Oatmeal doesn't have to be sweet. This Savory Miso Oatmeal is warm, comforting and packed with umami flavors. It is topped with crispy mushrooms and refreshing greens!

I love having oatmeal for breakfast because of its convenience and comfort. This Savory Miso Oatmeal is a delicious savory twist on traditional oatmeal.
It's also super simple to make, you can cook oats as you normally would and then add umami-rich miso paste for a savory flavor. For a hearty and satisfying meal, you can also top it with green onions or cilantro, sesame seeds, or sauteed mushrooms.
For similar recipes, check out Double Chocolate Baked Oats, Mushroom Avocado Toast, and Vegan Tiramisu Oatmeal!
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: Rolled oats are the base ingredient and provide a hearty and nutritious foundation for the dish, offering fiber and a creamy texture when cooked.
- Pinch of salt: Adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavors in the oats and helps balance the overall taste of the dish.
- White miso paste: White miso paste adds a rich umami flavor to the oats, providing a savory depth that complements the sweetness of the oats.
- Mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, or oyster mix): Mushrooms bring a meaty texture and earthy flavor to the dish, enhancing its umami profile and adding a satisfying chew.
- Leafy greens: Leafy greens like spinach or bok choy not only contribute to the nutritional value of the dish but also add a fresh and vibrant element to the savory oats.
- Scallion or cilantro: Scallions or cilantro provide a burst of freshness and a pop of color, elevating the overall presentation and flavor profile of the dish.
- Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and a hint of toasty flavor, offering both texture and a subtle hint of richness to the dish.
Instructions
In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Stir in 1 cup of rolled oats and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the oats according to the package instructions, usually for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of white miso paste with a little bit of hot water to create a smooth paste. Set aside.
While the oatmeal is cooking, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, or oyster mix) to the skillet with some oil and cook until they are golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the oatmeal is cooked to your desired consistency, stir in the prepared miso paste and spinach. Mix well to incorporate the miso flavor into the oats.
Top the oatmeal with the sautéed mushrooms. Finely chop either a green onion or a bunch of cilantro and sprinkle it over the oatmeal. Garnish with sesame seeds.
Customize the toppings
The toppings of this recipe are customizable, here are just some suggestions:
- Avocado: Creamy sliced avocado adds a rich and buttery texture, along with a dose of healthy fats.
- Toasted nuts or seeds: Sprinkle toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Pickled vegetables: Tangy pickled vegetables like radishes, carrots, or cucumbers provide a zesty contrast to the savory oats.
- Crispy tofu: Pan-fried or baked crispy tofu cubes add protein and a satisfying crunch.
- Sautéed or roasted vegetables: Toss in some roasted cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, or any other favorite vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Nutritional yeast: A sprinkle of nutritional yeast lends a cheesy, umami flavor and is a good source of vitamin B12.
- Kimchi: Spicy and tangy kimchi adds a punch of flavor and probiotics to the dish.
- Hummus: A dollop of hummus on top can provide creaminess and an extra layer of flavor.
- Roasted chickpeas: Crunchy roasted chickpeas are a great protein-packed topping that adds texture and a savory kick.
If you have tried my recipe, please let me know what you think by leaving me a review on this page or tagging me on Instagram @veggieanh. I would love to see your creations!
Print📖 Recipe
Savory Miso Oatmeal
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Savory Miso Oatmeal is warm, comforting and packed with umami flavors. It is topped with crispy mushrooms and refreshing greens!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (gluten-free) rolled oats
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp white miso paste
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, or oyster)
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 scallion or 1 bunch cilantro
- sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Stir in 1 cup of rolled oats and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the oats according to the package instructions, usually for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of white miso paste with a little bit of hot water to create a smooth paste. Set aside.
- While the oatmeal is cooking, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms (shiitake, maitake, or oyster mix) to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the oatmeal is cooked to your desired consistency, stir in the prepared miso paste and spinach. Mix well to incorporate the miso flavor into the oats.
- Top the oatmeal with the sautéed mushrooms. Finely chop either a green onion or a bunch of cilantro and sprinkle it over the oatmeal. Garnish with sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: stovetop
Alissa says
I normally make a savory spicy oatmeal, but I never thought to give miso a try. This was so so good! Such good flavor with a few ingredients. I used water and soy sauce to cook my mushrooms since I try to stay oil free. The second time I made it I added onions, garlic, sliced carrots, broccoli and cabbage with the mushrooms. This is definitely added to my normal breakfast routine 🙂
Veggie Anh says
Thank you so much for your review, Alissa!