Simple Garlic-Chili Amaranth
This quick and vibrant Simple Garlic-Chili Amaranth is a perfect savory side dish, ready in minutes with minimal effort. It features tender amaranth greens stir-fried with aromatic garlic and a hint of chili.
For 2 servings
Thoroughly wash the amaranth leaves under cold running water. Spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them very dry with a clean kitchen towel. Roughly chop the leaves into 2-inch pieces, discarding any tough stems.
Heat the neutral cooking oil in a large wok or a wide, deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the hot oil. Sauté for 30-60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add all the chopped amaranth leaves to the wok. It will seem like a lot, but they will quickly wilt down. Stir-fry continuously for 3-5 minutes, tossing the greens until they are fully wilted and tender-crisp.
Stir in the low-sodium soy sauce and toasted sesame oil. Continue to stir-fry for another 30 seconds to ensure the greens are evenly coated and heated through.
Taste the amaranth and adjust seasoning if necessary. A pinch of salt can be added if you prefer, but the soy sauce usually provides enough salinity.
Transfer the Simple Garlic-Chili Amaranth immediately to a serving dish and serve hot as a vibrant side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure your amaranth leaves are very dry after washing. Excess water will steam the greens instead of stir-frying them, leading to a less vibrant and tender-crisp texture.
- 2Use a large wok or skillet to allow the greens to spread out and cook evenly. Overcrowding the pan can lower the temperature and result in steamed, rather than stir-fried, vegetables.
- 3Stir-frying is a quick cooking method. Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as the process moves very fast.
- 4Don't overcook the amaranth. It cooks quickly and should retain a slight bite and bright green color. Overcooked greens become mushy and lose their appeal.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 1/2 cup of cubed firm tofu or cooked shredded chicken to the pan after the garlic and chili, stir-frying until heated through before adding the amaranth.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
Ginger InfusedGinger-Infused
Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic and red pepper flakes for an extra layer of aromatic warmth.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Nutrients
Amaranth leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, contributing to overall health.
Antioxidant Properties
Garlic and red pepper flakes contain powerful antioxidants that help combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
Digestive Health
The high fiber content in amaranth greens supports healthy digestion, promotes regularity, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this recipe works wonderfully with other quick-cooking leafy greens like spinach, bok choy, Swiss chard, or even kale (though kale may require a slightly longer cooking time).
