Easy Vegan Savory Oats (15-Minute Breakfast Idea)

5 from 2 votes

Author: Sarah Cobacho

Published: April 3, 2025

Close-up angle of savory oats with kimchi, mushrooms, scallions, and sesame seeds

These savory oats are creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. The combination of miso, garlic, and mushrooms creates a rich, umami base, while silken tofu adds a creamy texture and boosts the protein content. It’s finished with fresh greens, kimchi, and an optional drizzle of chili oil for extra flavor and crunch. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and nut-free and comes together in under 15 minutes. It is a simple, nourishing breakfast option that actually keeps you full, but most of all, it’s so comforting and feels like a hug in a bowl. It would also make a very soothing light dinner on a sick day.

Why I Love This Recipe (As a Nutritionist)

  • Protein-Rich: With tofu, and oats, this savory breakfast brings 21 g of protein. You can easily upgrade it by topping it with some edamame.
  • Comforting and filling: These oats are warm, creamy, and keep you full for hours—perfect for busy mornings.
  • Gut-friendly: The fiber from the oats and vegetables, combined with fermented food (kimchi and miso), is a great combination to promote healthy gut microbiome and enhance digestion.
  • Quick to make: Everything comes together in about 15 minutes using simple pantry staples.

Ingredient Notes

  • Rolled oats: A great source of soluble fiber beta glucans and slow-releasing complex carbohydrates. Steel-cut oats won’t work the same in this recipe without extra cook time and liquid.
  • Silken tofu: Adds protein and creaminess without needing plant milk. It also boosts calcium and iron, depending on the brand you use.
  • Mushrooms: Shiitake adds depth and umami, but any mushrooms like cremini or oyster will work here.
  • Miso paste: White miso gives a mellow, savory flavor. It also provides beneficial probiotics if not overheated, so add toward the end if you want to keep those alive.
  • Kimchi: Adds crunch, flavor, and natural probiotics. Look for a vegan version (some contain fish sauce).

How to make this recipe (summary)

Start by heating the sesame oil in a small saucepan and cooking the sliced mushrooms for about 7–8 minutes until softened.

Sautéed shiitake mushrooms in a white ceramic pan on a cork mat

Add the garlic and most of the chopped scallions (save a little for garnish), and cook for another minute. Mix in the rolled oats, vegetable stock powder, tamari, and water. Mash the silken tofu with a fork and stir it into the pot. Let it all simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s thick and creamy. Fold in the miso paste and finely chopped greens, and cook for another 1–2 minutes until just wilted.

Savory oats simmering in a saucepan with tofu, pak choy, and mushrooms

Serve in a bowl and top with kimchi, the remaining scallions, black sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil if using. View recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Close-up angle of savory oats with kimchi, mushrooms, scallions, and sesame seeds

Variations and Tips

  • Extra protein: Add shelled edamame or top with pan-fried tempeh or crispy shredded tofu.
  • Different greens: Baby spinach or kale work well here.
  • Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified GF oats and tamari.
  • If you like this recipe, you’ll also love our Apple Pie Overnight Oats or High-Protein Miso Noodle Soup.
Overhead shot of savory vegan oats topped with kimchi, mushrooms, scallions, and chili oil with a gold spoon on the side

Why You’ll Love These Savory Vegan Oats TLDR

  • Cozy
  • Protein-packed
  • Gut-friendly
  • Easy to prep
  • Perfect for mornings
Overhead shot of savory vegan oats topped with kimchi, mushrooms, scallions, and chili oil with a gold spoon on the side

Easy Vegan Savory Oats (15-Minute Breakfast Idea)

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Savory oats simmered with mushrooms, miso, tofu, and greens, topped with kimchi and scallions for a comforting breakfast.

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Prep Time : 5 minutes
Cook Time : 15 minutes
Total Time : 20 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients

  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) sesame oil
  • 6 shiitake mushrooms - finely sliced (or other mushrooms)
  • 1 garlic clove - peeled and minced
  • 1 scallion - finely chopped (reserve a little for garnish)
  • ½ cup (40 g) rolled oats
  • 5.3 oz (150 g) silken tofu
  • 1 tsp (6 g) white miso paste
  • 1 tsp (5 g) low sodium vegetable stock powder
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) tamari - reduced sodium
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • ½ cup (35 g) greens - finely chopped (such as pak choy)
  • 1 tbsp (10 g) kimchi
  • 1 tsp (2 g) black sesame seeds
  • chili oil - optional, to taste

Instructions

  • Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 7–8 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and most of the scallions (save a little for garnish). Cook for another minute.
  • Stir in the rolled oats, vegetable stock powder, tamari, and water. Mash the silken tofu with a fork and incorporate it into the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and creamy.
  • Add the chopped greens and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the greens are just wilted and everything is heated through.
  • Combine the miso paste with 1 tbsp of water. Stir into the oats.
  • Transfer to a bowl and top with reserved scallions, kimchi, black sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil if using.

Notes

Increase the protein: top with edamame or use shredded extra firm tofu.

Per Serving/Portion

Calories 353 kcalCarbohydrates 35 gProtein 21 gFat 11 gSodium 563 mgFiber 11 gVitamin A 112 IUVitamin C 20 mgCalcium 155 mgIron 5 mg

FAQ

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it’s gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats and tamari.

What’s the best miso to use?

White miso paste (shiro miso) is mild and slightly sweet—perfect for breakfast oats.

Can I reheat these oats?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

Is kimchi vegan?

Many brands are not, so check the label and look for versions without fish sauce or shrimp paste

5 from 2 votes

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5 Comments

  1. I made this last night and it’s the best savoury oats recipe. It’s easy to follow and definitely delicious. Please create more similar recipes.5 stars

      1. i guess ingredients are for 3 portions, otherwise nutrition information can not be true, as 155 g oats are more than 353 calories

        1. Hi lovely, there was a conversion mistake from cups to grams for the oats. Thank you for bringing it to our attention, the correct conversion is 1/2 cup oats (40g). Hope you love the recipe 💚

  2. You’re going to love this Savory Vegan Oats recipe! Make sure to rate it 5 stars and leave a comment if you enjoyed it!5 stars