How to Cook Oat Groats in the Microwave: A Quick and Easy Guide

I could hear my stomach growling as I stared at the clock on the wall. It was already 9:00 in the morning, and I still hadn’t had breakfast. I knew I needed something quick and filling to start my day off right. That’s when it hit me – oat groats! They’re packed with nutrients and are a great source of energy. But cooking them on the stovetop takes time, and I didn’t have a minute to waste. That’s when I remembered a hack I had heard of – cooking oat groats in the microwave. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. Join me as I walk you through this quick and easy guide on how to cook oat groats in the microwave.

Table of Contents

Gathering the Ingredients and Equipment

Before we embark on this microwaving adventure, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients:

1 cup of oat groats

2 cups of water

A pinch of salt (optional)

Equipment:

A microwave-safe bowl

A microwave-safe plate

A microwave

Preparing the Oat Groats

Now that we have everything ready, it’s time to dive into the preparation process:

Step 1: Rinse the Oat Groats

Give the oat groats a quick rinse under cold running water. This will help remove any dirt or debris.

Step 2: Soak the Oat Groats (Optional)

If you have the time, you can soak the oat groats overnight. Soaking helps to reduce cooking time and enhances their digestibility.

Step 3: Drain the Oat Groats

Once your oat groats have had their soak (if you chose to do so), drain them using a fine-mesh sieve or colander.

Cooking the Oat Groats in the Microwave

Now that the oat groats are prepped and ready, let’s move on to the exciting part – microwaving them to perfection:

Step 1: Place the Oat Groats in a Microwave-Safe Bowl

Transfer the drained oat groats into a microwave-safe bowl.

Step 2: Add Water and Salt

Pour two cups of water into the bowl with the oat groats. If you prefer a pinch of salt for enhanced flavor, now’s the time to add it.

Step 3: Cover and Microwave

Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate to avoid any splattering inside your microwave. Now, it’s time to cook the oat groats.
Microwave on high power for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, give the oat groats a quick stir to ensure even cooking.
Now, microwave for another 3 minutes.

Serving and Enjoying your Delicious Oat Groats

Your oat groats should be perfectly cooked and ready to be devoured. But before you dig in, here are a few serving suggestions:

Top with your favorite fruits, such as berries or sliced banana, for a burst of freshness.

Sprinkle some nuts or seeds, like almonds or chia seeds, to add a delightful crunch.

Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a sweet touch.

For a creamy texture, stir in a splash of milk or yogurt.

Conclusion

Using the microwave to cook oat groats is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still want a nourishing breakfast or snack. In just a few simple steps, you can have a bowl of warm and delicious oat groats ready to fuel your day. So, the next time your stomach grumbles and you’re pressed for time, don’t fret. Just remember this quick and easy guide on how to cook oat groats in the microwave, and you’ll never have to skip a hearty meal again. Happy microwaving and bon appétit!