Stir-fried spinach with garlic – a classic side dish that’s incredibly easy to make and bursts with flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a vibrant, healthy, and delicious side dish that complements a wide array of main courses.
Why You’ll Love This Stir-Fried Spinach Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 15 minutes!
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh spinach.
- Versatile: Pairs well with chicken, fish, tofu, or enjoy it as a light lunch.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Optional Ingredients:
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
- A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
- 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil for added flavor
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Tongs or spatula
Let’s Get Cooking!
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Prep the Ingredients: Wash and drain the spinach thoroughly. Mince the garlic cloves.
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Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
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Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
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Add the Spinach: Add the spinach to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted but still bright green.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice at this stage, if desired. Serve immediately.
Stir-fried Spinach with Garlic in a Wok
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Stir-Fried Spinach
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re working with a smaller pan, you may need to cook the spinach in batches to ensure it wilts evenly.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil are all great additions.
- Use fresh spinach: While frozen spinach can be used in a pinch, fresh spinach will yield the best flavor and texture.
Expert Tip: “To enhance the garlic flavor, try using a garlic press instead of mincing. This will release more of the garlic’s oils, resulting in a more intense flavor,” says Chef Michael Lee, author of “The Art of Stir-Frying.”
Serving Suggestions
This simple side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or tofu. You can also enjoy it with rice or noodles for a light and satisfying meal.
Stir-fried Spinach with Garlic Served with Grilled Chicken
FAQs About Stir-Fried Spinach
Q: Can I use a different type of oil?
A: Yes, you can use other cooking oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
Q: How long does stir-fried spinach last in the refrigerator?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Explore More Delicious Stir-Fry Recipes
Want to expand your stir-fry repertoire? Check out these other delicious recipes from Family Cuisine:
- How to Make Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry
- How to Make Stir-Fried Chrysanthemum Greens with Garlic
- How to Make Stir-Fried Water Spinach
We hope you enjoy this easy and flavorful stir-fried spinach with garlic recipe! Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers.
