# Steel Cut Oatmeal- What Did I Do Wrong? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 7, 2010, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623 "2010-03-07T14:29:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![x-ray\_vision](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/x-ray_vision/32/351_2.png) [@x-ray\_vision](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/x-ray_vision)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2010, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/21 "2010-03-08T17:15:22Z")
I cook a single serving of steel-cut oatmeal every morning and it only takes about 20 minutes. I simmer low and stir occasionally while preparing eggs. I use a half cup of oats and 1.5 cups of water. When done, I add a little milk, sugar and cinnamon. My wife will occasionally make me some on weekends with nuts, toasted bananas, etc. Like some posters above, I too buy them in bulk. This is a huge cost savings. I get them at my local Whole Foods for $1.19lb. ---
**Author:** ![Purd\_Werfect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47c2d/32.png) [@Purd\_Werfect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Purd_Werfect)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2010, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/22 "2010-03-08T20:19:39Z")
The overnight cheat method on the McCanns can works fine for oats with some body to them, and it’s simple. > [@](#): > > Quick Soak Method > > One of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare McCann’s Steel Cut Oats is to soak the oats overnight. Before going to bed, boil four cups of water in a pot, add one cup of oatmeal. Simmer 1 minute. Cover pot and store overnight in refrigerator. The next morning cook the oatmeal on low for 9 – 12 minutes; stirring occasionally. I actually just do the first part and don’t bother with the 9-12 minutes cooking the next morning. Into a glass bowl, microwave for 2 minutes. Put the rest in a storage container and back to the fridge. I also use about 3.5 cups of water instead of four. Either way’s fine though. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2010, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/23 "2010-03-08T23:51:20Z")
For those following at home – I added some frozen raspberries and almonds, and it was actually pretty good reheated. It even provoked some office kitchen envy. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/bc8723/32.png) [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2010, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/24 "2010-03-09T00:02:59Z")
I had the same problem - crusty and stuck on at the bottom, soupy paste on top. I too just make a batch and nuke a serving size in the mornings. That, or I use McCann’s quick steel cut oats, which aren’t quite as chewy, but miles better than rolled. They only take 5-7 minutes to cook. I like to add a tablespoon of almond butter and a touch of brown sugar to mine. Delicious, and keeps me up and running for longer because of the protein and fat. ---
**Author:** ![Catfood\_Purrito](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Catfood\_Purrito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catfood_Purrito)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2010, 6:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/25 "2010-03-09T06:49:12Z")
I had the same problem, until I got a smaller slow cooker. I got a 1-1/2 quart one from Amazon for 16.50. I put in 1/2 cup oats with 2 cups of water, cook it on low for 7 to 8 hours, comes out perfect every time. Definitely not mush! ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2010, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/26 "2010-03-09T16:23:11Z")
> [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](#): > > I like to add a tablespoon of almond butter and a touch of brown sugar to mine. What, cinnamon was not authorized? ---
**Author:** ![Kansas\_Beekeeper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c37758/32.png) [@Kansas\_Beekeeper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kansas_Beekeeper)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2010, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/27 "2010-03-09T16:26:47Z")
Here’s my recipe, using a rice cooker with a timer: 1 cup of steel cut oats, 3 1/2 cups water (or slightly less), a handful of dried cranberries or dried cherries (the cheapest that I’ve found are at Aldi), 1 tbs sorghum molasses, 1 tsp vanilla, a big pinch of cinnamon, a small pinch of nutmeg, a small pinch of allspice, a small pinch of ginger, and a sprinkle of salt (all to taste). Put it all in at bedtime and set the timer for at least an hour before I get up using the “soup” setting. Stir before eating. ---
**Author:** ![Turble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/8dc957/32.png) [@Turble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turble)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2010, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/28 "2010-03-09T16:30:55Z")
I’ve been wondering if the size of the slow cooker made a difference. The Alton Brown episode prompted me to try steel cut oats and I do think it is substantially better than the Quick variety … I never cared for Instant … but the time factor means I don’t bother very often and my slow cooker is a big whole chicken size, so I don’t want to make enough oatmeal to make it happy … been thinking about getting a small one just for the oats – but then, that’s a unitasker. So, did those of you who have had poor results with the slow cooker method use a big one? Do those who report good results use a small one? ---
**Author:** ![Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/bc8723/32.png) [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2010, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/29 "2010-03-09T16:39:08Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > What, cinnamon was not authorized? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/30 "2010-03-10T03:02:17Z")
> [@Turble](#): > > So, did those of you who have had poor results with the slow cooker method use a big one? Do those who report good results use a small one? Hm good question, mine is large. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/31 "2010-03-10T19:23:28Z")
A hint for using a slow-cooker: Rig up a “bain-marie” (water bath). Pour some water into the cooker, and set a smaller container (Pyrex has some glass bowls that work wonderfully) inside, with the oat mixture. It’ll take a couple of tries to get the proportions and timing right. If I put 1 cup of oats, and 3 of water, then cook on high for 3 hours it’s just right. Same proportions on low for 9 hours, that’s overdone (and burnt-tasting). I should probably try the slower cooking with a higher proportion of water inside the bowl. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/32 "2010-03-10T19:26:40Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > … > Actually, the overnight method makes too much oatmeal. … No, the overnight method makes a perfect amount of oatmeal, for several days’ worth of breakfasts. I make it with 1 cup oatmeal (which is 4 servings per the package). Scoop out 1/4 of it right away if I’m ready for breakfast, and put the rest in the fridge. Or more usually, I make it the evening before, and put it all in the fridge. By morning, it’s set up into a fairly solid mass, which I slice into 4 wedges. Scoop one wedge into a bowl, mush it up some, and zap for a minute in the microwave (stirring at 30 seconds). Fast, easy, healthy… One might add water, juice or milk at the warming-up step if needed. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/33 "2010-03-10T19:31:02Z")
Another way to cook: [http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/oven-oatmeal/](http://bitten.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/oven-oatmeal/) I think I’ve linked to this before. I haven’t tried it yet, though. The only issue I have with it is that the proportion of water might vary depending on the size/shape of the baking container - a wide shallow pan with 1 inch of water on top is very different from a tall narrow one. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2010, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/34 "2010-03-10T19:33:14Z")
And another way of doing them in the oven: [http://stanford.wellsphere.com/healthy-living-article/baked-steel-cut-oatmeal/564822](http://stanford.wellsphere.com/healthy-living-article/baked-steel-cut-oatmeal/564822) ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2010, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/35 "2010-03-13T21:44:38Z")
I case anyone is wondering, I cooked it in my rice cooker w/ 1 cup oats, and a slightly shy 4 cups of liquid (incl 3/4 cup half and half, the rest water), and a teaspoon of vanilla. PERFECT!!! Thanks, y’all!! ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2010, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/36 "2010-03-13T23:42:44Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > I case anyone is wondering, I cooked it in my rice cooker w/ 1 cup oats, and a slightly shy 4 cups of liquid (incl 3/4 cup half and half, the rest water), and a teaspoon of vanilla. > > PERFECT!!! > > Thanks, y’all!! Yay! Did you cook it on “cook”, or overnight on “keep warm”? And is your rice cooker a simple one, or does it have “fuzzy logic” with porridge settings etc.? ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2010, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/37 "2010-03-14T00:34:55Z")
Just wanted to add I tried cooking them overnight in the crockpot, and yes, they came out just. awful. Thanks, Alton Brown! :mad: I cook them on the stove, pour in a cake pan, and just cut squares and nuke, when needed. It lasts a week in the refrigerator just fine. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2010, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/38 "2010-03-14T01:29:21Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Yay! > > Did you cook it on “cook”, or overnight on “keep warm”? > > And is your rice cooker a simple one, or does it have “fuzzy logic” with porridge settings etc.? Mine is a simple one, it just has cook, off, and warm. I cooked it on “cook” for about 40 minutes, a little longer on “warm” (the cooker switches from cook to warm on it’s own, how it knows is beyond my ken but it’s always right). YUM!! ---
**Author:** ![Archergal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@Archergal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Archergal)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2010, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/39 "2010-03-14T23:04:12Z")
:smack: Why didn’t I think to look over here for steel-cut oats ideas??? ::runs off to try some of these recipes:: ---
**Author:** ![Paranoid\_Randroid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/paranoid_randroid/32/18_2.png) [@Paranoid\_Randroid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paranoid_Randroid)\ **Post date:** [March 14, 2010, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623/40 "2010-03-14T23:18:14Z")
Huhm. I usually just boil 3.5 cups of water on the stove, stir in a cup of oats, cut the heat, cover, and let sit overnight. It takes a few moments to heat up in the morning, though. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steel-cut-oatmeal-what-did-i-do-wrong/531623.md?page=3)