Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe – Easy Almond Milk Breakfast

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe – Easy Almond Milk Breakfast

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… chaotic. Between getting ready and juggling a million things, a quick, healthy breakfast often falls by the wayside. But not anymore! I’ve been making these Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats for ages, and they’ve become a total lifesaver. Seriously, creamy, delicious oatmeal in under 30 minutes? Yes, please!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats recipe is a game-changer. It’s unbelievably easy, requires minimal effort, and delivers perfectly cooked, creamy oats every time. No more stirring and babysitting a pot on the stove! Plus, using almond milk keeps it light and adds a subtle nutty flavor. It’s a comforting, nourishing breakfast that will keep you full and energized all morning long.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these amazing oats:

• 1 cup Steel Cut Oatmeal (about 170g)
• 3 cups Unsweetened Almond Milk (720ml)
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract (2.5ml)
• 1 teaspoon Maple Syrup (5ml), or to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Steel Cut Oats: These are my absolute favorite! They have a wonderfully chewy texture and are packed with fiber, keeping you feeling full for hours. They’re also a great source of iron and magnesium.
• Almond Milk: I love using unsweetened almond milk to keep the sugar content down and let the natural sweetness of the oats and maple syrup shine. You can use any plant-based milk you prefer, though!
• Maple Syrup: A little maple syrup adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Feel free to swap it out for honey, agave, or even a sprinkle of brown sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, turn on your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the steel cut oats and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step really brings out their nutty flavor – don’t skip it!
2. Pour in the almond milk and give everything a good stir to combine with the oats. Make sure there aren’t any clumps.
3. Now, close the lid, set the vent to ‘Sealing,’ and cook on Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally (about 10 minutes) until the float valve drops. Always open the lid carefully, directing the steam away from you.
5. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. Serve warm in bowls, topped with your favorite goodies!

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way…

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with the liquid ratio. If you like your oats extra creamy, add a splash more almond milk.
• Toasting the oats is key! It adds so much flavor.
• Natural pressure release is crucial for perfectly cooked, creamy oats. Don’t rush it!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Steel cut oats are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go. Just double-check the packaging to ensure they’re processed in a gluten-free facility if you have a severe allergy.
• Spice Level: My friend, Priya, loves adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to her oats for a warm, cozy flavor. It’s delicious!
• Quick Release vs. Natural Pressure Release: While you can do a quick release, I highly recommend natural pressure release for the best texture. Quick release can sometimes result in slightly gummy oats.

Serving Suggestions

The fun part! Here are some of my favorite toppings:

• Fresh fruits (berries, bananas, peaches – whatever’s in season!)
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
• Granola for a little crunch
• A drizzle of extra maple syrup (because, why not?)
• A dollop of nut butter

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating will change the texture slightly – they’ll become thicker. Just add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen them up.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

1. Can I use a different type of milk besides almond milk?

Absolutely! You can use any milk you like – cow’s milk, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk… the possibilities are endless.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? How does reheating affect the texture?

You can definitely make this ahead of time! The texture will thicken upon refrigeration, so just add a splash of milk (or water) when reheating to get it back to your desired consistency.

3. What is the difference between steel cut oats and rolled oats? Can I substitute?

Steel cut oats are the least processed type of oats, meaning they have a chewier texture and take longer to cook. Rolled oats are flattened, so they cook much faster. While you can substitute rolled oats, the cooking time and texture will be different. You’ll need to reduce the cooking time significantly and the oats will be softer.

4. My oats are sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot. What did I do wrong?

Make sure you’re toasting the oats for a few minutes and stirring frequently. This helps create a bit of a barrier. Also, ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot.

5. Can I add fruit during the cooking process, or should I only add it as a topping?

I recommend adding fruit as a topping. Cooking fruit in the oats can make them mushy.