Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic
User Reviews
5
Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic
Description
Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic brings together fresh spinach, garlic, chili, and aromatic spring onions in a straightforward cooking process. The spinach is first blanched to reduce bitterness and maintain vibrancy, then quickly stir-fried with garlic and chili, which gently infuse the dish with a fragrant and mildly spicy note. A splash of soy sauce and salt seasons the greens, while toasted sesame seeds add a delicate crunch and flavor contrast on top. The brief cooking ensures the spinach retains a delicate, tender texture without becoming limp or dry.
This vegetable stir fry can be served hot alongside rice or protein dishes, enhancing any meal with its fresh, mildly spicy flavor. It works well as a quick nutritious side that balances richer main courses.
To keep the spinach moist, be careful not to squeeze out all the water after blanching. Variations like adding mushrooms or shrimp before stir-frying can add extra flavor and variety. If you prefer, the spinach can be cooked directly by stir-frying until just wilted instead of blanching first.
Ingredients
- 250 grams spinach cleaned and washed, fresh, or 0.6 pounds
- 1½ teaspoon olive oil
- 3 garlic crushed, cloves
- 1 red chili pepper chopped (or as needed, fresh
- 1 spring onion chopped
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon sesame seeds toasted
Instructions
Prep the spinach
- Cut off and discard the thick stem of the spinach.
- Dip the spinach in a large vessel of water and let it sit for a minute to loosen any dirt or soil. Drain and wash the spinach and repeat.
Blanch the spinach
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the spinach leaves, stir to submerge in the boiling water, and blanch them for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Take out the spinach leaves with a tong and immediately soak in cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Squeeze out excess water - but not all the liquid from the leaves and stems.
- Then roughly cut the spinach into 1-2" length and put them in a bowl.
Stir fry the spinach
- Heat oil in a preheated pan, add garlic, and chili. Stir fry for 10 to 20 seconds or until just fragrant.
- Add spring onion and stir fry for about 20 seconds.
- Add spinach, soy sauce, and salt to taste. Stir fry the spinach to coat and mix with the oil and seasoning.
- Remove from flame and serve hot, adding toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
- Do not squeeze all the liquid out of the blanched spinach to keep it from drying out.
- Spinach can be cooked by stir-frying without blanching, but blanching helps maintain color and reduces bitterness.
- Adding mushrooms or shrimp before the spinach is a way to vary the dish's flavor and texture.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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