Quick oats are the smaller, more tightly packed version of rolled oats. This means that they cook faster and have a fin fin texture.
They also don’t last as long as oats, especially if they are not stored in an airtight container. But is it possible to use quick oats in place of rolled oats?
For most recipes, the substitution will work just fine. However, you may want to increase the liquid in your recipe by about ¼ cup if it calls for quick oats because they soak up liquid much faster than rolled oats.
If you want to reap all of the benefits of rolled oats without their inconvenient cooking time, consider using steel-cut or old-fashioned oatmeal instead!
Quick oats vs. rolled oats
Despite the similar name, quick oats are not the same as rolled oats. Quick oats are smaller and more tightly packed than rolled oats. They also cook much faster.
Quick oats are great for use in many recipes because they don’t require as much liquid to make them tender. But there are some instances where you may want to use rolled oats instead of quick oats.
For example, if your recipe calls for a lot of liquid and you want it to soak up slowly, you’ll want to use rolled oats instead of quick oats.
And if you prefer the chewiness of old-fashioned or steel-cut oat, we recommend substituting those varieties of oatmeal instead!
Substituting quick for rolled oats
Quick oats are smaller and more tightly packed, which means that they cook faster. They also have a finer texture, which may be preferable to some. So, can you swap out rolled oats for quick oats?
In most recipes, the substitution will work just fine. But if your recipe is calling for a higher amount of liquid, you may want to make a note of it because quick oats soak up liquid much faster than rolled oats.
If you don’t want to wait around for rolled oats to cook, consider using steel-cut or old-fashioned oatmeal instead!
If you’re interested in the benefits of rolled oats without their inconvenient cooking time, consider using steel-cut or old-fashioned oatmeal instead!
Should I substitute rolled oats with quick oats?
Quick oats and rolled oats are often seen as interchangeable. But there is a difference between the two, and it’s important to understand the distinction before making a substitution.
Quick oats are made by steaming and rolling whole oat grains into flakes.
This process prevents them from sticking together, so they cook much faster than regular rolled oats, which are made by rolling individual oat grains between steel rollers. Quick oats also have a finer texture than rolled oats because of their smaller size.
The extra water that quick oats need to fully cook means that you may want to increase the liquid in your recipe by ¼ cup if it calls for quick oats.
Regular rolled oats take up to 15 minutes on the stovetop or about 5-10 minutes in the microwave; quick oats only take one minute on the stovetop or roughly 30 seconds in the microwave!
For most recipes, you can substitute rolled with quick without any problem; however, keep these points in mind when doing so:
Conclusion
Oatmeal is a staple breakfast food for many people. The oats you use may be quick or rolled.
Quick oats are oats that have been cut into smaller pieces before being processed into oatmeal. Rolled oats are whole oats that have been steamed and flattened.
If you have the time, you can substitute rolled oats with quick oats. Quick oats have a lighter consistency and can be a great substitute for rolled oats if you’re in a hurry.
Quick oats are also a great way to add fiber to your diet if you’re trying to cut back on your cholesterol intake.
However, if you don’t have the time to wait for quick oats to cook, you can just add some water to your rolled oats and microwave them for a few minutes instead!