This Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic is one of my go-to veggie side dishes - quick, flavorful, and incredibly simple. The garlic adds a fragrant aroma, the spinach cooks down into tender greens, and the whole dish comes together in just minutes. It's the perfect no-fuss side when you want something healthy and delicious on the table fast.
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My usual shortcut is grabbing pre-washed baby spinach from the salad aisle. It saves time on washing and trimming, and it wilts beautifully in a hot wok. But if you prefer using a big bunch of whole spinach (like Taiwanese spinach or regular mature spinach), that works great too - just wash it well and cut it into manageable pieces.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy - Ready in about 5 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Healthy Greens - Spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Garlicky & Flavorful - Just a few cloves of smashed garlic add amazing fragrance.
- Flexible - Works with baby spinach, water spinach (空心菜), or regular bunch spinach.
- Pairs with Everything - A classic Chinese-style veggie side dish.
About Spinach
Spinach (菠菜 / bō cài) is a staple in Chinese home cooking. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavor beautifully, and has a naturally sweet, mild taste.
Spinach Health Benefits
No wonder Popeye loved spinach - it's loaded with nutrients:
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin A
- Iron
- Folate
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- Antioxidants
- Low in calories
It's one of the easiest ways to add leafy greens to your meal.
How to Stir Fry Spinach with Garlic (Step by Step)
- 12 oz spinach (baby spinach or regular)
- 5 cloves garlic, crushed and/or roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoon soy sauce
- Optional: ½-1 teaspoon sesame oil (add at the end)
Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
Add the smashed garlic and stir fry for 30-60 seconds, just until fragrant.
If it looks a bit dry, add a touch more oil.
Add salt to taste. Optional: Add soy sauce and/or sesame oil for extra savory flavor.
Remove from heat and serve!
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Stir-fried spinach is best enjoyed fresh, but here is how to store it if you've made too much:
- Let the spinach cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Just FYI - Freezing is not recommended as cooked spinach becomes watery and mushy once thawed.
Reheating
- Stovetop (best): Add the spinach to a skillet over medium heat and warm for 30-60 seconds. Add a tiny splash of water only if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 20-30 second intervals until warmed through. (The texture will soften more compared to stovetop reheating.)
Spinach cooks fast, so avoid overcooking when reheating!
FAQ
Do I need to wash baby spinach?
Most baby spinach is pre-washed, but a quick rinse never hurts. For whole spinach, wash thoroughly - it often hides sand and grit. I usually soak it in some water (with a pinch of salt) before I rinse to make sure I get all the dirt off.
Can I add more flavor?
Yes! Here are some tasty add-ins:
- 1-2 teaspoon soy sauce
- ½-1 teaspoon sesame oil (added at the end)
- White pepper
- Chili oil or sliced red chili
- A tiny pinch of sugar to balance the garlic
Can I use frozen spinach?
I do not recommend it. Frozen spinach releases more water and won't stir fry properly.
Why did my spinach turn watery?
Spinach naturally releases water when cooked.
This can happen more with:
- Mature spinach vs. baby spinach
- Overcrowding the pan
- Lower heat
Use high heat, cook quickly, and let excess liquid evaporate.
Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic Recipe
This quick Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic is an easy, flavorful veggie side dish you can make in just minutes. Fresh spinach cooks down with fragrant smashed garlic, a splash of soy sauce, and a finishing drizzle of sesame oil for extra aroma. Simple, tasty, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spinach (baby spinach or regular)
- 4–6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: 1–2 teaspoon soy sauce
- Optional: ½–1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Add the smashed garlic and stir fry for 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add all the spinach and stir fry 1–2 minutes, until wilted. Add a touch more oil if the pan looks dry.
- Season with salt.
- Optional: Add 1–2 teaspoon soy sauce for extra savory flavor.
- Turn off heat and drizzle ½–1 teaspoon sesame oil over the spinach. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Baby spinach requires no prep; whole spinach should be washed well and cut into 2–3 inch pieces.
- Add-ons: white pepper, chili oil, sliced red chili, or a pinch of sugar for balance.
- For best texture and color, stir fry quickly over high heat.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 24Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 85mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 3g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.
More Delicious Spinach Recipes!
If you love easy veggie dishes like this Spinach Stir Fry with Garlic, here are more tasty recipes featuring spinach:
Stir Fry Spinach and Mushrooms - A quick and savory stir fry with tender spinach, earthy mushrooms, and fragrant garlic.
Spinach with Bacon and Garlic Stir Fry - Crispy bacon, garlic, and wilted spinach come together for a super flavorful and satisfying side dish.
Pan Seared Salmon with Spinach and Mushrooms - Juicy pan-seared salmon served over garlicky spinach and sautéed mushrooms - an easy weeknight dinner.
15-Minute Vegetable Tofu Soup - A light, comforting soup made with tofu, veggies, and tender spinach (or any Asian greens you have on hand).
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