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Home » Recipes » Porridge

Savory Oat Bran With Spinach and Tofu

Savory oat bran is the new savory breakfast porridge! Thick, creamy, and stacked with tender tofu and cooked spinach - it's the kind of breakfast dish that keeps your belly satiated until the next meal.

Bowl of creamy oat bran topped with tofu scramble, steamed spinach, sunflower seeds, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of soy sauce
by Aly Michell Dated: July 29, 2020 Last Modified: August 28, 2023 22 Comments
135 shares
(This post may have affiliate links. Please see my disclosure.)
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Jump to:
  • Where To Find Oat Bran
  • How To Make Oat Bran 
  • Notes On Savory Oat Bran Recipe
  • Savory Oat Bran With Tofu Scramble and Spinach

When I just want to feel comforted by food, I reach for a bowl of savory oat bran topped with whatever I am craving at the moment.

A buttery, salted bowl of oat bran takes me back when my grandma would whip up a soothing dish of cream of wheat or farina. She'd happily bring it over to me when I was sick, cold, or just wanted some old-fashioned abuela attention. She never said no. And she still makes it for me when I come over.

Oat bran is different from farina, or milled wheat. They come from different plants. Oat bran (avena) is made from the inner part of the groat and specifically comes from oats. On the other hand, farina comes from the germ and endosperm of the grain.

Because of this, oat bran is a great gluten-free alternative for farina. 

Additionally, oat bran is packed with fiber, protein, iron, and B vitamins - making it a very healthy choice for breakfast.

On very busy mornings when I have one foot out the door and the other dangling a shoe - I just need a hot cup of coffee ASAP and a breakfast that can satisfy me until lunchtime. That's oat bran. It takes just minutes to make, which is the version of "fast food" I can appreciate.

If you’re short on time, you can also whip up breakfast potatoes and coffee banana smoothie bowl to get your day started….quickly. 

I understand some folks will have their view on savory porridge - but I think it’s one of those foods you have to try out before you knock it. Plain oats are mostly bland and take on whatever flavors you give it, whether that’s sweet or savory.

The closest I can think of it is similar to is white rice - of course, with many differences. However, they are both bland and both sweet and savory recipes can be pulled from them.

Bowl of oat bran with butter

You’re essentially working with a blank canvas that can work with many different food and ingredient combinations. On a usual morning, I go for a simple salt, black pepper, and butter oat bran bowl. It’s both easy and satisfying. 

I am still trying to convince my family that savory oats are amazing, but in the meantime, maybe I can convince you. I mean, why else are you here? 

In addition to being delicious, oat bran is very gentle on the wallet and because it’s a pantry-friendly food, it lasts for months at pennies for a serving.

With grocery trips being less frequent, oat bran has been a great way to include much-needed nutrients and calories without the worry of it expiring right away. 

Where To Find Oat Bran

Oat bran can be a bit tricky to find, as it’s not as popular as old-fashioned oats. Even big-box stores might not carry them on their shelves. 

However, it’s typically available online at Amazon - which is where I buy my oat bran. I’ll usually grab a few boxes or buy them in bulk. A shipment of 6 boxes can easily last me for 6 months or longer, depending on how often I am using the oats.

Popular brands that sell oat bran include Bob Red Mill’s and Quaker that comes in packs of 4-6. Both are great options - with a slight difference in texture. I find Bob Red Mill’s oat bran to be a bit more textured than Quaker’s oat bran. 

Both are good and I use them interchangeably, depending on what’s available or more affordable. 

More Oat Bran Recipes

  • Chocolate Oat Bran Muffins 
  • Oatbran Pancakes With Chocolate 
  • Carrot “Cake” Oat Bran Bowl 

How To Make Oat Bran 

Oat bran takes under 5 minutes to make. All you will need is a saucepan and a cooking spoon - I use a silicone spatula. The directions are usually placed at the back of the packaging.

However, generally, you’ll just need about 2 cups of water and ⅔ cups of oat bran (which yields to about 2 servings - or 1 if you have my appetite). 

Cooking directions will vary depending on the brand, but you’ll usually need double the amount of water for the oats you have. The oats will expand and fluff up as they cook. 

Add more or less, depending on how thick or runny you prefer your oats. 

Notes On Savory Oat Bran Recipe

  1. This recipe is very forgiving and flexible. Feel free to add, omit, or tweak any ingredients in this recipe. Because this is a savory oatmeal bowl, I recommend sticking with ingredients that pair well with a savory dish. 
  2. Stay in the kitchen and keep a close eye on the oat bran while it’s cooking. Because it only takes a few minutes to prepare, a few seconds too long can make it stick, overly thick, or even burn. Watch it and stir frequently. 
  3. I recommend eating the oat bran right away. It will begin to dry out and become thicker the longer it sits out. 
  4. Oat bran itself is vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, high in fiber + protein, and can lower cholesterol levels. 

For more breakfast recipes, check out 18 Frugal Plant-Based Breakfast Recipes. We have sweet, savory, and everything in between!

Bowl of savory oats with tofu scramble, sunflower seeds, spinach. Pinnable image for Pinterest.
Bowl of creamy oat bran topped with tofu scramble, steamed spinach, sunflower seeds, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of soy sauce

Savory Oat Bran With Tofu Scramble and Spinach

Aly Michell
Flavor-packed, savory oat bran bowl loaded with tofu scramble, spinach, green onions, and a splash of soy sauce. A breakfast dish that doesn't hold back!
5 from 15 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 17 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine American, Breakfast, Tofu
Servings 1
Calories 341 kcal

Ingredients
  

Tofu Scramble

  • ½ teaspoon vegan butter
  • ¼ block tofu drained
  • 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast
  • ⅛ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

Spinach

  • 1 handful spinach
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Oat Bran

  • 2 cups water
  • ⅔ cup oat bran
  • 1 teaspoon vegan butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • Green onions chopped
  • Reduced-sodium soy sauce
  • Sunflower seeds raw, unshelled

Instructions
 

Tofu Scramble

  • Add butter to a pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted, crumble tofu directly into the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes. Then, add nutritional yeast, turmeric powder, garlic powder, and salt to taste. Stir and cook for another 8 minutes, then Remove from heat and set aside.

Spinach

  • In a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat add spinach leaves and add 2 tablespoons of water. Cover with a lid and cook until wilted down, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and add salt and pepper to taste.

Oat Bran

  • In a small pot over medium-high heat, pour water and oats. Mix. Once at a soft simmer, lower temperature to low. Add butter and a pinch of salt, mix. Stir frequently for about 1-2 minutes until creamy. Transfer oats to a bowl and add top with tofu scramble, spinach, green onions/scallions, sunflower seeds, and a splash of soy sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 341kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 104mgPotassium: 678mgFiber: 14gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3095IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 216mgIron: 7mg
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135 shares
Category: All, Breakfast, Fall Recipes, Lunch, Porridge

About Aly Michell

Previous Post:Green, creamy cilantro sauce in a clear glass canning jar.Plant-Based Creamy Cilantro Sauce
Next Post:10-Minute Mung Bean Sprout Stir-FryStir fried mung bean sprouts with vegetables.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jazz

    August 04, 2020 at 3:55 pm

    5 stars
    I have to admit I wasn't familiar with these ingredients but am obsessed with the outcome. Thanks for this recipe!

    Reply
  2. Immaculate Ruému

    August 04, 2020 at 10:13 am

    5 stars
    I'm glad I tried this savory oats recipe. It was really delicious!

    Reply
  3. Capri Lilly

    August 03, 2020 at 10:26 am

    5 stars
    When I first saw this post in Instagram I KNEW I had to try it! I am so happy I did! I've never made oat bran like this before and it was soooo savory, so filling, and so delicious!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      August 03, 2020 at 3:45 pm

      Ah, I am glad you loved it! It's one of my favorite go-to breakfast dishes.

      Reply
  4. Kaluhi

    August 03, 2020 at 3:24 am

    5 stars
    I could literally taste the bowlful while reading through! Such fullbodied flavors and I love how you chose everything. The flavors WERK honey!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      August 03, 2020 at 7:29 am

      Yesssss! The flavor definitely doesn't hold back!

      Reply
  5. Samantha

    August 02, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    The added turmeric powder makes this recipe so perfect!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      August 02, 2020 at 3:57 pm

      Yesss!!! It definitely adds flavor (and color). ^_^

      Reply
  6. Chef Mireille

    August 02, 2020 at 11:06 am

    5 stars
    I have never tried oat bran or oats for that matter in a savory recipe before. OMG what a great idea. This is such a hearty and healthy meal. Thank you for this no guilt meal I will be adding to the weekly menu.

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      August 02, 2020 at 2:00 pm

      Yes, do it! You'll love it. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Tamara

    August 02, 2020 at 10:35 am

    5 stars
    Such a simple healthy recipe. It is perfect for our meatless days. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      August 02, 2020 at 2:02 pm

      Enjoy! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Marta

    August 02, 2020 at 10:31 am

    5 stars
    This reminds me of a savory twist on the farina I grew up eating! I'm on a diet (BOOOOO), so I made this oat bran because it looked super-diet friendly what with the spinach and tofu. It was not only diet-friendly, but belly friendly! It was delicious.

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      August 02, 2020 at 2:03 pm

      Ha! I definitely understand that diet life. I am glad you loved it.

      Reply
  9. Desirée

    August 02, 2020 at 7:00 am

    5 stars
    I've never made oat bran until now and I'm mad I've been missing out all this time! Can't wait to try out your other variations!

    Reply
  10. Katrina

    August 02, 2020 at 5:46 am

    5 stars
    This oat bran bowl was delicious and I will definitely be making it again for breakfast rotation!!

    Reply
  11. Nij

    August 01, 2020 at 11:19 pm

    5 stars
    Savory oat bran was definitely new to me but loved switching up my normally sweet breakfast for this tasty and satisfying bowl.

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      August 02, 2020 at 2:05 pm

      Hi, Nij! I a glad you loved it. It's a bit different than a bowl of sweet oats, but, definitely still delicious!

      Reply
  12. Chenée

    August 01, 2020 at 5:09 pm

    5 stars
    This was so delicious! Love that oat bran is gluten free and vegan!

    Reply
  13. Andrea

    August 01, 2020 at 5:01 pm

    5 stars
    First time trying savory oatmeal. I am a fan. Delicious!

    Reply
    • Aly Michell

      August 02, 2020 at 2:06 pm

      Yesss! Cheers to another member of the savory oats club! Really stoked you loved it. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Britney Breaks Bread

    August 01, 2020 at 4:57 pm

    5 stars
    I was nervous to try savory oats at first but this recipe converted me! This recipe is so so good! The tofu scramble went exceptionally good as well!

    Reply
5 from 15 votes

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Hi, My name is Aly Michell! I create plant-based recipes that are easy, accessible, using everyday cookware.

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