If you’re in a healthy breakfast rut, it’s time to switch things up with this viral scrambled oats recipe! These scrambled oats are a fun and unique twist on your usual morning oatmeal that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized for hours. And you can make them in 10 minutes!
Whether you’ve seen it on TikTok or just heard the buzz, this speedy skillet recipe is a must-try for your morning meal inspiration.
I’m a doctor and a chef, and I love oats in all forms—whether it’s hot oatmeal, overnight oats, or baked oats. But have you ever tried scrambled oats? Yes, you heard that right—scrambled oats! They taste a bit like a soft-baked oatmeal cookie or soft granola, and are super easy to make.
With this scrambled oats recipe, you’ll have a nutritious breakfast ready in just 10 minutes. It's the perfect recipe for busy mornings when time is short, but you still want something delicious and satisfying. You can also try my high protein scrambled eggs with cottage cheese or healthy make-ahead breakfast burritos.
So, the next time you're in the mood for oatmeal, try these fun scrambled oats instead!
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy mornings- make it in 10 minutes with a handful of ingredients.
- Nutritious: A balanced breakfast packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you full and energized.
- Unique Twist: A different way to enjoy your usual oats; tastes like soft granola or an oatmeal cookie.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and delicious way to get your kids excited about breakfast.
- Customizable: Mix and match your favorite toppings for endless variations.
Doctor’s Tips
- As a doctor and a chef, I always emphasize the importance of a balanced breakfast to kickstart your day with the energy and nutrients your body needs. Scrambled oats are an excellent choice because they combine complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats in one easy-to-make dish.
- The oats provide fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you full longer. The egg and optional protein powder boost the protein content, supporting muscle health and overall metabolism. One serving has 20 grams of protein.
- I recommend topping your scrambled oats with Greek yogurt for an extra dose of protein and probiotics, fresh berries for antioxidants and a burst of color, and a drizzle of nut butter like peanut butter, for some healthy fats.
Looking for more high protein recipes? Check out my collection of high protein recipes.
Ingredients
Ingredient notes and substitutions. See recipe card at the end of the post for full ingredient list.
- Oats- I use old-fashioned oats in this recipe; you can use quick-oats but it will change the texture slightly. Use certified gluten-free oats to keep the recipe gluten free.
- Banana- adds natural sweetness; use the ripest banana you have because it will be the sweetest.
- Egg- helps bind the scrambled oats together
- Cinnamon- adds rich flavor; you can substitute other flavorings like apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, or vanilla extract.
- Protein powder- you can use vanilla whey protein powder or plant-based protein powder. For a chocolatey version, use chocolate protein powder.
How to Ripen Bananas Fast:
If you don’t have any ripe bananas, you can ripen them quickly in the oven or air fryer! Then they’ll be perfectly soft and ready to stir into the batter. Read my post on How To Quickly Ripen Bananas in the Oven or Air Fryer.
How To Make Scrambled Oats Step-By-Step
See recipe card at the end of the post for full recipe details.
- Step 1- Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
- Step 2- Stir in the egg, oats, cinnamon, and protein powder (if using), until well combined.
- Step 3- Heat a nonstick skillet with a little oil over medium heat. When hot, pour in the oatmeal mixture and spread it evenly in the pan with a spatula. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the oats are slightly set.
- Step 4- Flip the mixture and break it into pieces, scrambling it like you would with eggs, until it turns golden brown.
Transfer the scrambled oats to a small bowl and top with plain Greek yogurt, fresh berries, a drizzle of nut butter, or your favorite toppings.
Chef's Tips
- Make sure your skillet is preheated to medium heat before adding the oat mixture. This will help the oats cook evenly and develop that delicious golden brown color.
- Don’t rush the scrambling process. Allow the mixture to set slightly in the pan before you start breaking it up.
- Feel free to get creative with your toppings to add extra flavor and nutrients to your morning meal. See "Scrambled Oats Toppings Ideas" section below for some ideas.
Scrambled Oats Toppings Ideas
Scrambled oats are the perfect canvas for a variety of delicious and nutritious toppings! Here are some of my favorite ways to take this breakfast bowl to the next level:
For a Boost of Protein:
- Greek Yogurt: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for extra protein and creaminess.
- Cottage Cheese: For even more protein, mix in some cottage cheese—its mild flavor pairs well with the oats.
- Nuts or Nut Butter: A handful of almonds, walnuts, or a drizzle of peanut or almond butter provides healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.
- Hemp Hearts: These tiny seeds are packed with protein and healthy fats.
Fruit Toppings:
- Berries: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add natural sweetness and a boost of antioxidants.
- Chopped Apple or Pear: Crisp, juicy apple or pear pieces bring a delightful texture contrast and fiber.
- Diced Peaches or Mango: For a tropical twist, try adding some ripe peach or mango slices—perfect for a sweet, juicy finish.
For Extra Flavor:
- Extra Cinnamon: Sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Jam or jelly: Spoon some of my homemade blueberry chia seed jam or blackberry chia jam on top.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: You can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a little extra sweetness.
- Shredded Coconut: Toasted coconut flakes bring a subtle sweetness and a bit of crunch.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use quick oats instead of rolled oats. It will change the texture slightly but it will still be tasty!
I personally aim for at least 20 grams of protein at breakfast so I like to add protein powder to these scrambled oats. For even more protein, I recommend topping them with Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or nuts/nut butter.
Make sure you preheat the pan to medium heat before adding your oats. Also, let the oat mixture sit on the pan for a few minutes until it starts to set and gets a golden color before you start to scramble them.
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Recipe
Scrambled Oats (Viral Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder (I used a 19.5 gram scoop) optional
- avocado or olive oil for cooking
Toppings:
- Greek yogurt, berries, peanut butter, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the egg, oats, cinnamon, and protein powder (if using), until well combined.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with a little oil. When hot, pour in the oatmeal mixture and spread it evenly in the pan with a spatula. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the oats are slightly set. Then, flip the mixture and break it into pieces, scrambling it like you would with eggs, until it turns golden brown.
- Serve scrambled oats in a bowl and top with toppings like Greek yogurt, fresh berries, and peanut butter.
Notes
- Make sure your skillet is preheated to medium heat before adding the oat mixture. This will help the oats cook evenly and develop that delicious golden brown color.
- Don’t rush the scrambling process. Allow the mixture to set slightly in the pan before you start breaking it up.
- I like to top my oats with Greek yogurt, berries, and peanut butter for a balanced breakfast. However, feel free to get creative with your toppings to add extra flavor and nutrients to your morning meal. See "Scrambled Oats Toppings Ideas" section in the blog post for some ideas.
Andee says
This recipe reminds me of a dish my grandmother used to make for me called fried matzoh but rather than using matzoh, it uses oats. Can this be made without the protein powder?