Transform Everyday Oatmeal Into A Savory Sensation With One Simple Ingredient

Oatmeal is kind of that sleepy reliable breakfast option, usually hidden away under piles of fruit, honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. And we all know those sweet toppings are great, but can we admit that they're also a little done, a little predictable. If you agree, you may want to try transforming a humble bowl of oats by incorporating a teaspoon of miso paste into it.

The idea of miso as a breakfast food might sound new, but in Japan miso soup is actually a very common way to start the day, where it is usually paired with rice, grilled fish, and a simple omelet. That salty, fermented depth is a great way to set the tone for the morning as it's loaded with health benefits, and so swapping rice for oats feels more of like a cultural swap than a wild culinary experiment.

While it may sound like a pretty sharp detour from the likes of peanut butter and maple syrup, miso paste is actually a fantastic addition to oats. Simply stir the miso in at the end of cooking so the flavor stays fresh, and adjust the amount depending on how strong you like it. Think of it like seasoning your oats the way you'd season soup with just a pinch here or there to transform the whole bowl. 

Now that you have a savory base, you can then top it with all your other favorite savory breakfast fixings. You can add some bacon or for a bit of a fiery kick, amp up your savory oatmeal by topping it off with chili crisp. Honestly, that mix of silky oats, salty miso, and spicy crunch is going to change the way you think about what belongs in a breakfast bowl, and if it still sounds strange, remember people even mix umami miso paste into ice cream — this paste can pack a serious punch to the most unexpected ingredients. Try throwing on some sliced avocado, sautéed mushrooms, scallions, and sesame oil as well; you could even stir in a bit of cheese (or nutritional yeast if you want a vegan twist) for some extra delicious cheesiness.

Moreover, the umami in miso plays well with eggs, so if you like to start your day with a couple cooked sunny-side-up or a soft scramble, then you can incorporate that into your miso oat bowl too. Because that is the charm with miso: It doesn't scream for attention or take over every flavor, it hums in the background, bringing a rich depth without overpowering anything. That is why this ingredient has stood the test of centuries in Japanese kitchens, and why it also feels right at home in something as sweet-oriented as oatmeal.