This buttery, garlicky Sautéed Spinach is the best way to enjoy this nutritious green. It's wilted to make it tender, then sauteed with butter and fresh garlic for a burst of flavor. It's the ultimate healthy side dish and only takes a few minutes to make!
This savory side dish is the perfect reminder that healthy, nutritious meals and tons of ingredients don't have to take hours in the kitchen. You can have this sauteed spinach on the table in a matter of minutes. Even better, it's simple enough for your quick weeknight dinner or fancy enough for a dinner party with main dishes like Dutch Oven Chicken or Roast Beef. It's truly the perfect side dish, so keep this easy recipe on hand for next time!
Why You'll Love This Sauteed Spinach
- Great way to eat more greens. We know we should eat more leafy greens, but that's easier said than done. Fortunately, a nice dollop of butter and some fresh garlic make it easier than ever to enjoy bunches of spinach regularly.
- Quick and so easy. The active time required to make this easy sautéed spinach recipe is so little it almost doesn't count. It takes 30 seconds to wilt the spinach; then you sautee it for approximately 5 minutes. Is there anything better for busy weeknights?
- Simple yet flavorful. This delicious side dish provides that things don't have to be complicated to be delicious. This recipe has just 5 simple ingredients yet tastes absolutely lovely. Add this garlic spinach to your dinner menu tonight!
Ingredient Notes
To make this delicious Sauteed Spinach, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- fresh spinach - we used mature spinach bunches cut in half with the ends trimmed. You can also use baby spinach leaves to make it even easier. It just needs to be fresh!
- butter - the melted butter will soak into the spinach, sending that garlicky flavor into every bite. Olive oil works well, too.
- garlic - mince fresh garlic for an aromatic, savory side dish.
- salt and black pepper - season to taste.
You will also need a large pot, colander, large skillet, and a wooden spoon.
How to Make the Best Sauteed Spinach
- Wilt spinach. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 30 seconds until wilted. Remove the wilted spinach and rinse it under cold running water until it is cool enough to handle. Drain it in a colander and squeeze out excess water. Set aside.
- Sauté garlic. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add spinach. Stir in spinach and toss well to coat. Cook for 1 -2 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Make it meaty. Sauté some chopped bacon instead of melting butter and let the bacon grease infuse into the tender greens.
- Add some heat. Add a shake of red pepper flakes for a little heat with this classic side dish. You can add more garlic, too!
- Try a different green. Although these instructions are for regular spinach, this technique works great for other greens, like Swiss chard or even kale. They may need an additional minute or two to soften their sturdier leaves.
- Season with fresh herbs. This is a super simple recipe that can easily be adapted. Sautee some chopped fresh rosemary or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Serve
This Sautéed Spinach is an easy side dish that pairs well with so many main dishes. Some of my favorites to pair with this are:
- Honey Glazed Roast Pork with Vegetables
- Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
- Ribeye Steak
- Glazed Honey Balsamic Pork Chops
- Greek Salmon
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Let your pan get hot first. Watch for the butter to fully melt and start to bubble before adding the garlic. This will give your spinach the best flavor.
- Use fresh greens. If your spinach is already slimy, it will add an unpleasant flavor. Pick out any wilting, softening pieces, then rinse and spin your greens in a salad spinner to ensure they're clean and fresh.
- Top with lemon. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a bright, sunny flavor that pairs well with hearty dishes like roasted meats.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
This easy sautéed spinach recipe is best served right away, but you can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to Reheat
The easiest way to reheat your leftover spinach is to microwave it for approximately 1-2 minutes or sauté it quickly in a pan over medium heat until warm.
How to Freeze
Cooked spinach freezes very well. Freeze your leftover spinach in an ice cube tray or silicone mold, then store the little pucks in a freezer bag. You can either serve the leftovers as a side dish with dinner or let the precooked, seasoned spinach add flavor and extra nutrients to your casseroles or soups.
FAQ
Although blanching the spinach in boiling water is entirely optional, there are several key reasons for this extra step that make it worth it. First, blanching will help reduce the concentration of oxalates, which can contribute to health issues for certain individuals. You'll also be able to remove any excess moisture that may make this recipe taste soggy or overcooked. Blanching also speeds up the sauteeing process while preserving the dark green color.
Since spinach is mostly water, it will naturally release those liquids the second it is exposed to heat. For the best flavor and texture, start by boiling your spinach for 30 seconds, then rinsing and straining it completely. Then, sautee it in melted butter with freshly minced garlic for a simple side dish that's loaded with flavor (not water).
If your spinach has seen better days but you want to salvage it, soak it in a bath of cold ice water for approximately 30 minutes to an hour. The cold water will perk the leaves back up and give them a new lease on life. Then, strain the water and spin the spinach leaves before using them in your favorite spinach recipes.
More Recipes with Spinach
- Creamed Spinach
- Baked Spinach Dip
- Spinach Gratin
- Spinach and Pea Soup
- Spinach Cheese Rolls
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
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Recipe
Sautéed Spinach
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This buttery, garlicky Sautéed Spinach is the best way to enjoy this nutritious green. It's wilted to make it tender, then sauteed with butter and fresh garlic for a burst of flavor. It's the ultimate healthy side dish and only takes a few minutes to make!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach (2 bunches), stems removed and cut in half
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 30 seconds until wilted.
- Remove the wilted spinach and rinse it under cold running water until it is cool enough to handle. Drain it in a colander and squeeze out excess water. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat until bubbly, about 1-2 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in spinach and toss well to coat. Cook for 1 -2 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
How to store: This easy sautéed spinach recipe is best served right away, but you can also store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How to reheat: The easiest way to reheat your leftover spinach is to microwave it for approximately 1-2 minutes or sauté it quickly in a pan over medium heat until warm.
How to freeze: Cooked spinach freezes very well. Freeze your leftover spinach in an ice cube tray or silicone mold, then store the little pucks in a freezer bag. You can either serve the leftovers as a side dish with dinner or let the precooked, seasoned spinach add flavor and extra nutrients to your casseroles or soups.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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