and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Don’t hesitate to add more liquid. After cooking, always stir in extra milk at the end. You can use non-dairy milk like almond, cashew, or coconut, but dairy milk works great too.
- Make the most of sugar-free flavor enhancers. Adding a touch of vanilla extract or cinnamon will give your mind and tongue some sweetness without adding sugar.
Conclusion
Cooking steel-cut oats is easy, whether you are cooking them on the stovetop, instant pot, or microwave always remember to add enough liquid to avoid drying out and cook them long enough to achieve the best result. You can cook steel-cut oats ahead of time and refrigerate them, so whenever you’re in hurry you can just grab a portion of refrigerated steel-cut oats and heat it up in the microwave or stovetop by just adding enough amount of liquid.