This Stir Fry Spinach and Mushrooms is my go-to quick veggie side - garlicky, savory, and ready in just minutes. It's the perfect balance to rich, flavorful main dishes like Chinese Red Braised Pork Belly, and works just as well alongside rice, noodles, or grilled meats.

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Why You'll Love This Dish
- Quick & Easy - Ready in less than 10 minutes from start to finish.
- Healthy - Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Versatile - Works with many types of mushrooms and greens.
About the Ingredients
Here's some extra notes about the main ingredients you need.
Cooking oil
Use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, avocado, or canola oil. If you like the nutty aroma of sesame oil, you can drizzle a small amount of toasted sesame oil at the very end for flavor (rather than cooking with it).
Garlic
I smash whole cloves so they release their flavor into the oil and become deliciously mellow when cooked - I even eat them whole afterward! You can mince or slice if you prefer.
Mushrooms
I usually use cremini or white button mushrooms, but you can also try shiitake, beech, or oyster mushrooms for extra umami.

In this recipe you can customize the mushrooms too, if you prefer a different type of mushrooms. For example, you can try it with cremini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, beech mushrooms or more!
Spinach
Baby spinach or pre-washed spinach makes prep fast and easy. You can also use regular spinach, just rinse well and trim tougher stems.
How to Stir Fry Spinach and Mushrooms?
First, gather your ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons cooking oil (vegetable, avocado, or canola)
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 6 oz fresh spinach (about 4-5 cups loosely packed)
- Salt, to taste (or a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce for extra flavor)
Heat the Oil - In a wok or large skillet, heat cooking oil over medium-high heat.
Cook Garlic & Mushrooms - Add smashed garlic and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry 2-3 minutes until mushrooms soften and garlic is fragrant.

Add Spinach - Add spinach to the wok (in batches if needed). Cover with a lid for 30 seconds to help it wilt.


Finish & Serve - Remove the lid, stir until spinach is just wilted (bright green, not soggy). Season with salt, or add a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce for extra umami. If desired, drizzle a little toasted sesame oil before serving.


Storage & Reheat
How to Store Leftovers
Cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. (Spinach tends to wilt quickly, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh.)
Can You Freeze It?
Not recommended - spinach becomes mushy and watery after thawing.
Best Way to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a skillet for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in short 20-30 second bursts, stirring in between.

FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Spinach?
Yes, but thaw and drain it well first. The texture will be softer than fresh spinach.
What Mushrooms Work Best?
Cremini and white button are great, but shiitake, beech, or oyster mushrooms add extra umami and a more gourmet feel.
Can I Make This Without Garlic?
Yes - you can skip it, or replace with ginger for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Keep the Spinach From Getting Soggy?
Stir fry quickly over medium-high heat and remove from the pan as soon as it wilts and turns bright green.

Stir Fry Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe
Garlicky, savory, and ready in under 10 minutes, this quick stir fry pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or rich mains like Chinese Red Braised Pork Belly.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons cooking oil (vegetable, avocado, or canola)
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 6 oz fresh spinach (about 4–5 cups loosely packed)
- Salt, to taste (or a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce or sesame oil for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Heat cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add smashed garlic and sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until mushrooms soften and garlic is fragrant.
- Add spinach (in batches if needed). Cover with a lid for 30 seconds to help it wilt.
- Remove the lid, stir until spinach is just wilted (bright green, not soggy).
- Season with salt, or add a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce for extra umami.
- (Optional) Drizzle a little toasted sesame oil before serving.
Notes
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 113Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 362mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 5gSugar: 4gProtein: 6g
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. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
More Delicious Mushroom Recipes
Love mushrooms? Here are more tasty ways to enjoy them:
- Chinese Stir Fried Mushrooms - A quick and versatile mushroom stir fry with garlic and your choice of oyster sauce, soy sauce, or no sauce at all. Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Chinese Chicken Mushrooms Stir Fry - A simple yet flavorful dish made with chicken, mushrooms, scallions, and an optional kick of dried chili peppers.
- Bok Choy Mushrooms Stir Fry - A quick stir fry of tender bok choy and mushrooms in a savory sauce, perfect veggie side dish!
- Oven Roasted Mushrooms and Zucchini - Roasted in the oven with olive oil and garlic powder, this side dish is easy, healthy, and tasty!
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Donny says
I never thought to use sesame oil as my cooking oil but I tried it when making this and it was so good!
Megan Stevens says
I just wanted to let you know I love this recipe. It's fun because your recipes often remind me of my mom and how she cooked for us growing up. This is a classic great side dish. Thanks!
Shelby says
I loved the garlic in this! Garlic plus mushrooms is heaven to me hehe