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Steamed Spinach With Garlic And Lemon

A quick, nutritious side dish packed with vibrant flavors that complements any meal without the fuss.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 70

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound spinach leaves (washed and dried) Freshness is key; feel free to use pre-washed varieties for convenience.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt Enhances the natural flavors without being overwhelming.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Adds depth and warmth to the dish.
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder For a quick flavor boost, feel free to replace this with fresh garlic if you like.
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted) This adds richness; olive oil can be a healthier substitute.
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed) This brightens up the dish, balancing the buttery flavors.
  • 1/4 cup water Essential for steaming the spinach to perfect tenderness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Gather your spinach leaves, butter, and seasonings. Washing and drying the spinach thoroughly ensures it steams properly.
  2. Add the spinach leaves to a large (12-inch) deep skillet. Top with 1/4 cup of water.
  3. Cover the skillet tightly (ideally with a clear lid) and turn the heat to medium-high. Once the water begins to steam, it creates a perfect environment for the spinach to wilt — typically in about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Remove the cooked spinach from heat and transfer it to a colander. Gently press down with the back of a large serving spoon to extract excess liquid, ensuring the dish isn’t watery.
  5. Transfer the spinach to a serving plate, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drizzle with the melted butter and fresh lemon juice, mixing well before serving.

Notes

Steamed Spinach With Garlic And Lemon is versatile and can be served as a side or incorporated into main dishes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for later use.