Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Crispy Kale Chips
When you need a hearty, nourishing breakfast to power you through a busy day, this Quinoa Breakfast Bowl by actress and host Tia Mowry is an absolute game-changer. Moving away from traditional sweet oatmeal, this savory breakfast bowl utilizes quinoa—a gluten-free seed that is naturally packed with complete proteins and essential amino acids.
What truly elevates this dish is the incredible variety of textures. The fluffy quinoa is simmered with sweet shredded carrots and aromatic garlic, then topped with deeply savory, pan-seared shiitake mushrooms. Finished with a perfectly cooked egg, sharp Parmesan shavings, and homemade crispy kale chips, every single bite is a dynamic and satisfying flavor experience!
Pro-Tips for the Ultimate Breakfast Bowl
To get the absolute best texture out of your grains and greens, keep these culinary tips in mind:
- The Secret to Perfect Kale Chips: Moisture is the enemy of a crispy kale chip! Make sure your rinsed kale leaves are completely bone-dry before you add the olive oil. Furthermore, take the time to literally massage the olive oil into the leaves with your hands. This breaks down the tough cellulose structure of the kale and ensures every crevice is coated for an even, shatteringly crisp bake.
- The Runny Yolk Advantage: While the recipe simply calls for “cooked eggs,” a soft-boiled, poached, or sunny-side-up egg works best here. The rich, runny yolk breaks open and acts as a luxurious sauce that coats the quinoa and mushrooms.
- Let the Quinoa Rest: Once your quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and is tender, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This allows the steam to distribute evenly, preventing mushy or clumped grains.
Delicious Variations to Try
Breakfast bowls are incredibly forgiving and customizable. Feel free to adapt this recipe based on your dietary needs or whatever is in your fridge:
- Make it Vegan: To create a completely plant-based breakfast, omit the eggs and Parmesan cheese. Instead, top your bowl with sliced avocado, a savory tofu scramble, and a generous sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy, umami flavor.
- Boost the Broth: Cooking the quinoa in chicken or vegetable broth instead of plain water adds a massive amount of savory depth to the base of the bowl.
- Add Extra Protein: If you have a big appetite, toss in some cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled bacon, or a scoop of warm black beans.
Also Read : Green Avocado Hummus
Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Crispy Kale Chips
4
servings15
minutes30
minutes208
kcalIngredients
For the Crispy Kale Chips:
1 large head kale (rinsed, dried well, stems discarded, and leaves torn into pieces)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
For the Quinoa Breakfast Bowl:
1 cup dry quinoa (rinsed)
2 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
1/2 cup shredded carrot
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 cups sliced shiitake mushrooms
4 large eggs, cooked to your preference (fried, poached, or boiled)
Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Parmesan cheese, shaved for garnish
Directions
- Bake the Kale Chips: Preheat your oven to 275°F. Place the dry, torn kale leaves onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and use your hands to massage the oil thoroughly into the leaves until they are completely coated. Sprinkle generously with sea salt. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until the leaves are crispy. Set aside.
- Simmer the Quinoa: In a medium saucepot, combine the dry quinoa and water (or broth). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, stir in the shredded carrots, chopped garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: While the quinoa cooks, set a medium sauté pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and sauté until they are beautifully browned on both sides, about 7 minutes. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper, remove from the heat, and set aside.
- Cook the Eggs: Prepare your 4 eggs according to your favorite method (a runny yolk is highly recommended!).
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked carrot-and-garlic quinoa evenly among 4 serving bowls (about 3/4 to 1 cup of cooked quinoa per bowl). Layer one-quarter of the sautéed mushrooms on top of each bowl. Add one cooked egg to each, and a dash of hot sauce if using.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each bowl generously with the homemade crispy kale chips and fresh Parmesan shavings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can make the quinoa and sauté the mushrooms up to 3 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. The kale chips can also be made ahead, but they should be stored in a paper bag at room temperature so they don’t lose their crispness. Simply reheat the base, fry a fresh egg, and assemble!
