I recently whipped up my version of Kimchi Oats featuring rolled oats simmered in veggie broth with garlic butter and chopped kimchi. A pinch of salt, black pepper, cheddar cheese, and soy sauce round out the medley, while a fried egg crowns this inventive twist on a classic breakfast.

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I recently came across a twist on oatmeal that totally blew my mind and I just had to share it with you. I know how boring oatmeal can get sometimes, but this Cheesy Savory Oatmeal With Kimchi changes the game.

I start with 1 cup of rolled oats and 2 cups of water or veggie broth, making sure to stir in a pinch of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor. Then I melt a tablespoon of butter and add a minced clove of garlic for an extra punch.

The secret lies in tossing in 1/2 cup of chopped kimchi along with a bit of its juice and mixing in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese which gives it an irresistible gooey texture. I finish it off with a roughly chopped green onion and a teaspoon of soy sauce.

Sometimes I top it with a fried egg for that extra kick. Trust me, you must try this recipe if you want a fun and unexpected way to enjoy your meal with oatmeal.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really love that this recipe gives me a savory twist on regular oatmeal. It’s not boring at all and feels really satisfying when I mix in the kimchi and cheddar cheese.
2. I enjoy how easy it is to make. It doesn’t take a lot of time to cook up the oats, and the garlic butter and soy sauce make it taste way better than plain oatmeal.
3. I like that I can customize it. Adding a fried egg or extra herbs makes it feel more like a hearty meal that fits my taste perfectly.
4. I feel like I’m eating something healthy but still full of flavor. The kimchi adds a nice spicy kick while the oats keep it wholesome and filling.

Ingredients

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Rolled oats: filled with healthy carbs and fiber to keep you full.
Kimchi: tangy and spicy, boosts digestion and adds probiotic benefits.
Cheddar cheese: adds savory richness and a good dose of protein.
Garlic: a flavor booster that supports immunity and deepens taste.
Green onion: fresh and crisp, it adds vitamins and a mild bite.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup rolled oats

2 cups water or veggie broth

A pinch of salt

A pinch of black pepper

1 tablespoon butter

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup chopped kimchi (include a bit of the juice)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 green onion, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon soy sauce

Optional: 1 fried egg per serving and some extra herbs if you want

How to Make this

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1. In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water or veggie broth to a simmer with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.

2. Stir in 1 cup of rolled oats and let them cook for about 5 minutes on low heat until they start to soften.

3. In a small pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and add 1 minced clove of garlic, cooking it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.

4. Add 1/2 cup of chopped kimchi (with some of its juice) to the garlic butter and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Pour the kimchi mixture into the pot with the oats and stir everything together.

6. Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce to the oatmeal and mix well.

7. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until the cheese melts and everything becomes creamy.

8. Stir in 1 roughly chopped green onion for extra flavor.

9. Optionally, fry 1 egg per serving separately, and serve it on top of the oatmeal.

10. If you like, add some extra herbs on top and serve warm for a hearty, savory breakfast.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium pot – You need this for bringing water or veggie broth to a simmer and cooking the oats.
2. Small pan – This is essential for melting the butter and cooking garlic and kimchi.
3. Measuring cups and spoons – Use these to accurately measure the water, oats, butter, soy sauce and other ingredients.
4. Knife and cutting board – You’ll use these to mince the garlic and roughly chop the green onion and kimchi.
5. Stirring utensil – A spoon or spatula is needed for stirring the oats and mixing in the kimchi mixture.
6. Frying pan – If you’re planning to fry an egg per serving, this pan is a must-have.
7. Serving dish or bowl – For plating the final dish, making sure each component is served warm.

FAQ

Q: Can I use water instead of veggie broth?

A: Yes, water works just fine if you dont have broth handy. Veggie broth just gives it an extra boost of flavor.

Q: What kind of oats should I use?

A: Stick to rolled oats for the best texture. They cook into a creamy consistency that really complements the kimchi and cheese.

Q: Can I leave out the garlic if Im not a fan?

A: Sure you can, but garlic really helps bring out the savory flavor of the dish so you might want to try at least a little.

Q: How spicy is this dish?

A: The kimchi gives it a nice kick which isnt too overpowering. Its a good balance with the cheesy and savory flavors.

Q: Can I add extra veggies or a fried egg?

A: Absolutely. You can toss in extra herbs or veggies like spinach. A fried egg on top also adds a great richness to the meal.

Cheesy, Savory Oatmeal With Kimchi Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have veggie broth or water, you could use chicken broth for a richer taste.
Instead of butter, try using olive oil or even coconut oil to add a bit of flavor.
If you can’t find kimchi or want something different, sauerkraut will give you a similar tangy vibe.
Replace cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack if you want a slight twist.
For soy sauce, tamari or liquid aminos works fine and its even gluten free.

Pro Tips

1. Toast your oats in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking them with the broth; it brings out a richer nutty flavor that can really make a difference in the final taste.
2. When you cook the garlic in butter with the kimchi, make sure you dont let the garlic burn – burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the overall flavor.
3. If you’re using the optional egg, try frying it just until the yolk is still runny. The warm, runny yolk adds an extra layer of creaminess that mixes well with the oats.
4. Feel free to experiment with extra herbs or even a different type of cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. Small tweaks like this can really bring a new twist to a pretty simple dish.