Simple Garlic-Ginger Amaranth Stir-fry
Tender amaranth leaves wok-tossed with bold garlic, fresh ginger, and a gentle kick of green chili. This quick Indian-style stir-fry comes together in minutes and turns the humble super-green into a vibrant, nourishing side that pairs beautifully with roti and dal.
For 4 servings
- temper · ~2 min
Make the tempering
1.Heat oil in a large kadhai or wok over medium heat until shimmering.2.Add mustard seeds and let them splutter (30 sec).3.Add cumin seeds and dried red chili, stir until fragrant (15 sec).4.Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chili and sauté until garlic turns golden (1 min).TIPWatch the garlic closely — it burns fast and turns bitter. - saute · ~4 min
Cook the onion base
1.Add sliced onion and turmeric powder to the pan.2.Sauté until the onion turns soft and translucent (3-4 min). - saute · ~4 min
Wilt the amaranth leaves
1.Add the chopped amaranth leaves and stems in batches, tossing to fit them in the pan.2.Sprinkle with salt and stir well to coat the leaves with the tempering.3.Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring once halfway, until the leaves wilt and release their moisture.TIPAmaranth releases enough water to steam itself. Don't add extra liquid. - saute · ~2 min
Dry out the stir-fry
1.Uncover the pan and increase heat to medium-high.2.Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until any remaining moisture evaporates and the greens are glossy and tender. - garnish
Garnish with fresh coconut and serve
Transfer to a serving bowl, scatter fresh grated coconut on top, and serve hot with roti or dal-rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use only the tender top leaves and thin stems of amaranth; thicker stems can be fibrous.
- 2Make sure the oil is shimmering before adding mustard seeds to ensure proper spluttering.
- 3Wash amaranth leaves just before cooking and leave a little water clinging to them — this helps wilt them without extra oil.
- 4If amaranth is not available, substitute with spinach, but reduce cooking time as spinach wilts faster.
- 5Grated coconut garnish adds a fresh, slightly sweet contrast — use unsweetened fresh or frozen coconut.
- 6This stir-fry can be refrigerated for up to two days; reheat in a dry pan to avoid sogginess.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already vegan. For a protein boost, add one cup of cubed pan-fried tofu at the end.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce oil to 1½ teaspoons and add a little extra water during the steaming step to prevent sticking.
high proteinHigh-protein
After step 3, stir in half a cup of cooked chana dal or moong dal for added protein and heartiness.
jainJain
Omit onion and garlic. Use asafoetida (hing) along with mustard seeds for flavor, and use a pinch of black salt.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Iron and Calcium
Amaranth leaves are a powerhouse of plant-based iron and calcium, supporting healthy blood and bones.
Natural Anti-inflammatory
Turmeric and ginger both contain bioactive compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body.
Good Source of Fiber
The leaves provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
Low Calorie and Nutrient Dense
This stir-fry is light yet packed with vitamins A, C, and K from the greens and spices.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before cooking, and reduce the covered steaming time by about a minute.



