How to Cook Steel Cut Oats

Get the best tips on how to cook steel cut oats. It’s comforting and makes an easy, wholesome breakfast or afternoon snack.

Cooking steel-cut oats perfectly is simpler than you think! With a few easy tips, you can make a bowl of oatmeal that’s both creamy and delicious.

These are tips I wish I had known when I made my first bowl a few years ago. Just take a look at the photo of it below from my Instagram. It was pretty, but way too chewy.

But no worries! I’ll be sharing four different ways to make a creamy batch.

What are steel-cut oats?

Steel-cut oats are oat groats sliced by steel blades. They are also referred to as Irish oats, Scottish oats, pinhead oats and coarse oats.

When cooked, they retain a chewy interior and develop a nice creamy exterior. If prepared right, the contrast in textures is quite pleasant.

Steel-cut oats hold up better when prepared and stored in a large batch. They retain their bite and chew. Cooked rolled oats soften in the refrigerator after a day or two and get fairly mushy.

You can try different toppings daily so you’ll never get bored. For recipe ideas, check out my Steel Cut Oatmeal Toppings post. All are vegan and gluten-free!

How to Cook Steel-Cut Oats 4 ways

Basic Stove Top Method

1. Combine pre-soaked and drained oats with equal parts water or plant-based milk. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Simmer on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes until creamy.
3. Add your preferred sweetener, spices or toppings and enjoy!

If you skipped the soaking step, combine 1 part oats and 2 parts water in a pot and bring to a boil.

Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 20 to 30 minutes. If needed, add more water for a thinner consistency.

Instant Pot Method

This method works well for unsoaked oats.

1. Oil the inside of the Instant Pot container with coconut oil, vegan butter or non-stick cooking spray. This helps limit the oatmeal from sticking.
2. Add 1 part oats to 3 parts water to the pot. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Close the lid and switch the valve to “Sealing”.
4. Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual”. Set the timer for 8 minutes on high.
5. Once done, allow the pressure to naturally release for 20 minutes or until the float valve goes down.
6. Open the lid and stir in your sweetener, flavorings or spices.
7. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Slow Cooker Method

1. Combine 1 part oats with 3 parts water in the slow cooker.
2. Add sweeteners or spices. Add a pinch of salt.
3. Set to cook on low overnight for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
4. Enjoy with your favorite toppings.

Overnight Oats Method

1. Combine 1 part steel-cut oats with 2 parts water in a pot. Add a pinch of salt.
2. Place on the stove at medium heat. Allow it to come to a boil and cook for one minute.
3. Turn off the heat. Cover with a lid and allow it to sit overnight on the stovetop overnight.
4. In the morning, reheat on the stovetop for 5 minutes. Add any extra water or plant-based milk if needed.
5. Stir in your preferred sweeteners or spices. Serve with toppings.

FAQs About Steel Cut Oats

What can I add to oatmeal to make it taste better?

• For flavor and texture, add fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, seeds or chocolate.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and vanilla are great warming spices.
• Add almond milk, coconut milk, or soymilk for extra creaminess.
• Natural nut butters also add creaminess and flavor. Try almond or peanut butter.
• For some sweetness, add coconut sugar, maple syrup or dried dates.

This Steel Cut Oatmeal Toppings list has at least a week’s worth of ideas!

What’s the difference between steel-cut and regular rolled oats?

Both start with the same source – oat groats. Contrary to popular belief, the nutritional value differs only slightly. They are merely processed differently.

Steel-cut oats are oat groats sliced 2 or 3 times with steel blades. They are chopped into pieces, resulting in a bead or pin-like appearance. They are thick and have a little more bite when cooked.

Rolled oats are steamed and flattened. They are flat, oval-shaped oat groats with a softer texture when cooked.

What is a serving size of steel-cut oats?

One serving is 1/4 cup (44g) of uncooked oats or about 1/2 cup (120g) of cooked. They double in volume when cooked.

Are steel-cut oats gluten-free?

Yes, they are naturally gluten-free. However, during processing, commercial oats may come in contact with wheat or other products containing gluten.

Read the label carefully. Some brands process oats in gluten-free facilities. Bob’s Red Mill is one example.

Should I soak steel-cut oats before cooking?

Although this is not a necessary step, it’s my preferred method of preparing them.

Soaking steel-cut oats speeds up the stovetop cooking time to only 10 to 15 minutes. It also makes them creamier and easier to digest.

Add 1 part oatmeal to 2 parts warm or lukewarm water in a bowl. Cover and leave in a warm area of your kitchen for 8 hours or overnight.

Rinse your oats after soaking and cook with fresh water.

Why are steel-cut oats more expensive?

This is possibly due to steel-cut oats being viewed as healthier because they are less processed. Whole grains and whole foods can often be priced higher as the demand for healthier foods grows.

I do find them to be more filling. I often have less per serving than I would regular oats. So a package lasts me about the same amount of time.

Where do you buy steel-cut oats?

You can buy them at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and online. They are generally located in the cereal or health food aisles and sometimes in the bulk section.

How do I store cooked oats?

First, let the oats cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, scoop out your desired serving into a pot. Add some extra water or milk and heat on low flame. You can also reheat in the microwave.

More Breakfast Recipes

• Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats
• Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
• High Protein Vegan Breakfast
• Vegan Quiche