Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sautéed spinach recipe is not only incredibly quick and easy, but it also delivers big on flavor. The garlic adds a fragrant, savory depth, while the spinach wilts down perfectly, creating a tender and slightly silky texture. The squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness, and the optional red pepper flakes provide a subtle heat. It’s a great way to get your greens in with minimal effort, and it pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces of fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Spinach: Gradually add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. It may seem like a lot at first, but it will quickly wilt down as it cooks.
- Sauté Until Wilted: Cook the spinach for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Wait until it wilts and reduces in size.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, add a squeeze of lemon juice and red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the sautéed spinach to a serving dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Spinach: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or feta cheese over the spinach just before serving.
- Nuts and Seeds: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds for added crunch and texture.
- Add More Veggies: Sauté some sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers along with the garlic to make it a heartier side dish.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce if you like more heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover sautéed spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using. Fresh spinach is preferred for this recipe because it wilts better and has a fresher texture.
2. Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely! You can add dried herbs like thyme or oregano, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a warm flavor. Experiment to find your favorite combination.
3. How can I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it doesn’t contain any animal products, but if you add cheese, just skip that step to keep it plant-based.
4. Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe depending on how many people you’re serving. Just make sure to use a larger skillet so the spinach cooks evenly.
5. Can I serve this with other greens like kale or chard?
Yes, you can swap in other greens like kale or Swiss chard. Just keep in mind that these greens may take a bit longer to cook than spinach.
6. Can I make this ahead of time?
Sautéed spinach is best served fresh, but you can prep the spinach and garlic ahead of time. When ready to serve, quickly sauté the mixture.
7. Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild level of heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust or omit them entirely for a milder version.
8. What can I serve this sautéed spinach with?
Sautéed spinach pairs well with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or even as a topping for pasta or rice dishes.
9. How do I prevent the spinach from getting soggy?
Be sure to not overcook the spinach. It should only be sautéed for about 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender. Overcooking can lead to excess water being released.
10. Can I use a non-stick pan for this recipe?
Yes, using a non-stick pan will help ensure the spinach doesn’t stick, but any skillet or pan will work well for this dish.
Conclusion
This Simple and Flavorful Sautéed Baby Spinach is the perfect quick side dish to complement any meal. It’s easy, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it alongside a hearty main dish or enjoying it as a light meal on its own, this spinach recipe is bound to be a hit. With just a few ingredients and 5 minutes of your time, you can create a delicious, healthy dish that’s full of vibrant flavors and will make your meal even more enjoyable!
Simple and Flavorful Sautéed Baby Spinach: An Incredible 5-Minute Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Simple and Flavorful Sautéed Baby Spinach is a quick, healthy side dish with garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
Ingredients
10 ounces of fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Gradually add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir occasionally as it wilts.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and tender.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and squeeze in lemon juice. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan or feta cheese before serving.
For added crunch, toss in toasted pine nuts or sesame seeds.
To make it heartier, sauté mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers along with the garlic.
Adjust the heat level with more red pepper flakes or hot sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
