Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats are a wholesome and comforting breakfast dish made with steel cut oats, water, and a hint of salt, resulting in a creamy and nutritious bowl of oats.
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One of the greatest advantages of making Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats is the convenience it offers. Unlike traditional stovetop cooking methods that require constant monitoring and stirring, the Instant Pot simplifies the process by allowing for a hands-off approach.
With just a few simple steps, you can have a tasty breakfast ready in no time. I like to make a large batch of oats that I can put in the refrigerator to eat throughout the week. That makes it even more convenient.
What Are Steel Cut Oats
Steel-cut oats, also known as Irish oats or coarse oats, are a type of oatmeal made from whole oat groats that have been chopped into pieces using steel blades. The term “steel-cut” refers to the method of processing the oats rather than the variety of oats used.
If you aren’t familiar with steel cut oats, they are packed with fiber and essential nutrients, and provide a sustained feeling of fullness, making them an excellent choice for starting your day on a healthy note.
To make steel-cut oats, the outer husk of the oat groat is removed, and then the remaining oat kernel is chopped into several small pieces using sharp steel blades. This minimal processing helps retain the natural texture and nutritional value of the oats. Steel-cut oats have a coarser texture compared to rolled oats or instant oats.
Steel-cut oats take longer to cook than rolled oats due to their thicker texture. They require more time and liquid to soften and become tender. That’s why they’re perfect for the Instant Pot.
Ingredients Needed
- Steel Cut Oats – Be sure you’re using steel cut oats and not rolled oats or quick oats, which will cook much faster than steel cut.
- Water – For a richer taste, you can replace some or all of the water with milk or your favorite non-dairy milk substitute like almond milk or oat milk.
- Salt – Just a pinch of salt will bring the flavors to life.
- Honey, Cream, Blueberries, and Almonds – These are all optional toppings, it is up to you what toppings you use.
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot – I use a 6-quart Instant Pot Plus to make all of my recipes. If you’re using an 8-quart pot, you will need to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly, as it requires more than the 6 quart to build steam.
How to Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Place the oats, water, and salt in the inner pot. Stir to combine.
Close and lid and set the vent to sealing (if necessary for your model). Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. When done, allow a natural release of pressure, which takes about 10-15 minutes. When the pin drops, open the lid.
Stir the oats. If they still need to thicken a bit, you can leave them on Keep Warm for 5-10 minutes to thicken. Serve with your desired toppings.
In case you’re a busy bee, buzzing around the house while you’re making breakfast, I can assure you that it’s okay to leave the oats in the pot for longer than natural pressure release will take.
I’ve left them in the pot without removing the lid for up to an hour at times. The oats do get more cooked than if you removed them right away, but it doesn’t change the texture that much.
Additional Helpful Tips
- For every cup of steel cut oats, use 2 3/4 to 3 cups of liquid (water or milk). With 2 3/4 cups, the oats will be slightly firmer, with 3 cups they will be creamier with less bite.
- Do not exceed the recommended fill line of your Instant Pot when cooking oats. This allows room for the oats to expand during cooking without risking overflow.
- Unlike stovetop oatmeal, avoid stirring the oats and water before pressure cooking. Stirring may cause the oats to clump together and increase the chance of a “burn” error on your Instant Pot.
Storing Options
Refrigerator: Allow the cooked oats to cool completely, then transfer them to airtight containers or resealable bags. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
Freezer: Portion the cooked oats into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rinse the steel cut oats before cooking?
Rinsing the steel cut oats is not necessary, as they have already been minimally processed. Simply measure and add them directly to the Instant Pot.
Can I reheat the cooked oats in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can reheat the cooked oats in the Instant Pot. Add a splash of liquid (water or milk) to the oats, give them a stir, and use the “Saute” function on low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
The recipe can be easily doubled or halved. Ensure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly. The Instant Pot may take slightly longer to come to pressure when doubling the recipe.
What is a natural pressure release?
Natural pressure release is a method where you allow the Instant Pot to release pressure on its own after the cooking cycle is complete. This usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. It helps the oats finish cooking and prevents foam from spewing out when manually releasing the remaining pressure.
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Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes.
The oats come out perfectly cooked with just the right amount of chewiness.
my go-to breakfast. easy to make and a huge time saver
These oats turn out great without much work. Definitely going to be making this again.