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How to Cook Oats

Good for you, hearty and versatile, oats are a popular breakfast staple. This informative article shows you how to cook different types on the stovetop, as well as provides a few tasty recipe ideas.

What are oats?

A nutritious and versatile whole grain, oats originated in Europe and Asia, but currently Russia and Canada are the world’s top producers. Rich in fibre and supporting heart health, they’re usually enjoyed as oatmeal, in baked goods like cookies and muffins, and even smoothies. When cooked, they have a tender and creamy texture with a nutty flavour.

Different types of oats

There are various forms of oats available on the market, including whole oat groats, which can be added to salads; oat bran, the nutritious outer layer of the oat groat, which can be added to muffins; and oat flour for a gluten-free flour alternative. In this article, we will focus on three popular breakfast options:

  • Quick: These are oats that have been thinly rolled and finely chopped, allowing them to be cooked fast. (Not to be confused with instant oats, which are pre-cooked, finely processed, and have a mushy texture.)
  • Large flake: Also known as rolled or old-fashioned oats, they’re oats that have been steamed, flattened and rolled into large flakes. 
  • Steel cut: These are made using the whole oat that is then cut into small pieces using a steel blade.

How to cook oats - stovetop method

Quick oats

  1.  In a small pot, combine 1 cup of oats with 2 cups of water or milk.
  2.  Bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Simmer for 1 minute.
  3.  Remove from the heat and let sit for 2 minutes.

Large-flake oats

  1.  In a small pot, bring 2 cups of salted water or milk to a boil.
  2.  Stir in 1 cup of oats. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3.  Remove from the heat. Cover and let sit.

Steel-cut oats

  1.  In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of oats with 4 cups of salted water or milk.
  2.  Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer gently, uncovered, until the oatmeal thickens and is tender, 25 to 30 minutes, stirring frequently, especially towards the end.
  3.  Remove from the heat.

How to cook overnight oats

  1.  In a 2-cup airtight container, combine ½ cup large-flake (or rolled) oats with ½ cup of milk.
  2.  Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight, until the oats have plumped up.
  3.  Add any mix-ins, sweeteners and toppings before serving.

Want a few ideas to cook with oats? Check out these recipes: