Sauteed Garlicky Spinach Recipe

Cooking this vibrant, garlicky spinach feels like giving your taste buds a fresh start—all it takes is a quick sizzle in a skillet to turn a handful of simple ingredients into pure culinary magic!

I love creating simple, nutrient-rich dishes, and my sautéed garlicky spinach is a perfect example. Rich in iron and vitamins, this vibrant side dish combines the bold flavors of minced garlic and fresh lemon juice.

The olive oil adds a heart-healthy touch, while a hint of salt and pepper enhances the natural taste.

Sauteed Garlicky Spinach Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, enhances heart health.
• Garlic: Adds pungent flavor, contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Spinach: High in iron, vitamins A, C, K, and fiber; supports immune function.
• Salt: Enhances flavor, use in moderation for sodium control.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth, contains piperine for absorption enhancement.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and tang, high in vitamin C, boosts flavor.

Sauteed Garlicky Spinach Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and drained
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

How to Make this Sauteed Garlicky Spinach Recipe

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring frequently.

4. Continue to add more spinach as it cooks down, ensuring it fits into the skillet.

5. Once all the spinach has been added and just wilted, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

6. Sauté the spinach for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

7. Remove the skillet from the heat once the spinach is tender and bright green.

8. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the sautéed spinach and toss to combine.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or lemon juice if desired.

10. Transfer the sautéed spinach to a serving dish and serve immediately.

Sauteed Garlicky Spinach Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Stirring spoon or spatula
3. Garlic press or knife for mincing garlic
4. Measuring spoons
5. Citrus juicer or manual reamer
6. Serving dish

FAQ

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
  Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before sautéing.
• How long should I cook the spinach?
  Sauté the spinach for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s wilted and bright green.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?
  It’s best served immediately after cooking, but you can prepare it a couple of hours ahead and gently reheat over low heat.
• What can I add for extra flavor?
  Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of nutmeg for an extra flavor boost.
• Is it necessary to use lemon juice?
  Lemon juice adds a fresh citrus flavor that enhances the dish, but you can omit it if preferred.
• What type of olive oil should I use?
  Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich flavor, but regular olive oil will also work.
• How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
  Cook garlic over medium heat and stir frequently. Remove it from the pan as soon as it begins to turn golden to prevent burning.

Sauteed Garlicky Spinach Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• 2 tablespoons olive oil: can be substituted with avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: can be substituted with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 teaspoon garlic paste.
• 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and drained: can be substituted with 1 pound of kale or Swiss chard.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: can be substituted with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: can be substituted with 1 tablespoon lime juice or 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.

Pro Tips

1. Prep Ahead To save time, wash and dry the spinach thoroughly before starting. You can also mince the garlic in advance to streamline the cooking process.

2. Garlic Infusion Be cautious not to brown the garlic when sautéing, as it can become bitter. Cook just until fragrant to infuse the oil with flavor.

3. Even Cooking Add the spinach in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. This ensures even cooking and prevents boiling instead of sautéing.

4. Flavor Boost Consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle heat that complements the lemon juice.

5. Finishing Touch Garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for added depth of flavor.