Steel cut oats are a popular breakfast choice for many people looking for a hearty, nutritious meal to start their day. Compared to rolled or instant oats, steel cut oats have a chewier texture and nuttier flavor. But like most cooked foods, leftover steel cut oats don’t retain their optimal texture and flavor after refrigeration. However, there are ways to reheat steel cut oats to make them almost as delicious as when freshly cooked.
How are steel cut oats different from rolled or instant oats?
Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oats, are whole oat groats that have been cut into smaller pieces rather than rolled thin. This makes them require longer cooking time but gives them a pleasant, chewy texture. Rolled oats are oat groats that have been steamed and rolled into thin, quick-cooking flakes. Instant oats are rolled even thinner and are often pre-cooked or partially cooked then dehydrated.
Compared to rolled or instant, steel cut oats have:
- Chewier, toothsome texture
- Nuttier, richer oat flavor
- Lower glycemic index due to slower digestibility
- Higher fiber and nutrient content
The differences come down to the fact that steel cut oats are less processed than rolled or instant. This preserves more of the fiber and nutrients in each oat groat. But it also means steel cut oats take much longer to cook – around 20-30 minutes versus 1-5 minutes for rolled or instant oats.
Do steel cut oats reheat well in the microwave?
Reheating steel cut oats in the microwave can result in uneven heating and a gluey, gummy texture. The microwave tends to continue cooking the oats, breaking down their starch structure. This releases more sugars and moisture, causing them to becomesticky.
However, there are some tips to help mitigate these effects when reheating steel cut oats in the microwave:
- Use a lower microwave power setting (50% or less) and heat in short increments, stirring in between.
- Add a tablespoon or two of milk or water before reheating to loosen the oats.
- Sprinkle on a little salt or butter to mask gumminess.
- Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or brown sugar to provide contrasting texture.
How to reheat steel cut oats on the stovetop
The stovetop allows for more even, gentle reheating that better preserves the steel cut oats’ texture. Here is a simple method:
- Place leftover oats in a saucepan. Add a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or water.
- Warm the oats over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
- Once heated through, remove from heat. The oats should retain their chewiness with minimal gumminess.
- Stir in any additional desired toppings to finish.
Tips for stovetop reheating success:
- Use a nonstick pan to prevent sticking and allow gentler reheating.
- Go for medium-low heat and stir often to prevent scorching on the bottom.
- Add a pat of butter once reheated for extra richness and sheen.
How to reheat steel cut oats in the oven
The oven allows steel cut oats to be reheated gently and evenly for a pilaf-like texture. Here’s how:
- Place chilled oats in an oven-safe dish. Dot with butter or drizzle with milk.
- Cover with foil and bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Remove foil, stir, and continue baking for 5 more minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Tips for oven reheating success:
- Use a shallow, wide dish to allow for maximum surface area.
- Stirring halfway through prevents underside from over-browning.
- A glass baking dish allows viewing without removing foil.
Best ways to store cooked steel cut oats
Properly storing cooked steel cut oats is key to ensuring they reheat well later on. Here are some storage tips:
- Let oats cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Portion into individual servings before storing.
Steel cut oats freeze especially well compared to rolled or instant oats. Their chewier texture stays intact better through freezing and thawing. Be sure to let frozen oats thaw completely in the fridge before reheating.
What are the best toppings for reheated steel cut oats?
Once reheated, steel cut oats can benefit from fresh toppings that provide contrasting flavors and textures. Here are some delicious topping ideas:
| Fruits | Nuts and Seeds | Sweeteners | Dairy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bananas | Almonds | Brown sugar | Milk |
| Berries | Pecans | Maple syrup | Yogurt |
| Apples | Walnuts | Honey | Butter |
| Pears | Pumpkin seeds | Cinnamon | Cream |
Mix and match your favorites to give reheated steel cut oats a fresh twist! The key is including some softer textures like fruit along with crunchier nuts and seeds.
Are there ways to meal prep steel cut oats to stay fresh?
Yes, steel cut oats can be prepped ahead in some creative ways to stay fresh and delicious all week:
Overnight Oats
Combine oats with milk/yogurt, chia seeds, and toppings. Refrigerate overnight to soften.
Baked Oatmeal
Mix oats with eggs, milk, banana, and cinnamon. Bake into a casserole to grab slices.
No-Cook Overnight Oats
Soak oats in yogurt and fruit juice overnight to soften without heat.
Protein Oat Jars
Layer oats with milk, nut butter, protein powder, and berries in jars.
Steel Cut Oatmeal Packets
Portion oats into packets with dehydrated fruit, nuts, and spices to grab and go.
Conclusion
While steel cut oats may not reheat with exactly the same texture as when freshly made, there are many tricks to getting them as close as possible. Reheating them gently and evenly on the stovetop or in the oven will help preserve their characteristic chewiness. Adding milk/water before reheating and fresh toppings after can mask any gumminess. Proper storage is also key – refrigerate cooked oats in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. With some care, steel cut oat leftovers can be turned into delicious, quick breakfasts all week long.