Out of Oats, one case
Steel cut oats substitute for chewy, nutty texture
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Barley
Same amount as the oats
The best steel cut oats substitutes are barley (1:1), farro (1:1), or quinoa (1:1). Barley has the most similar chewy texture and nutty flavor, while quinoa offers higher protein content.
- Best for —
- breakfast porridge
One casethe full oats card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of oats |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Barleybreakfast porridge | Same amount |
| 2 | Farrobreakfast porridge | Same amount |
| 3 | Quinoabreakfast bowls | Same amount |
| 4 | Rolled oatsbreakfast | Same amount |
| 5 | Brown ricebreakfast bowls | Same amount |
Barley
nutty, similar to steel-cut oats
Chewy grain with nutty flavor and similar cooking properties
- Best for
- breakfast porridge, pilafs, soups, grain salads, stir-fries
- Texture
- chewy, similar to steel-cut oats
Takes 45-60 minutes to cook, chewy texture, nutty flavor.
Farro
nutty, slightly different from oats
Ancient wheat grain with chewy texture and nutty flavor
- Best for
- breakfast porridge, pilafs, grain salads, soups
- Texture
- chewy, similar to steel-cut oats
Takes 30-45 minutes to cook, chewy texture, nutty flavor.
Quinoa
slightly nutty, different from oats
Complete protein grain with similar cooking properties
- Best for
- breakfast bowls, pilafs, grain salads, stir-fries
- Texture
- softer than steel-cut oats
Higher protein content, cooks in 15-20 minutes, slightly different texture.
Rolled oats
identical taste · softer, less chewy
Flattened oats with softer texture but same flavor
- Best for
- breakfast, baking, granola, smoothies
Cooks in 5-7 minutes, softer texture, same flavor.
Brown rice
nutty, different from oats
Whole grain rice with chewy texture and nutty flavor
- Best for
- breakfast bowls, pilafs, grain salads, side dishes
- Texture
- chewy, similar to steel-cut oats
Takes 45-60 minutes to cook, chewy texture, nutty flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Steel-cut oats are whole oat groats cut into pieces, giving them a chewy texture and nutty flavor. The best substitutes are other whole grains that provide similar chew and cooking time, like barley or farro.
Tips for substituting oats
6 tips- Barley takes 45-60 minutes to cook, similar to steel-cut oats
- Farro cooks in 30-45 minutes, slightly faster than steel-cut oats
- Quinoa cooks in 15-20 minutes, much faster than steel-cut oats
- Rolled oats cook in 5-7 minutes, much faster than steel-cut oats
- Brown rice takes 45-60 minutes, similar to steel-cut oats
- Toasting any substitute before cooking enhances nutty flavor
Notes on oats
- Use buckwheat groats for gluten-free option with chewy texture
- Try triticale for a wheat-rye hybrid with similar chew
- Consider using spelt for ancient grain with chewy texture
- Use wild rice for unique flavor and chewy texture
- Try kamut for ancient wheat with nutty flavor and chew
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute barley for steel-cut oats?
Yes, barley is an excellent substitute for steel-cut oats with a 1:1 ratio. It has similar chewy texture and nutty flavor, though it takes longer to cook (45-60 minutes).
What's the difference between steel-cut oats and rolled oats?
Steel-cut oats are whole oat groats cut into pieces that take 20-30 minutes to cook and have a chewy texture. Rolled oats are flattened and cook in 5-7 minutes with a softer texture.
Can I use farro instead of steel-cut oats?
Yes, farro works well as a steel-cut oats substitute with similar chewy texture and nutty flavor. It cooks in 30-45 minutes, slightly faster than steel-cut oats.
Is quinoa a good substitute for steel-cut oats?
Quinoa can substitute for steel-cut oats but has a different texture (softer) and flavor. It's higher in protein and cooks much faster (15-20 minutes).
Can I use brown rice instead of steel-cut oats?
Yes, brown rice can substitute for steel-cut oats with similar chewy texture and nutty flavor. It takes 45-60 minutes to cook, similar to steel-cut oats.