Sautéed Spinach

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is light, healthy, and incredibly easy to make. Spinach wilts quickly, making it perfect for fast weeknight dinners. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, and when sautéed properly, it transforms into a tender, flavorful addition to your meal. Whether you’re serving it with eggs, fish, or steak, sautéed spinach fits right in.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
olive oil
garlic, minced
salt
black pepper
lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring frequently as it wilts.
4. Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes until all the spinach is wilted and tender.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Optional: Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
7. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• Creamed Spinach: Stir in a splash of cream and grated cheese for a richer version.
• Asian-Inspired: Add a dash of soy sauce and sesame oil for a different flavor profile.
• Garlic-Lovers’: Increase the amount of garlic or add sliced garlic for a stronger flavor.
• Nutty Twist: Toss with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added texture.
• Spicy Version: Include a pinch of cayenne or extra red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover sautéed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals. Avoid overcooking when reheating to preserve texture and color.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but thaw and drain it well before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.

Why does spinach shrink so much?

Spinach has a high water content and reduces significantly when cooked—about 10 cups fresh equals 1 cup cooked.

Do I need to remove the stems?

It’s optional. For a more tender texture, remove thick stems before cooking.

How do I keep sautéed spinach from being watery?

Cook over medium-high heat and allow excess liquid to evaporate. Avoid covering the pan.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat gently and season again if needed.

Is sautéed spinach healthy?

Yes, it’s low in calories and high in iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants.

Can I use baby spinach?

Absolutely. Baby spinach cooks faster and has a milder flavor.

What oils can I use besides olive oil?

Butter, avocado oil, or ghee are good alternatives that add different flavors.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, or as a side for pasta and grains.

Can I add onions or shallots?

Yes, sauté finely chopped onions or shallots before adding the garlic and spinach for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Sautéed Spinach is a simple, healthy, and delicious side dish that comes together in minutes and complements a wide variety of meals. With just a few ingredients, you can turn fresh spinach into a flavorful dish that’s as nutritious as it is versatile. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a staple you’ll come back to again and again.

Sautéed Spinach

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Sautéed Spinach is a quick, healthy side dish made with fresh spinach, garlic, and olive oil. It’s tender, flavorful, and ready in minutes—perfect for pairing with any main course.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéed
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh spinach, washed and trimmed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add spinach in batches, stirring as it wilts.
4. Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes until all spinach is wilted and tender.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Optional: Finish with lemon juice and red pepper flakes for brightness and heat.
7. Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• Spinach shrinks significantly when cooked—use more than you think.
• Cook uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate.
• Add toasted nuts or a splash of cream for variation.
• Use baby spinach for a quicker, milder version.
• Pairs well with eggs, fish, chicken, and grains.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 2mg