An easy make-ahead breakfast; these Matcha Overnight Oats use steel cut oats, chia seeds, and protein powder for a meal that will keep you feeling full. Plus you get the health benefits of matcha green tea!
*post and photos updated March 2019*
Overnight oats. Love ’em or hate ’em?
I remember when the overnights oats craze started. My Pinterest feed flooded with all kinds of ways to enjoy them. But I just couldn’t get on board… the thought of cold mushy oats did not appeal to me.
My coworkers at my previous job loved them. I remember one was so excited about her make-ahead mason jar breakfast discovery and she finally got me to give them a try. Even putting them together the night before I was still a little skeptical. And sure enough the next morning I sat down at my desk, jar and spoon in hand… Underwhelmed by the cold mush I was eating. I think I actually ended up warming them up because I just couldn’t handle it.
Fast forward several years later and I actually love all kinds of overnight oats recipes. I know I know.
BUT. What changed my mind?
STEEL CUT OATS.
What got me on board the overnight oats train was trying them out with steel cut oats. Another coworker suggested steel cut because they still keep their texture and get chewy, versus mushy.
Sure enough I liked those much better. Steel cut overnight oats quickly found their way into my weekly breakfast routine.
Overnight Oats with Matcha
So this recipe is made to use steel cut oats, but you can use quick oats if you prefer. Even a mix will work. Just know that steel cut oats require more liquid and need to set longer.
How to put together overnight oats
The process for putting together these Matcha Overnight Oats takes less than five minutes. You just add all of your ingredients into a jar, stir, refrigerate and cover overnight (or about 4 hours).
The oats and chia seeds will absorb the liquid overnight and you’ll have thick, creamy oats in the morning!
More about Matcha Green Tea
Matcha is a traditional Japanese green tea that comes with many health benefits.
Cancer Prevention: Matcha contains antioxidants called catechins, which are not found in other foods. The catechin found in green tea, EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) provides cancer-fighting properties. EGCg and other catechins counteract the effects of dangerous free radicals coming from chemicals, radiation, UV rays, which can all lead to cell and DNA damage.
Aids* in Weight Loss: I don’t want this benefit to be held with too much high regard, but there is research shown that consuming matcha can help boost metabolism and burn fat.
Lowers LDL “Bad” Cholesterol: The catechin found in green tea, EGCg, also aids in lowering cholesterol levels.
If you’re not on board the matcha latte train yet, these overnight oats are just one of many ways to enjoy matcha in various forms.
More Matcha Recipes
- Whole Grain Matcha Muffins
- Spiced Matcha Latte
- Flourless Paleo Brownies with Matcha Frosting
- Dark Chocolate Matcha Coconut Butter Cups
Let me know if you try this recipe by leaving a comment and review on the blog! I love hearing from you and it helps others find the recipe too!Xx Ashley
How to Make…
Matcha Overnight Oats {with Protein}
An easy, make-ahead breakfast, these Matcha Overnight Oats are a meal that will keep you full for hours.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 mins
- Diet: Gluten Free
- Yield: 2 1x
- Scale:
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup + 1 TBSP steel cut oats* (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 TBS chia seeds
- 28g plant based vanilla protein powder
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 1/3 cup plant based yogurt (Siggi’s is great here)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk
optional toppings:
- flaked coconut
- fresh fruit
- granola
- nut butter
Instructions
- In a 16oz jar (or larger), combine all of your ingredients from steel cut oats to milk, and stir well until thoroughly mixed. You can also seal jar and shake.
- You can divide oats into two 8oz jars, or keep in one large jar. Allow matcha oats to thicken overnight, or at least 4 hours, until liquid is absorbed. Check for desired thickness in the morning – stir in a couple tablespoons of more milk if desired.
- Add your toppings like blueberries, crunchy granola, nut butter, etc. and enjoy straight from the jar.
Recipes Notes:
OATS: You may replace steel cut oats with 1/4 of quick or rolled oats, I just enjoy the texture of steel cut better!
Protein powder: You may need a few more tablespoons of liquid depending on protein powder used. Simply check your overnight oats in the morning or after 4 hours and if the mixture is very thick, stir in 2-3 more tablespoons of milk. There is no added sugar in this recipe, because the protein powder I typically use is sweetened. If you’re looking for a little sweeter flavor, I suggest pure maple syrup.
Cook time refers to overnight fridge time.
Overnight oats can be prepped ahead of time up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1/2 of recipe
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 26
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 7
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 1
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Christina says
Love this! I usually use quick cooking oats for everything and that works for me. I tried matcha for the first time in NYC because Georgie ordered a latte and it was good!! I think I would really love this. I love adding yogurt to overnight oats, it definitely ups the creamy factor!
Ashley says
Oh I lovveeee me a good matcha latte.
And yes to yogurt in oats! I think that was another factor that helped me get on board. I also add them to my chia seed pudding… Heh.
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
I’ve never tried matcha and I definitely should now! This looks perfect for St. Paddy’s Day!!
Ashley says
Oh definitely give it a try Marina! So many health benefits 🙂
rachel @ athletic avocado says
Love that you used steel cut oats instead of regular, I have to try that! And I’m loving the green 🙂
Ashley says
I hope you do try! I love em 😀
Thanks Rachel!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’ve only ever used good old rolled oats! But I totally will try steel-cut!! Totally a nicer bite!
Ashley says
You’ll have to let me know which you prefer 😉
Leah @ Grain Changer says
I love the idea of using half steel cut oats and half rolled oats. I can totally see how the texture of rolled or quick oats alone might turn some people off, so adding in some steel cut oats is a GREAT idea! My husband prefers his oats on the more chewy side much like you, so he’ll LOVE this way of making it!!! What a great idea 🙂
Ashley says
Oh you’ll have to let me know if he likes it better with steel cut 🙂 Thank you Leah!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Ashley, this looks amazing! I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with my bag of matcha other than putting it in my coffee! I’m so pinning this.
Ashley says
Ah YAY! So glad I could help 🙂 But now you’ve got me wanting to put matcha in my coffee, because that is something I haven’t done before… hhmmmm.
Tarah Chieffi says
Yum! I’ve never tried matcha at all and I’ve never tried steel cut oats in my overnight oats, so I need to give this one a shot!
★★★★★
Ashley says
If you’re new to matcha, it can definitely be a taste you may need to “get used to”, but I’ve come to really enjoy it! Plus it is super good for you 🙂 Thanks Tarah!
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
This looks soooo good! I love overnight oats in any shape or form!
Ashley says
Thank you Kristy! I have a feeling it will start to become a small obsession now that I’ve found a way I like them 🙂
jill conyers says
I have a hard time finding recipes using matcha. This is a must try. Thanks!
Ashley says
Oh well I am glad I could be of assistance, Jill! There’s another one coming up here shortly 😉
Pragati // Simple Medicine says
I am a big fan of steel cut oats, too. I love that you included matcha, a night antioxidant boost in the morning!
Ashley says
Yes! Thank you Pragati 🙂