If you’re searching for quick, healthy, and delicious Spinach Stir Fry recipes, you’ve come to the right place. This simple garlic spinach stir fry is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight. It’s incredibly fast, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers a huge punch of flavor.
This recipe is versatile, healthy, and can be on your table in under 10 minutes. Forget complicated steps; this is all about simplicity and fresh ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Stir Fry Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: Ready from start to finish in about 10 minutes.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Spinach is a superfood packed with vitamins and iron.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need 6 pantry staples.
- Versatile: It’s the perfect side dish for rice, noodles, chicken, fish, or beef.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple stir fry:
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable, peanut, or avocado oil works well)
- 2 tbsp sake or dry sherry
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Spinach: Be sure to thoroughly rinse the spinach. It is often grown in sandy soil, and a mouthful of sand is no fun! To save time, you can purchase pre-washed greens.
- Heat the Pan: Heat your wok or a large pan until it is hot and dry.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the oil and heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 15-30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
- Cook Spinach: Add all the spinach to the pan (it will look like a lot, but it will wilt down quickly). Turn the heat up to high.
- Season: Sprinkle the sugar, salt, and sake (or sherry) over the spinach.
- Wilt: Cover the pan for 1 minute, or just until the spinach is perfectly wilted. Do not overcook!
- Serve: Serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh.
Pro-Tips & Recipe Variations
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you are doubling the recipe, cook the spinach in two separate batches.
- High Heat is Key: A high heat ensures the spinach wilts quickly without becoming watery or mushy.
- Don’t Overcook: Spinach cooks in just a minute or two. Remove it from the heat as soon as it’s wilted to retain its bright green color and texture.
Easy Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can substitute spinach with almost any leafy green. Try it with:
- Mustard greens
- Kale (note: kale will need a few minutes longer to cook)
- Turnip greens
- Bok Choy or other Asian greens
What to Do with Leftovers?
IF you happen to have any leftovers, here’s a unique idea: mix them with a couple of tablespoons of plain, unflavored yogurt and serve at room temperature. It makes a surprisingly refreshing side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make this without sake or dry sherry? A: Yes! You can substitute with a splash of water, chicken broth, or even a teaspoon of rice vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Q: Is this spinach stir fry recipe healthy? A: Absolutely. It’s low-calorie, low-carb, vegan (if you don’t use it as a side for meat), and packed with nutrients, making it one of the healthiest Spinach Stir Fry recipes you can make.
Author: Kyren Abbot
Passionate about demystifying women's health, Kyren Abbot is a health contributor focused on holistic wellness. Through her writing, she aims to simplify complex health topics and empower women to thrive in every stage of life