How to Cook Steel-Cut Oats with Step-by-Step Instructions

When cooked correctly, steel-cut oats provide a hearty and delicious breakfast. To make it just right, however, requires a bit of patience. Unlike rolled oats that you might be used to, steel-cut oats take a bit longer to cook.

But steel-cut oats are worth the wait, providing a superior taste and texture to regular oats. Steel-cut oats also provide more fiber and a lower glycemic index than other kinds of oatmeal. Here’s how to make them step-by-step.

Steel-cut oats vs. rolled oats vs. quick oats

Before getting into the step-by-step directions for cooking perfect steel-cut oats, let’s review what makes steel-cut oats different from other types of oatmeal.

All oatmeal starts as a groat—the kernel of the oatmeal plant. Groats are processed by cutting (steel-cut oats), rolling (rolled oats), or both (quick oats). Rolled oats are flattened, and quick oats are flattened and then chopped up into even smaller pieces. Steel-cut oats are coarse in texture, and as a result, take longer to prepare than their thinned-out counterparts. When cooked, this results in a chewier consistency and a slightly nutty flavor.

Types of steel-cut oats

You may also hear of steel-cut oats referred to as pinhead oats or Irish oats. These are all the same thing, just different names for the same product.

You may also encounter quick-cooking steel-cut oats. These are simply steel-cut oats that are chopped into smaller pieces than usual so that they will cook faster. This product also results in a creamier texture than regular steel-cut oatmeal.

How long to cook steel-cut oats

Steel-cut oats typically take between 15-30 minutes to cook, depending on the brand and amount. You can reduce the cooking time by pre-soaking the oats in water the night before.

How to cook steel-cut oats

Besides taking a little more time, steel-cut oats are just as easy to cook as rolled oats. All you need is the steel-cut oats, water, salt, a measuring cup, and a pot to cook it in.

Remember, 1 serving of steel-cut oats is equal to 1/4 cup of dry oats. When cooking steel-cut oats, use a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part dry oats. See below for ingredient amounts needed to cook 1 to 4 servings of steel-cut oats:

• 1 serving: 1/4 cup oats, 3/4 cup water, 1/8tsp salt
• 2 servings: 1/2 cup oats, 1.5 cups water, 1/4tsp salt
• 3 servings: 3/4 cup oats, 2.25 cups water, 3/8tsp salt
• 4 servings: 1 cup oats, 2 cups water, 1/2tsp of salt

Ready to cook? Here’s how to prepare steel-cut oats:

1. Add salt to water in a pot and bring to a boil.
2. When boiling, add oats and reduce heat to a simmer.
3. Cook for about 10 to 20 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed while stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the pot from the stove and cool for 3 minutes before serving.

That’s it! You just made steel-cut oats! If you are feeling extra fancy, you can toast the oats in a skillet with some coconut oil for about 2 minutes before adding them to the boiling water. You do not have to do this, but it will kick your oatmeal up a notch by adding a roasted flavor.

Pro tip: Keep your eye on your oats at all times, especially towards the second half of the cooking time. You may need to stir more frequently or reduce the heat slightly to prevent the oats from burning.

Cooking steel-cut oats in an Instant Pot

If you wondered whether you could cook steel-cut oats in an Instant Pot, the answer is absolutely!

This method is best suited for making a big batch, no less than 4 servings. Simply combine the same amount of water, salt, and steel-cut oats as you would when using a stovetop. Set your Instant Pot to cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes, and your steel-cut oatmeal should come out just right.

Can you use steel-cut oats for overnight oats?

If you are wondering how to make overnight steel-cut oats, you might want to reconsider. Technically, you can make overnight steel-cut oats, but that doesn’t mean you should.  Overnight oats are when you let oatmeal soak in milk overnight. Overnight oats are best made with old-fashioned rolled oats, as they absorb more liquid, resulting in a soft and smooth bowl of goodness in the morning. Steel-cut oats will soften in milk somewhat overnight, but the end result will be too hard and grainy for many eaters.

Serving ideas for steel-cut oats

While steel-cut oats are great on their own, they are even better with all the fixings. Depending on your dietary needs, many items pair perfectly with steel-cut oats. For a richer flavor, mix hot oats with fats such as butter or coconut oil. For a creamier texture, mix in a little bit of milk or any milk substitute. Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar can add a touch of sweetness.

You can’t go wrong with fresh chopped fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, and bananas when it comes to toppings. Nuts such as sliced almonds or roasted pecans are also delicious to add to your oatmeal. You might also try toasted coconut, cocoa nibs, chia seeds, or dried fruit.

How to reheat steel-cut oats

If you want to save time in the morning during the week, consider making a big batch of steel-cut oats on Sunday night. You can keep the cooked oats in a sealed container in the refrigerator and reheat them easily for breakfast as desired. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a small amount of milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.

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