Vegan Savory Oatmeal Breakfast Bowls with Kale
This vegan savory oatmeal recipe combines hearty oats, fresh kale, and sautéed mushrooms in a nutrient-packed bowl that’s perfect for any time of day.
This savory alternative to a traditionally sweet breakfast staple is satisfying, nutritious and takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
About the Recipe
These creamy savory oats are infused with Asian-inspired flavours and topped with garlicky greens, mushroom and creamy avocado for a healthy whole grain breakfast.
Oats are know for their nutritional value and absorb plenty of flavour while cooking, resulting in a nutritious and flavourful dish. Combined with the other healthy ingredients, this breakfast is a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
The recipe is adaptable and can easily be customized with cheese, eggs, tempeh or tofu for more plant-based protein, different vegetables or any other toppings you might enjoy.
Sweet or savory, oats are a great way to start the day. Some of our other favourite oatmeal recipes are Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal, Simple Creamy Banana Oatmeal and Blueberry Oatmeal Cups.
If you’re trying to eat more veggies at breakfast time, this Vegan Breakfast Casserole and Vegan Breakfast Burrito Bowls with Black Beans are both fantastic for savory breakfasts!
Ingredient Notes
- Oats: Use large flake oats or rolled oats.
- Shallot: You could substitute white onion or red onion but shallot works really well here. Extra shallot? Use it in Arugula Peach Salad or Garlic Chili Oil Noodles.
- Liquid: You can you water or vegetable broth. Vegetable broth will add more flavour to the final dish.
- Miso: White miso paste is suggested as it’s milder but you could a darker miso paste if that’s what you have. Extra miso? Try it in Easy Spicy Miso Noodles or Miso Tahini Dressing.
- Tamari: You can use tamari, soy sauce or coconut aminos.
- Kale: Substitue baby spinach if needed. Extra kale? Use it in Mediterranean Kale Salad or Tuscan Kale Salad.
- Mushrooms: If you don’t like mushrooms, you can simply omit this part of the recipe or substitute another vegetable like red bell pepper or zucchini.
- Other Toppings: We suggest avocado, sesame seeds, sesame oil and hot sauce for topping the oats.
Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the full recipe card with ingredient measurements.
Variations & Additions
- Mexican Oatmeal Bowl: Omit the miso, tamari, kale and mushroom. Use onion instead of shallot and add a bit of diced jalapeno and red bell pepper. Season wtih cumin, chili powder and paprika. Top with black beans, cilantro, corn, lime, salsa and avocado.
- Mediterranean Savory Oatmeal: Omit the miso, tamari and mushroom. Season with oregano, rosemary and basil. Add red bell pepper and cherry tomatoes with the shallot. Top with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, chili flakes, lemon juice and olive oil.
- Pesto Oats: Omit the miso and tamari and serve with a spoonful of pesto. Top with pine nuts and a drizzle of olive oil. Sautéed greens like spinach would work well with this.
- Curried Savory Oats: Add 1 tsp curry powder or garam masala and a pinch of turmeric to the oats while they cook.
- Cheese: Grate your choice of dairy-free cheese such as cheddar cheese, or mozzarella over top of the cooked oats or spinkle with vegan parmesan cheese.
- Herb: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil.
- Tofu: Add tofu for more protein. You can use this crispy baked tofu recipe, the pan-fried tofu portion of this curried tofu recipe or add tofu scramble.
- Chickpeas: Add the roasted chickpeas from this quinoa power bowl for more protein and fiber.
- Tempeh or Coconut Bacon: Use the tempeh bacon from this warm German potato salad recipe or the coconut bacon from the vegan cobb salad recipe for a sweet, salty and crunchy addition.
- Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy, nutty flavour without adding cheese. You could also use this cashew vegan parmesan.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle with any nuts or seeds for extra fiber, protein and healthy fats.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, butternut squash, red pepper, zucchini or broccoli would all be a great addition.
- Caramelized Onion: You could do caramelized onions in addition to or instead of the sauteed mushrooms.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the oats. Add 1 tsp oil to a medium saucepan and then add the shallots and saute for 2 minutes. Add the oats and garlic and stir to combine.
Add 2.5 cups water or broth, reduce heat to low and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often until creamy. Add the miso and tahini.
Step 3: While the oats are cooking, heat 1 tsp oil in a skillet then add the kale with a pinch of salt. Cook 2-3 minutes until tender. Stir in the garlic and chili flakes. Transfer to a bowl.
Step 4: In the same pan, heat 1 tsp oil and add mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 4-6 minutes until golden and tender.
Step 5: Divide the oats between bowls and top with the kale, mushrooms and avocado. Sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds.
Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and hot sauce or chili oil, if desired, and enjoy your
Recipe FAQs
Let the oats cool down then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat the oats in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stovetop until heated through, stirring in 2-3 tbsp of water or broth to adjust the consistency.
Yes, you can freeze savory oatmeal though I’d recommend freezing it without the kale and mushrooms.
To freeze the cooked oatmeal, let it cool to room etmperature then place the cooled oatmeal in a freezer-safe, airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen savory oatmeal can last for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen oatmeal, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth to restore the desired consistency. Stir well to ensure even heating.
Add any toppings, such as the cooked kale and mushroom or another variation, and enjoy.
Yes, savory oatmeal can be a nutritious and healthy choice, especially when prepared with wholesome ingredients. Here are some reasons why savory oatmeal can be a healthy choice:
Oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and various essential nutrients, including magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and thiamine. They’re also high in soluble fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and promote a feeling of fullness.
When paired with sources of plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, tofu, or nuts, savory oatmeal can be a protein-rich and balanced meal, providing sustained energy throughout the morning.
Savory oatmeal can be customized to suit various dietary preferences, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, oil-free and dairy-free diets. To reduce the fat content of this recipe, you can replace any oil used with broth or water.
Be mindful of portion sizes and the ingredients you use. While savory oatmeal can be healthy, it’s possible to load it with excessive amounts of salt, cheese, or fats, which could negate its health benefits. Balance and moderation are key.
Yes. To make savory steel-cut oatmeal, you’ll just need to increase the cooking time to 20-25 minutes until they’re tender. You may need to stir in extra broth or water as they cook.
Yes. Instant oats are pre-cooked and then dried, so they cook faster and have a softer texture compared to other types of oats. Reduce the liquid to 2 cups and follow the cooking time on the package, typically 1-2 minutes. You can also use quick oats, which would take 3-4 minutes.
Though you can use instant oats or quick oats, rolled oats or large flake oats are suggested for the best texture.
Yes. To make these oats in an Instant Pot, use the Saute function to saute the shallot, add the garlic, oats and water and cook according to this recipe for Instant Pot Rolled Oats. Once they’re done, add the miso and tamari and serve with your choice of toppings, such as the kale and mushroom.
More Savory Breakfasts
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Scroll down to the comment section to leave a star rating and review.
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Savory Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Hearty, savory oatmeal bowls that are delicious with garlicky kale, mushroom and avocado or can easily be customized with you favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the Savory Oatmeal
- 1 cup rolled oats or large flake oats (110 g)
- 1 tsp oil
- 1 small shallot, finely diced (½ cup diced, about 60g)
- 1 clove garlic, grated or crushed
- 2½ cups water or vegetable stock
- 1–2 tsp white miso paste
- 2 tsp tamari
For the Toppings
- 2 tsp oil, divided
- 3 cups packed kale, de-stemmed and chopped (about 100g)
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or crushed
- pinch chili flakes
- 200g mixed mushrooms, thinly sliced (cremini, shitake, etc, about 4 cups sliced)
- 2 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- toasted sesame seeds
- drizzle of sesame oil
- chili oil or hot sauce, optional
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook Oats: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tsp oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add shallots. Cook for 2 min, stirring often, until just tender. Add oats and garlic. Stir to coat.
- Add 2 ½ cups water (or vegetable stock). Stir to combine. Bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce heat to low. Cook for 8-10 min, stirring often, until creamy and tender. Off heat, stir in miso and tamari.
- Cook Kale: Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tsp oil over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add kale. Season with salt. Cook for 2-3 min, stirring often, until tender. Stir in garlic and sprinkle with chili flakes to taste. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Cook Mushrooms: To the same pan, add another 1 tsp oil and mushrooms. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook mushrooms for 4-6 min, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
- Serve: Divide oats between bowls. Top with kale, mushrooms and avocado. Sprinkle scallions over top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil. Drizzle with hot sauce (like sriracha) or chili oil, if desired.
Notes
Note: Another optional topping, to boost protein, would be to add 1/4 cup edamame per bowl.
Savory oatmeal is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring in a bit of water or broth to loosen.
Nutrition facts include everything except sesame oil, sesame seeds and hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 414
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 357 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 13 g
This is such a fascinating combination of flavors. I don’t think I’ve ever seen oatmeal made quite like this – but I can see the appeal. I’m mostly a savory person myself and I do often find that breakfast options are simply too sweet.
I’ve never tried savoury oatmeal but I love the idea of it! I love golden milk so I’m sure it must taste delicious in oats too!
It’s the best!! Loving it lately.