Simple Garlic Sautéed Spinach
This quick and easy Garlic Sautéed Spinach is a classic side dish, ready in just 10 minutes. Fresh spinach is lightly cooked with fragrant garlic and a hint of lemon, offering a delicious and nutritious accompaniment to any meal.
For 2 servings
Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach under cold running water and dry it completely using a salad spinner or by patting it with paper towels. Thinly slice the garlic cloves.
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat until shimmering.
Add the thinly sliced garlic to the hot oil and cook for 60-90 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add the dried spinach to the pan. If you have a very large amount, add it in batches, allowing the first batch to wilt slightly before adding more.
Using tongs, gently toss and stir the spinach as it wilts down. This process will only take 2-4 minutes as the spinach rapidly reduces in volume.
Once all the spinach has wilted but is still vibrant green and tender-crisp, remove the pan from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Season the sautéed spinach generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the fresh lemon juice and toss everything together to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Simple Garlic Sautéed Spinach immediately as a healthy and flavorful side dish.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure spinach is thoroughly dry before adding to the pan; excess water can steam the spinach instead of sautéing it, leading to a watery dish.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan. If you're cooking a large quantity, work in batches to ensure even cooking and proper wilting without steaming.
- 3Cook the garlic just until fragrant and lightly golden. Burnt garlic will impart a bitter taste to your dish.
- 4Spinach cooks very quickly; remove it from the heat as soon as it's wilted but still bright green to maintain its texture and nutritional value.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheesy Addition
Stir in 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese at the very end for a savory, salty kick.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Add 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds along with the spinach for added texture and healthy fats.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle warmth that complements the spinach beautifully.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins
Spinach is an excellent source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folate, essential for bone health, vision, immunity, and cell function.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Packed with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, spinach helps protect cells from damage and supports eye health.
Digestive Health
The fiber content in spinach aids in healthy digestion and can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
The key is to thoroughly dry your spinach before cooking and use a large, hot pan to allow moisture to evaporate quickly. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can trap steam.
