Oats are a very healthy and beneficial food for the body, making them highly recommended for everyone as a healthy and enjoyable breakfast option. However, do you find yourself bored with preparing oats for overnight oats and oatmeal? You can make oats in an interesting way and prepare them in the microwave. Without any complicated processes, you can quickly get a delicious and healthy meal option. However, how to cook rolled oats in a microwave?
What type of oats should you use?
Old-Fashioned Oats
Old-fashioned oats or rolled oats are the most common type of oats for microwave cooking. Because they absorb liquids or non-dairy milk well, rolled oats provide a creamy and chewy texture when consumed in a bowl of oatmeal. Therefore, rolled oats are the perfect base for making microwave oatmeal, especially if you add your favourite toppings that suit your taste preferences.
Quick Oats
Besides old-fashioned rolled oats, instant oats can also be used as a base for making microwave oatmeal. However, the texture produced is different because instant oats do not have the same absorbent properties as rolled oats. If cooked for too long in the microwave, quick oats can become slightly mushy. Therefore, try to use a shorter cooking time than when making oatmeal with rolled oats.
Steel-cut Oats
To get a chewier oatmeal texture, you can use steel-cut oats as a base. However, steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time than the other two types of oats, so they may not be the right base if you want a quick and efficient meal option. Moreover, you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio when cooking oatmeal to get the perfect texture.
How to cook rolled oats in a microwave
Ingredients
The ingredients that can be used to make rolled oats in the microwave are quite diverse because they suit each person’s taste. However, here are some common ingredients you can try to make oatmeal in the microwave.
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats
- 1 cup of water or milk (or a plant-based alternative
- Optional: Toppings such as nuts, fruits, honey, or seeds can enhance your microwave oatmeal recipe.
Variations
Making dishes using oats means you can be more creative with your oatmeal! For additional ingredients that will increase overall nutrition, use fruits such as banana slices, berries, or apple chunks, which will also add sweetness. Moreover, you can also add protein powder to increase the protein content in these dishes.
Instructions
Here is a guide on how to cook rolled oats, which can be an easy homemade breakfast oatmeal recipe in the morning!
- Combine Ingredients: Start by placing the rolled oats and your chosen liquid (water, milk, or plant-based milk) into a microwave-safe bowl. Stir the mixture to ensure the oats are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Microwave the Oats: Place the bowl of oatmeal in the microwave and cook on high for 1 to 2 minutes. Microwave ovens vary, so you may need to adjust the time slightly to achieve the desired consistency. Stir halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
- Check Consistency: After the oats are done, check their consistency. If they are too thick for your liking, you can add more liquid and stir.
- Add Toppings: Once the oats are ready, top them with your favourite add-ins, such as nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, brown sugar, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy your nutritious breakfast with a sprinkle of your favourite toppings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ratio of oats to water?
For old-fashioned rolled oats, the general ratio is 1 part oats to 2 parts liquid for an easy microwave oatmeal. It helps the oats cook evenly and absorb the liquid, giving you a creamy texture. You can adjust this ratio to suit your preferred consistency, adding more liquid, such as almond milk, for creamier oats or less for thicker oats.
How much time should I microwave oats?
Microwaving rolled oats usually takes about 1 to 2 minutes on high heat. Be sure to stir the oats halfway through to prevent them from overflowing. If your microwave has a lower wattage, you might need to cook them for an extra 30 seconds to 1 minute to achieve the perfect bowl of oatmeal.
Is microwaving oatmeal healthy?
Yes, microwaving oats is just as healthy as cooking them on the stove. The microwave preserves most of the oats’ nutrients, including fibre, protein, and essential vitamins. It’s a quick and efficient way to prepare a healthy breakfast without sacrificing any nutritional benefits of oats.
Conclusion
So, how to cook rolled oats in a microwave? Microwaving old-fashioned rolled oats is an easy, quick, and healthy way to enjoy a filling breakfast in no time. With endless variations and customisations, you can enjoy your oats just the way you like them. It is suitable for everyone and provides comfort and warmth when consumed in the morning.
For more wheat, rye, and barley-free oat options that are perfect for everyone, be sure to check out Oats My Goodness for flavorful overnight oats with granola options. We also offer bundle options that will add extra fun to your healthy breakfast in the morning.
