How to Substitute Steel Cut for Rolled Oats (2024)

By Cathryn Whitehead

How to Substitute Steel Cut for Rolled Oats (1)

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Oatmeal is known as a fiber-rich food that fills you up, helps regulate blood sugar and lowers your cholesterol. Steel-cut oats, also known as pinhead, Scotch, Irish or coarse-cut oats are higher in fiber and lower on the glycemic index than rolled oats. Rolled, or old fashioned, oats are more highly processed, but they cook faster than steel-cut oats. For better health, many people want to substitute steel-cut oats for rolled oats in recipes, but they have to consider texture and cooking time to make substitutions.

Mix the ingredients in your recipe. Add the same amount of steel-cut oats a recipe with rolled oats calls for, cup for cup. Add 10 to 15 minutes to the cooking time to soften the oats, checking frequently to make sure your baked goods don't burn.

Read instructions and follow recipes on oatmeal boxes. Some steel-cut oat manufacturers suggest soaking oats before cooking.

Use the same measurements and cooking methods for steel-cut oats as rolled oats in recipes that call for cooked oatmeal.

Add steel-cut oats to your recipe. Let the batter set for an hour to allow the oats to absorb more liquid, then cook.

Tip

Prepare oatmeal with steel-cut oats using a slow cooker that allows the oatmeal to simmer all night.

Additional liquid may be needed to soften steel-cut oats enough to chew.

Warning

Check products in which you are substituting steel-cut oats before making them in bulk to be sure they produce the consistency and texture you want.

References

Resources

Writer Bio

Cathryn Whitehead graduated from the University of Michigan in 1987. She has published numerous articles for various websites. Her poems have been published in several anthologies and on Poetry.com. Whitehead has done extensive research on health conditions and has a background in education, household management, music and child development.

How to Substitute Steel Cut for Rolled Oats (2024)

FAQs

How do I substitute steel cut oats for rolled oats? ›

What do I do if I want to make a recipe but don't have the type of oats it calls for? If you are making substitutions, remember that quick and rolled/old-fashioned oats use 1/2 cup oats for every 1 cup liquid, and steel cut and quick-cook steel cut use 1/4 cup oats for every 3/4 cup liquid.

Can you replace rolled oats with steel cut in baking? ›

Steel cut oats are the texture of a grain like rice or barley, so they require much more cooking than rolled oats. The amount of liquid you use to cook them are also different. Do not substitute rolled oats in a recipe that calls for steel cut oats, and vice versa.

Do steel cut oats require less cooking time than rolled oats? ›

And since steel-cut oats are the least processed, they take the most time to prepare, which could be a turn off for some people. While rolled and quick oats can be prepared on the stovetop in a few minutes, steel-cut oats take up to 30 minutes to make.

Can I use steel cut oats instead of rolled oats in overnight oats? ›

Overnight oats work with a variety of forms of oatmeal including quick cooking oats, rolled oats, quick cooking steel cut oats, and normal steel cut oats! It all depends on how creamy you like your oats. Quick cooking oats will get you the creamiest and then steel cut oats will give you more of a bite.

What happens if you don't soak steel-cut oats? ›

Soaking not only softens the oats, but it also makes them more tender, quicker to cook, and easier to digest. In a side-by-side comparison, we found that unsoaked oats lacked that fluffy, creamy texture soaked oats provide.

Can you substitute steel-cut oats for rolled oats in apple crisp? ›

Oats: Use either old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking oats for this apple crisp. Do NOT steel cut oats! Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds so much depth and richness to the apple crisp, so I much prefer using it over granulated sugar when making a crisp recipe.

Can you substitute quick cooking steel cut oats for rolled oats? ›

In terms of your morning bowl of oatmeal, yes, rolled oats and quick oats are interchangeable. However, rolled oats are better for baking and cooking because they retain their texture better than quick oats. This makes them the ideal addition to baked goods like my autumn granola breakfast cookies.

Can you use steel cut oats instead of old fashioned oats in cookies? ›

The short answer is no. Steel cut oats are much more dense than old fashioned oats. They require more liquid and longer cooking than their traditional cousins. While you can, in most cases and with some accommodations, substitute quick oats for old fashioned oats, and vice versa, steel cut oats are not interchangeable.

Are steel cut oats more filling than rolled oats? ›

Rolled oats and steel-cut oats are two minimally processed forms of oats. They have similar nutritional values and health benefits. Steel-cut oats may take longer to digest and therefore help a person feel full for longer. They also have a slightly lower impact on blood sugar.

Which is healthier steel cut or rolled oats? ›

Metric per metric, rolled oats and steel cut oats are almost the same when it comes to nutritional value. However, steel cut oats beat out rolled oats in two areas, fiber content and density, which make steel cut oats the best bang for your nutritional buck.

Why do steel cut oats keep you full longer? ›

Steel cut oats contain β-glucan, a viscous, soluble fiber that slows the movement of food through the digestive tract and helps you feel fuller after eating. Foods that help people feel fuller longer may benefit people who are trying to lose weight and help them avoid overeating.

Do Steel cut oats have more calories than rolled oats? ›

Steel-cut oats are nutritionally similar to rolled oats, ounce for ounce. Calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber are much the same.

Is it good to soak steel cut oats? ›

I recommend soaking the steel cut oats for at least 10 hours before eating. They'll be super chewy but yummy on Day 1 and will continue to soften throughout the week. Even on Day 5, the Overnight Steel Cut Oats still had a nice texture and were not at all mushy.

Can I make steel cut oats with milk instead of water? ›

For every 1 cup of steel cut oats, you'll need 3 1/2 to 4 cups of liquid, depending upon how thick you'd like them to be (less liquid = thicker steel cut oatmeal). I like to do a mix of water and milk to make the steel cut oats extra creamy. You can use any kind of milk you like.

Can you overcook steel cut oats? ›

As with any oats, you can overcook your steel cut oats, but it would take a while. Since they start as a harder grain, steel cut oats are more difficult to overcook and generally get creamier the longer you cook them.

Should you discard oats soaking water? ›

Don't I have to rinse the oats? It makes sense that if you're soaking oats to rid them of phytic acid, you would need to discard the soaking water; however, this process is enzymatic. That means the phytic acid is deactivated (to some degree) and you do not need to discard the soaking water.

Why are my steel cut oats chewy? ›

Since steel cut oats are less processed than other types of oats, they have a deliciously chewy texture.

What can I substitute for rolled oats in baking? ›

In baking, rolled oats can generally be substituted with a ½ + ½ blend of flour (gluten free or not), and almond meal.

Are steel cut oats the same as old-fashioned oats? ›

The main difference between steel-cut oats and quick oats lies in the processing. Steel-cut oats are oat groats that have been cut into two or three pieces, for a relatively unprocessed product. Rolled or old-fashioned oats are made by steaming and rolling oat groats for faster cooking.

How much does 1 cup of uncooked steel-cut oats make? ›

When cooked the oats should double in size, approximately, so one cup of uncooked oats will yield about 2 to 2-1/2 cups of cooked oats.

Can quick steel-cut oats be used in baking? ›

Editor: Yes! I love adding a scoop of steel-cut oats to baked goods. It adds a nice texture and a subtle oaty flavor. If you're making a slow-rising recipe, like one of the no-knead breads, throw them in raw.

Do steel-cut oats give you gas? ›

Oats contain lots of fibre. Fibres are carbohydrates you don't break down and absorb. This makes fibre good for your gut because it feeds your gut bacteria (instead of you). But too much fibre might cause gas and bloating.

What is the healthiest type of oatmeal to eat? ›

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.

Do oats spike blood sugar? ›

For many people with diabetes, consuming oatmeal doesn't have a lot of cons. Eating oatmeal can spike blood sugar levels if you choose instant oatmeal, laden with added sugar, or consume too much at one time. Oatmeal can have negative effects for those who also have gastroparesis, which is delayed gastric emptying.

Are Steel-cut oats anti inflammatory? ›

Steel-cut oats are an excellent soluble fiber to add to the diet that also acts as a prebiotic food. These oats are beneficial to promote anti-inflammatory integrity in the intestinal bacteria. Steel-cut oats are less processed than old fashion rolled oats and have a lower Glycemix Index.

Do steel-cut oats have more protein than regular oats? ›

PROTEIN: A serving of steel-cut oats contains 5.0 grams of protein, while a serving of rolled oats contains 5.5 grams of protein. FAT: A serving of steel-cut oats contains 2.0 grams of fat, while a serving of rolled oats contains 2.7 grams of fat.

Why am I still hungry after eating steel cut oats? ›

While oatmeal does have some protein in it, it's not enough to keep you feeling full after your meal. Plus, without any fats in your bowl of oats, you'll likely feel hungry soon after eating breakfast. An easy solution to making your oatmeal healthier is by adding a fat source and protein source to your oatmeal.

Do steel cut oats spike blood sugar? ›

Steel Cut oatmeal has a low glycemic index score because it is digested and absorbed slowly and does not raise your blood sugar quickly nor very high.

Can diabetics eat steel cut oats? ›

Steel-cut oats are best for type 2 diabetes because they are the least-processed version of oat groats. “Rolled oats have a higher GI than steel-cut oats as they actually have been partially cooked, making them increase your blood sugar faster,” says Kaufman.

Are steel-cut oats too many carbs? ›

Even steel-cut oats, which are less processed than other types of oatmeal, are also high in carbs, with 28 grams of carbs in each 1/4-cup (40-gram) dry serving ( 23 , 24 ).

Are steel-cut oats good for belly fat? ›

Everyone knows oatmeal is good for you. Did you know that it can also help with losing weight? You read that correctly, you can lose belly fat by eating oatmeal! Oats contain high levels of dietary fiber which is resistant to digestive enzymes, therefore your body does not process it as caloric intake.

Should oats be rinsed after soaking? ›

Make sure that you are rinsing them well. People tend to skip this step, but from my personal experience, I find rinsing them well omits this. It also helps in washing away the sticky starch that can make oats gummy.

Are overnight oats healthier than cooked oats? ›

Another thing is the fact that as opposed to the cooked oatmeals since overnight oatmeals are not boiled they retain more nutrients. Overnight oatmeals also incorporate raw oats unlike cooked oatmeals, which use instant oats and therefore making it relatively more nutritious.

What does soaking oats in water do? ›

What soaking oats overnight does is it helps the oats break down their natural starches. It also reduces the phytic acid that occurs naturally in oats. As a result, they become more digestible and your body can absorb the nutrients more easily. Secondly, the oats when soaked overnight also taste much more delicious.

What tastes better in oatmeal milk or water? ›

Simple tip #1: Make oatmeal with milk (or a non-dairy alternative) versus water. Not only does oatmeal made with water taste way less delicious, but you're also missing out on the extra protein staying power that milk will add to the breakfast. Water will also make the oats more gummy instead of creamy.

Can you just pour boiling water on oats? ›

3. To Cook, Just Add Boiling Water. To turn your instant oatmeal mix into breakfast, put 1/2 cup of the mix into a bowl, then pour 3/4 cup of boiling water over it, give it a stir, and let it sit for 2 minutes. Then top with butter, milk, sweeteners, and/or fresh fruit as you like.

Is it healthier to use milk or water in oatmeal? ›

Milk is rich in fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that complements the nutrients in oats. Thus oats cooked in milk have benefits over oats cooked in water. Milk has fats, calcium, and Vitamin D that is normally absent in processed oats.

Are Steel cut oats better for you than rolled oats? ›

Metric per metric, rolled oats and steel cut oats are almost the same when it comes to nutritional value. However, steel cut oats beat out rolled oats in two areas, fiber content and density, which make steel cut oats the best bang for your nutritional buck.

Are Steel cut oats harder to digest than rolled oats? ›

Rolled oats and steel-cut oats are two minimally processed forms of oats. They have similar nutritional values and health benefits. Steel-cut oats may take longer to digest and therefore help a person feel full for longer. They also have a slightly lower impact on blood sugar.

Are steel cut oats and rolled oats the same? ›

Production: The primary difference between steel-cut and rolled oats is how they are processed. Steel-cut oats are made as the name suggests, by cutting the oats into smaller pieces using a steel blade. Rolled oats are steamed and then rolled flat. This means that they absorb liquid more quickly than steel-cut oats.

Should you soak Steel cut oats before cooking? ›

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.

What is the healthiest cut of oatmeal? ›

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.

Can steel-cut oats cause stomach problems? ›

One cup of oats contains a little over 8 grams of fiber. "If you have a sensitive stomach, the fiber in the oatmeal may cause you to experience bloating and gas," says Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Do steel cut oats cause inflammation? ›

Steel-cut oats are an excellent soluble fiber to add to the diet that also acts as a prebiotic food. These oats are beneficial to promote anti-inflammatory integrity in the intestinal bacteria.

What is the easiest oatmeal to digest? ›

You'll want to stay away from packaged instant oatmeal because of the amount of added sugar, but oatmeal made from raw oats and flavoured with honey is one of the most easily digested foods out there. It's also one of the most nutritious whole grains.

Do steel cut oats make you gassy? ›

Oats and whole wheat bread

Whole grains make you gassy for the same reason the vegetables listed above do: they're equally high in fiber. You don't want to skimp on fiber, though, since it's great for your heart, digestion, and weight.

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