10-Minute Sautéed Spinach with Garlic Recipe
Introduction
This 10-Minute Sautéed Spinach with Garlic is a quick and flavorful side dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender spinach leaves are lightly wilted with fragrant garlic and finished with a touch of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Ingredients
- 2 large bunches of spinach or a 10 ounce box of baby spinach
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- About 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: If using bunched spinach that is not pre-washed, wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt. It’s fine if the spinach is a little wet before cooking.
- Step 2: Heat the ghee or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for about one minute, making sure the garlic doesn’t brown to avoid bitterness.
- Step 3: Add the spinach to the pan and toss continuously until the leaves are just barely wilted, about one to two minutes.
- Step 4: Season the spinach with salt to taste.
- Step 5: Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the spinach and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use ghee instead of olive oil.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Swap lemon juice with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different tangy note.
- If using baby spinach, reduce the cooking time as it wilts faster.
Storage
Store leftover sautéed spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Fresh spinach works best for sautéing, but you can use frozen spinach if drained well. Thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking to avoid sogginess.
What if I don’t have ghee or olive oil?
You can substitute with other cooking oils like avocado or vegetable oil, though the flavor may vary slightly. Avoid butter for higher heat cooking as it can burn quickly.
Print10-Minute Sautéed Spinach with Garlic Recipe
A quick and easy 10-minute sautéed spinach recipe infused with garlic, finished with a touch of fresh lemon juice. Perfect as a healthy and flavorful side dish using either fresh bunches of spinach or baby spinach leaves.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Spinach
- 2 large bunches of spinach or a 10 ounce box of baby spinach
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- About 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: If using fresh bunched spinach that is not pre-washed, wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt. It is fine if the leaves remain slightly wet before cooking.
- Heat the Oil and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for about one minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from browning and developing a bitter taste.
- Sauté the Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and toss continuously for one to two minutes until the leaves are just barely wilted and tender.
- Season: Sprinkle salt to taste over the sautéed spinach and mix well to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
- Finish with Lemon: Remove the skillet from heat, drizzle about one teaspoon of fresh lemon juice over the spinach, and toss once more before serving immediately to preserve freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Using ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor but olive oil is a lighter alternative.
- Do not overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Spinach can be slightly wet going into the pan; it will wilt quickly.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to taste for brightness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Keywords: sautéed spinach, garlic spinach, quick spinach recipe, healthy side dish, lemon spinach
