Pan Fried Oatmeal Recipe (2024)

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Published: · Modified: by Luci Petlack

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Pan Fried Oatmeal Recipe (1)

Have you ever heard of fried oatmeal before? This is a somewhat recent discovery of mine, but now I’m wondering where it’s been my whole life!

I rarely make or order oatmeal for myself. I love it every time I eat it, but for some reason, it just never sounds as though it’ll satisfy my cravings.

My boyfriend and my mom have been on an oatmeal kick this past year, however, so I suppose it was only a matter of time before things started to change! My mom recently told me that my grandfather used to make fried oatmeal – seared in the pan, not deep-fried.

She told me how to do it and I quickly tried it out. The taste of fried oatmeal isn’t any different from oatmeal. The more firm shape and the little crispiness, however, are a new spin on an old classic…

Pan Fried Oatmeal Recipe (2)

CONTENTS

Fried Oatmeal

One of the great perks of doing fried oatmeal is that you can do a bulk of the work ahead of time. Make up a batch of oatmeal on Sunday and then “fry” each piece for breakfast as needed throughout the week!

Below is the basic stovetop recipe for oatmeal. Also try steel cut oats in your instant pot, oatmeal in the crockpot, or you can try this rice cooker recipe for oatmeal.

If you really wanted to have a little fun with the kiddos, you could cut shapes out of the cold oatmeal. Use either a knife or cookie cutters!

Topping Ideas

The fun thing about fried oatmeal for breakfast (or snack!) is that you can add any toppings you like. Syrup, fresh berries, and chopped nuts are my current favorite combination.

You know peanut butter, honey, or even a classic pancake style with butter and syrup would be a delight.

And don’t forget some fun seasonings like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and even allspice or nutmeg. The possibilities of fried oatmeal toppings are endless and the best part is that everyone can make their own combination!

Pan Fried Oatmeal Recipe (3)

Want some other breakfast recipes? Try this salmon frittata, breakfast salad, cardamom fluffy waffles, make-ahead breakfast tacos, and toasted muesli with yogurt!

FRIED OATMEAL BREAKFAST RECIPE

My mom always said that my grandpa loved fried oatmeal. When my mom taught me how to make it, I thought it was genius and that I might like it more than oatmeal. Now we always make extra oatmeal, so we can make fried oatmeal with all these tasty toppings!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Course: American

Cuisine: Breakfast

Keyword: breakfast

Servings: 4

Calories: 21kcal

Author: Luci Petlack

Ingredients

  • ½ Cup Old-Fashioned Oats
  • 1 Cup water
  • teaspoon salt
  • Nonstick spray
  • butter optional
  • optionaltoppings: syrup butter, fruit, peanut butter

Instructions

  • Bring oats, water, and salt to boil in a small pot.

  • LowerHeat. Cook five minutes, stirring constantly until a thick consistency isreached.

  • Place oatmeal in square baking pan and spread evenly.

  • Cover andrefrigerate at least 2-3 hours.

  • When cool, cut oatmeal into eight equal pieces.

  • Heat a skilletover medium-high heat, spray with nonstick spray.

  • Carefully lift oatmeal pieces out of the dish and onto the pan. Sear both sides ofthe oatmeal square – it takes a while because of all the moisture in the oatmeal. Add more nonstick spray as needed.

  • When oatmeal pieces are fairly seared, feel free to add a little butter (along with some more nonstick spray). Butter burns at a much lower temperature, so don’t do this until the end.

Notes

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Nutrition

Calories: 21kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0.1g | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.3mg

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  • Orange Muffins
  • Brunch Sangria

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Celeste says

    Pan Fried Oatmeal Recipe (9)
    I am not a fan of wet oatmeal. I use equal amounts of water and oatmeal when cooking it. That makes a firmer texture that’s easier to fry the next day.

    Reply

  2. Rose says

    Pan Fried Oatmeal Recipe (10)
    You really make me want to try it! Thanks-

    Reply

  3. shauna steadman says

    Pan Fried Oatmeal Recipe (11)
    My grandfather was an immigrant from Bavaria. Eating fried oatmeal is a weekly comfort breakfast for me (I am 82). I always double my regular oatmeal mush and put the extra in an empty yogurt cup in the fridge overnight. It sets up like polenta. I slice it thin (1/4 inch) and fry it slowly in oil in a large frying pan. It takes quite a while. I further smash it as it gets set, until it is crisp and flat. I serve it with seasoned (salt and pepper) scalded milk. YUMMY! My friend orders fried oatmeal (with fresh fruit) from a French restaurant in Salt Lake City, his favorite.

    Reply

    • Luci Petlack says

      Hi Shauna! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I hadn’t thought of enjoying it savory; I’ll have to give it a try. My grandpa taught my mom this recipe (back in the late 1940s). His family was from England (many generations prior) and he would make this in the mornings before taking the ferry off to work. I wonder if he chilled it in a similar container to then slice. Our son is a major yogurt eater, so we always have a container around. I’ll have to try that easy storage idea! -Luci

      Reply

  4. rose says

    Pan Fried Oatmeal Recipe (12)
    I’ve always hated the sliminess of oatmeal-I think I would like this. Oatmeal cookies are my favorite, so it’s just the texture of boiled oatmeal that turns me off. Can’t wait to try this! Thanks-

    Reply

    • Luci Petlack says

      Yes!! I hope you do. A little less water when cooking the oats would probably really help too! Enjoy!

      Reply

  5. Tina says

    Pan Fried Oatmeal Recipe (13)
    What about using olive oil to fry it in?

    Reply

    • Luci Petlack says

      Olive oil would be fine in terms of it cooking the same. I know some people are more sensitive to the flavor of olive oil, but it wouldn’t bother me. Totally up to you!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Pan Fried Oatmeal Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you cook Quaker Oats in a pan? ›

Mix 40g of Quaker Oats with 300ml of milk (or cold water) in a saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Can we fry oats and eat? ›

You should try fried oatmeal squares

Similarly to polenta, this thick starchy brick can be cut into shapes and fried in butter. What was once an unappetizing, wet, gray brick of desperation can been transformed into a golden, toasted, crispy-edged treat. Once fried, you can serve it sweet or savory.

What not to mix with oatmeal? ›

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

How to roast oats in a pan? ›

How To Toast Oats
  1. Add raw oats to a dry skillet and heat the pan over medium.
  2. Toast the oats, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and smell slightly nutty, about two minutes.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat and let them cool.
Dec 28, 2023

Is it better to cook oats in microwave or stove? ›

Studies suggest that cooking oatmeal in a microwave may be better than boiling them over a stove. The microwave cooks food faster. Hence, the nutrient loss may be lower due to shortened cooking time than boiling or cooking over a stove.

What is the healthiest way to cook oats? ›

In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a boil, then lower heat to bring to a simmer. Stir in ½ cup oats and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender, stirring throughout. Remove from heat and stir in a dash of salt and ¼ cup milk or plant-based milk. Garnish as desired.

Can you dry fry oats? ›

Oats can be toasted in a dry pan, but toasting them in a tablespoon of butter—and with a pinch of salt—is more delicious. There's not much chance that the butter will burn, because the oats soak it up quickly.

Can you eat oatmeal every day? ›

Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.

Does cooking oats destroy nutrients? ›

While it is great to increase digestibility, cooking Oats or any other food or vegetable reduces nutrition of the food by about 25%. Water soluble vitamins (Vit C, B complex), fat soluble vitamins (Vit A, D, E, K) and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium are often reduced during cooking.

Is there anything negative about eating oatmeal? ›

Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away.

Why did I stop eating oatmeal? ›

Oats, despite being a complex carbohydrate, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, especially when consumed in large quantities. This can be a concern for individuals with diabetes or those aiming to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Is it OK to eat eggs and oatmeal together? ›

Sure, both oatmeal and eggs are wonderful on their own… but together, they make an even better breakfast.

How to make Quaker oats in a pan? ›

Bring water or milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in oats, reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes or until oats are of desired texture.

Why do you soak oats before cooking? ›

When you soak old-fashioned oats in oatmeal before cooking, they absorb the liquid and get a head-start on softening. When they cook, they take on an ultra-creamy, almost airy texture. I find pre-soaked oats are also easier to cook.

Are toasted oats healthy? ›

Whole oats are also rich in antioxidants which help lower blood pressure and inflammation. Toasted oats are great way to get a more heart healthy plant on your plate. Toasted oats are easy to make and you only need 3 ingredients.

Is it necessary to boil Quaker Oats? ›

Yes you can eat uncooked Quaker Oats. Some people like to blend raw oats and add it in their shake for extra carbohydrates. Its easy and convenient way to get extra calories and there is no cooking involved too.

Can you cook oatmeal in a non stick pan? ›

Grab a nonstick skillet for cozy oats that cook down quicker and creamier than in a deep pot (and clean up way easier).

Do oats stick to pan? ›

When cooking porridge, water moves to the periphery of the pot, exposing a dry spot in the centre. This means the centre of the pan overheats and the dry cereal sticks to the pan. To prevent this, turn the heat to minimum after the porridge boils and stir it continuously.

Can you make oatmeal in a stainless steel pan? ›

In order to make a proper pot of oatmeal, first of all you're going to need a pot. The type of pot that I recommend using is a small sauce pan with a lid. I use a stainless steel 3-quart covered saucepan made by Revere. These pots perform extremely well, clean easily, and last forever!

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