Savory Mushroom Oatmeal
A quick, wholesome breakfast made with oats, shiitake mushrooms, and garlic. Ready in just 15 minutes, this fiber-rich, protein-packed savory oatmeal is perfect for busy mornings or an easy, satisfying meal any day. Top with avocado, chili oil eggs, or fried shallots for extra flavor.
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic minced or sliced
- 1 cup rolled oats or preferred oats
- 1.5 cups water or chicken/vegetable stock
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 shiitake mushrooms sliced
- ½ tbsp chicken bouillon powder optional if using stock
Suggested Toppings (optional):
- Chili oil eggs
- Avocado slices
- Fried garlic or shallots
- Light soy sauce
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Start by peeling and finely mincing or thinly slicing 3 cloves of garlic. The garlic will be the foundation of flavor for the oatmeal, so take a moment to do this carefully. Having evenly cut garlic ensures it cooks quickly and releases its natural aroma without burning. Set aside on a small plate until ready.
- Clean and Slice Mushrooms: Take 4 fresh shiitake mushrooms and gently wipe them clean with a damp paper towel or a soft brush to remove any dirt. Avoid rinsing them under water as mushrooms absorb moisture and can become soggy. Slice them into even pieces, about 1/4 inch thick, so they cook uniformly. Place them in a small bowl until ready to sauté.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a medium-sized saucepan, add 1-2 teaspoons of your preferred cooking oil (vegetable, olive, or sesame oil works well) and warm it over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the prepared garlic. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should smell aromatic and slightly golden, not bitter.
- Cook Mushrooms Until Tender: Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the saucepan with the garlic. Stir gently to coat the mushrooms in the aromatic oil. Cook for 3–4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms become soft and release their natural juices. You should notice a rich, earthy aroma filling the kitchen.
- Add Liquid and Seasoning: Pour in 1.5 cups of water or chicken/vegetable stock to the pan. If using water, sprinkle in 1/2 tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder for extra depth of flavor. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, or adjust according to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to combine all flavors evenly.
- Cook the Oats: Once the liquid is boiling, slowly add 1 cup of oats to the saucepan while stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer. Stir frequently as the oats absorb the liquid, cooking until tender. This usually takes about 4–6 minutes for rolled oats, but cooking time may vary depending on the type of oats you use. Adjust by adding a little more water or stock if you prefer a creamier consistency.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the oatmeal and adjust seasoning if necessary. Add more salt or a small drizzle of light soy sauce if desired. You can also stir in a touch of chili oil for subtle heat, depending on your preference. This step ensures that every spoonful is perfectly balanced and flavorful.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the cooked savory oatmeal into a bowl. Now it’s time to get creative with toppings. Popular choices include sliced avocado, chili oil eggs, fried shallots or garlic, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of light soy sauce. Each topping adds texture, color, and an extra layer of flavor. Serve immediately while warm for the best experience.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for a creamy texture; adjust liquid for desired consistency.
- Shiitake mushrooms give the best flavor, but cremini or button mushrooms work too.
- Slice garlic for a mild flavor or mince for a stronger taste.
- For a vegetarian version, skip chicken bouillon and use vegetable stock.
- Don’t overcook the oats—they should be tender but not mushy.
- Experiment with toppings: avocado, soft-boiled eggs, fried shallots, or chili oil enhance taste and texture.
- Layer toppings just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Adjust seasoning gradually; a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of salt can balance flavors.
