Steel-cut oats are a type of whole-grain oat that has been cut into small pieces using a steel blade. Unlike rolled oats or quick oats, which are flattened and partially cooked, steel-cut oats are minimally processed, which means they retain more of their nutrients and fiber.
When you cook steel-cut oats, they have a nutty flavor and a chewy texture that some people really enjoy. They can take longer to cook than rolled oats or quick oats, but many people feel that the extra time and effort is worth it for the taste and nutritional benefits.
Steel-cut oats can be enjoyed on their own, but they are also often used as a base for breakfast bowls, substituting oatmeal recipes, and baked goods. They are a great source of fiber, protein, and vitamins, and they can help you feel full and satisfied throughout the day. But what if you need a substitute for steel cut oats? Let’s dive in to our favorite options below.
Contents
1. Rolled oats
Rolled oats are your best option which is why we’ll break down exactly how to substitute rolled oats for steel cut oats. They are similar to steel-cut oats in terms of nutrition but are processed differently. They are steamed and flattened, which makes them cook faster than steel-cut oats. They are a great substitute for steel-cut oats in recipes that call for them.
Rolled oats can be substituted for steel-cut oats in most recipes, but keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may be slightly different. Here are some tips for substituting rolled oats for steel-cut oats:
- Use a 1:1 ratio: For most recipes, you can use the same amount of rolled oats as you would steel-cut oats. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of steel-cut oats, you can use 1 cup of rolled oats instead.
- Adjust the cooking time: Rolled oats cook faster than steel-cut oats, so you may need to adjust the cooking time. Start by reducing the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes and adjust as needed.
- Expect a softer texture: Steel-cut oats have a chewy texture, while rolled oats are softer and more tender. If you’re substituting rolled oats for steel-cut oats, you can expect a softer texture in the finished dish.
- Consider adding more liquid: Because rolled oats absorb more liquid than steel-cut oats, you may need to add more liquid to the recipe to prevent the oats from becoming too dry. Start by adding an extra 1/4 cup of liquid and adjust as needed.
- Try a combination of oats: If you’re not sure how to substitute rolled oats for steel-cut oats, you can try using a combination of the two. For example, you could use 1/2 cup of steel-cut oats and 1/2 cup of rolled oats in a recipe that calls for 1 cup of steel-cut oats.
Overall, substituting rolled oats for steel-cut oats is a great option if you don’t have steel-cut oats on hand or if you prefer a softer texture in your oatmeal or baked goods. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid as needed to get the best results.
If you want to try something different, here’s some other great substitutes for steel-cut oats
2. Quick oats
Quick oats are even more processed than rolled oats and are partially cooked. They are the fastest cooking oats and can be used as a substitute for steel-cut oats in recipes that require them. However, they have a slightly different texture and may not provide the same level of chewiness as steel-cut oats.
3. Oat groats
Oat groats are the whole oat kernel that has been cleaned, hulled, and minimally processed. They are the least processed of all oats and have a nutty flavor and chewy texture that is similar to steel-cut oats. However, they take longer to cook than steel-cut oats and may require soaking overnight.
4. Quinoa
Quinoa is a gluten-free, high-protein grain that can be used as a substitute for steel-cut oats. It has a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way as steel-cut oats.
5. Bulgur wheat
Bulgur wheat is a type of cracked wheat that has been partially cooked. It has a nutty flavor and chewy texture and can be used as a substitute for steel-cut oats in recipes that require them.
6. Farro
Farro is a type of ancient wheat that has a nutty flavor and chewy texture. It can be used as a substitute for steel-cut oats in recipes that call for them, but it takes longer to cook than steel-cut oats.
7. Barley
Barley is a versatile grain that can be used as a substitute for steel-cut oats. It has a chewy texture and nutty flavor and is rich in fiber and nutrients. It can be cooked in the same way as steel-cut oats and used in a variety of recipes.
FAQ
Can you substitute regular oats for steel cut oats?
Yes, regular oats can be substituted for steel cut oats in many recipes. Regular oats, AKA old-fashioned oats or rolled oats, are similar to steel-cut oats in nutritional value, however they have a slightly different texture and cooking time than steel cut oats. Take a look at our guide above for rolled oats.
Can you substitute quaker oats for steel cut oats?
Yes, Quaker oats can be substituted for steel-cut oats in most recipes. Quaker oats are a type of rolled oats that are similar to regular oats or old-fashioned oats, and they have a similar nutritional profile.
