Use level scoops with a dry measuring cup to portion out loose oats.
1 cup (240 ml) of water may look like a lot in ½ cup (45 gm) of oats, but keep in mind that the oats will absorb moisture quickly when cooked. For thicker, creamier oatmeal, you can also use milk in place of water.
If you’re making a heartier kind of oatmeal, like traditional rolled or steel-cut oats, you may need to increase the cook time to 2½-3 minutes to make sure they’re tender. [4] X Research source
Allow the oatmeal to cool for a minute or two before you take your first spoonful.
Give packaged instant oatmeal a taste before adding anything else. These tend to be flavored with additives like brown sugar, cinnamon, and apples, so they might not need much.
A smaller pot, like a saucepan, will provide the best results, since the oats need to be partially submerged in order to cook. Only steel-cut or rolled oats should be prepared on the stovetop. Other varieties, like packaged instant oatmeal and quick-cooking oats, are designed to be cooked in the microwave. [7] X Research source
You can also use a combination of milk and water for creamier oatmeal without an excessive amount of calories. [9] X Research source Be careful not to let the water or milk get too hot, or it will evaporate quickly and cause the oatmeal to scorch.
Throw in a pinch of salt to give the oats more flavor. Add a splash of vanilla into the oats for added sweetness.
It may take anywhere from 8-10 minutes to simmer a pot of old fashioned rolled oats. Because of their tougher texture, steel-cut oats may require as long as 20 minutes to soften up. [12] X Research source Over stirring oats breaks down their starches, causing them to turn gluey and neutralizing much of their natural flavor.
Keep in mind that the oatmeal will continue to thicken a little as it cools, so it may be a good idea to take it off the stovetop a tad before it looks just right.
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice can offer a good counterbalance to sweeter ingredients. [14] X Research source Allow the oatmeal to cool to a safe temperature before digging in.
This method can be used to prepare packaged instant oatmeal as well as the slower-cooking steel-cut and rolled varieties.
Using a dry measuring cup will help you get a more precise oat-to-water ratio. Add a pinch of salt to the dry oats to bring out more of their flavor.
The oats will puff up and thicken as they cook, which means it’s usually better to use a little more water than you think you need.
A splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt will help fresh-cooked oats cool off quicker. [16] X Research source
Don’t be afraid to play around with unusual flavors like dried cherries, pistachios, or shaved coconut when you feel like something a little different. Try serving your oatmeal like an acai bowl—stir in blended acai berry smoothie and other wholesome ingredients like chia seeds, nut butters, and fresh fruit. [18] X Research source
Rolled oats work best for making overnight oatmeal—instant oats will quickly become mushy once liquid is added, while steel-cut oats won’t soften enough, and will remain dry and tough. [20] X Research source If your mornings tend to be pretty frenzied, mix up your overnight oatmeal in a plastic storage container so you can savor it on the go.
It may take a couple trial runs before you get the proportions exactly right. If your overnight oatmeal turns out a little soggy the first time, cut back on the amount of milk you use on your next attempt. If they’re overly dry, add an extra splash just before serving. [22] X Research source
You can also add other dry ingredients at this stage, such as chia seeds, flax, and ground spices.
If the container you’ve selected doesn’t come with a built-in lid, secure a piece of plastic wrap or aluminum foil around the opening. Refrigerating overnight oats for longer than abut 10 hours may result in a soggy, inedible mess.
Try using mashed bananas to supply sweetness rather than traditional sweeteners. [26] X Research source Get creative! There’s virtually no limit to the number of unique flavor combinations you can come up with. If the idea of chowing down on cold oatmeal doesn’t appeal to you, you can also pop an individual serving in the microwave for a minute or two.
