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Soaked oats can turn boring and bland oatmeal into a delicious breakfast treat. Place your oats in the fridge the night before so they are ready to eat in the morning. Once your oats are soaked, they will require minimal preparation. All you need to add is a little milk and as many toppings as you like for an easy, hearty, and healthy meal.
Steps
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Find whole oats for a healthy option. Cut oats often lose fatty acids and other nutrients while being stored. Pick whole oats if you are most interested in your oatmeal's health benefits. The fresh taste of whole oats can complement overnight oatmeal well. [1] X Research source
- Whole oats must be rolled at home so don't choose this option unless you own an oat grinder.
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Buy rolled oats for preservation. Rolled oats preserve the taste and nutrients in the oats. Before being stored, rolled oats are steamed and flattened into flakes. When soaked overnight, they absorb flavors easily. [2] X Research source
- Rolled oats are easily found at most grocery stores, unlike whole oats.
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Pick steel cut oats for heartier oatmeal. Steel cut oats are chopped up into small pieces before being stored. During the packaging process, they are neither steamed nor rolled. Their flavor is heartier and creamier than rolled or whole oats because they remain firm after absorbing water. [3] X Research source
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Avoid purchasing quick or instant oats. Although you can make soaked oats from quick or instant brands, they are most likely to taste mushy. Neither has nutritional value thanks to their cheap processing and added preservatives. They are the cheapest but also the least ideal option for overnight oatmeal.
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Combine oats, water, and lemon juice in a bowl. The ratio between oats and water should be one to one. If you add one cup (8 oz) of oatmeal to your bowl, for example, you should match it with one cup (8 oz) of water. Add enough lemon juice to taste: in most cases, one tablespoon (0.5 oz) will suffice. [4] X Research source
- Although fresh lemon juice tastes best, bottled lemon juice can work as a substitute.
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Add apple juice or apple cider vinegar for a sweeter taste (optional). Add in the sweeter liquid one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired sweetness. Do not add enough liquid to submerge the oats. [5] X Research source
- Add a minimal amount of vinegar to your oatmeal, as too much can make it taste tart.
- Because the oats will absorb the liquid, less is more.
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Mix in chia seeds for texture. Most toppings will not be added until the oats have soaked overnight. Chia seeds, however, absorb liquid well and stay firm after soaking. For a thicker texture, pour in chia seeds one tablespoon (0.5 oz) at a time. [6] X Research source
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Stir the mixture until the oats are slightly damp. The oats should not be wet or submerged in water but damp. If you accidentally add too much water, slowly add oats until your mixture reaches a thicker texture. Stir in a little water at a time if your oats appear too dry. [7] X Research source
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Cover the oats and soak them in the fridge for 12 hours. Place a plastic wrap over your bowl of oats and place it in the fridge. Allow your oats to soak for at least twelve hours before serving. The longer your oats can soak, the more flavor they will absorb.
- Avoid keeping prepared oatmeal in the fridge for any longer than 5-7 days. Freezing is not recommended. [8] X Research source
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Place the soaked oats in a saucepan. Your oats are ready to cook immediately after they are finished soaking. Add 1/3 cup (2.67 oz) of milk to the saucepan to give your oats a creamier taste. Begin at a low stove setting and gradually increase to a medium setting as your oatmeal simmers. [9] X Research source
- If your oatmeal begins to boil, your oatmeal is too hot. Turn the stove down to a lower setting.
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Stir the oatmeal as it thickens in the pot. Cook your oats in the saucepan for at least four to six minutes. The oatmeal will continue thickening as long as you continue heating it. Taste the oatmeal as you cook so you know when you reach your ideal texture. [10] X Research source
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Add toppings to your oatmeal. Turn off the heat and place your oatmeal in bowls for serving. Fruit, jam, nut butter, yogurt, cinnamon, maple syrup, and nuts can all make tasty toppings. Lay out a topping bar for you and anyone else eating the oatmeal so they can add whatever toppings they like.
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Sweeten your oatmeal with sugar. Soaked oats require more seasoning than other oatmeal to taste sweet. Use brown or raw sugar to sweeten your oatmeal, as it has a richer flavor than granulated sugar. [11] X Research source
- Finish seasoning the oatmeal with a pinch of salt.
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Tips
- Soaked oats are more palatable to people with digestive problems. As the oatmeal's starches break down while soaking overnight, they are more easily absorbed by the human body and less likely to cause an upset stomach. [12] X Research sourceThanks
- If you do not want to use your oats right away, preserve them for later using a food dehydrator.Thanks
- Make sure you choose gluten-free oats if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- I soak mine in milk overnight, then add cocoa powder, throw it in the microwave for a minute or two, add honey and coconut shreds, maybe some berries, and dig in. Delicious and healthy dessert.
- I'm vegan and I always soak my oats in almond, coconut, or soy milk instead. Tastes delicious and adds a different flavor as well.
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Things You'll Need
- Oats
- Lemon juice
- Water
- Apple juice or vinegar (optional)
- Chia seeds (optional)
- Milk
- Toppings (like fruit, nut butter, jam, or yogurt)
- Raw or brown sugar
References
- ↑ https://blog.radiantlifecatalog.com/traditional-soaked-oatmeal
- ↑ https://www.keeperofthehome.org/soaking-oatmeal
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-creamy-steelcut-oatmeal-the-make-ahead-method-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-134185
- ↑ https://www.kitchenstewardship.com/monday-mission-soak-your-oatmeal/
- ↑ https://www.tastingtable.com/cook/national/how-to-make-the-best-oatmeal-overnight-oats
- ↑ https://www.katheats.com/favorite-foods/overnightoats
- ↑ https://theelliotthomestead.com/2013/02/how-to-soak-plain-oats/
- ↑ https://www.eatbydate.com/grains/cereal/how-long-does-oatmeal-last-shelf-life-expiration-date-storage/
- ↑ https://www.onegreenplanet.org/vegan-food/reasons-raw-soaked-oats-are-a-must-try/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Before you soak oats, make sure to purchase steel cut oats, whole oats, or rolled oats from your grocery store. Instant oats are not as healthy and do not need to be soaked. In a large bowl, mix your oats with water using a one to one ratio. For example, for each cup of oats, add one cup of water. Then, add 1 tbsp of lemon juice to your oats and let them soak in the fridge for 12 hours. If you like, you can also add chia seeds for a firmer texture. To learn how to cook oats on the stove and what toppings to add, scroll down!
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