How to Make the Perfect Savory Oatmeal Bowl
American · Easy · 20 min · 2 servings
This savory oatmeal bowl breaks away from sweet breakfast traditions with a rich umami-packed topping of sauteed vegetables and creamy avocado. It is a fully vegan and deeply satisfying brunch bowl that proves oats are incredibly versatile beyond cinnamon and sugar.
Why this recipe works
This Savory Oatmeal Bowl recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 360 calories with 12g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms sliced
- 1 medium avocado sliced
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the oats
Bring vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in rolled oats, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally until creamy and thick.
Step 2: Season the oats
Remove from heat and stir in nutritional yeast and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The broth adds savory depth so taste before adding extra salt.
Step 3: Saute the mushrooms
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 to 6 minutes without stirring too much to develop golden caramelized edges. Add soy sauce in the last minute.
Step 4: Assemble the bowls
Divide the savory oatmeal between two bowls. Top each with sauteed mushrooms and fresh avocado slices arranged neatly.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Add a final sprinkle of nutritional yeast, a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired, and a drizzle of good olive oil. Serve immediately while hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cremini mushrooms → wilted spinach and roasted cherry tomatoes for a lighter topping
- vegetable broth → water with a teaspoon of miso paste stirred in for added umami
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking oats in plain water instead of broth which results in a bland unsatisfying savory base
- Overcrowding the mushrooms in the pan which causes them to steam rather than develop a golden caramelized crust
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 360 calories, 12g protein, 46g carbs, 15g fat, 8g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →