Tiffany Haney
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, creaming, and steaming. It is a nutrient-rich food that is affordable and can be added to a range of dishes, such as omelets, soups, and salads. Spinach can also be served as a side dish, especially with hefty proteins like steak. Given that spinach releases a lot of water during cooking, it is important to drain and dry the leaves before cooking them. When sautéing spinach, it is common to use olive oil, garlic, and lemon, and the cooking time is typically less than 10 minutes. For creamed spinach, a roux is made with butter and flour, seasoned, and then combined with the spinach. Sliced garlic and lemon zest are also popular additions to sautéed spinach, and it can be served with a variety of main courses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cookware | Large skillet, wide pan, cast-iron skillet |
| Heat | Medium, medium-high, medium-low |
| Ingredients | Spinach, olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, pepper, lemon, scallions, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, flour, cream, steak |
| Time | 1-2 minutes, 5-10 minutes, 8-10 minutes |
| Method | Sauté, pan-sear |
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What You'll Learn
What type of pan should you use?
When cooking spinach, you can use a wide range of pans, including skillets, cast-iron pans, and regular steak pans. The most important factor is the size of the pan. Spinach cooks down very quickly, so you will need a large pan to accommodate the volume of spinach you wish to cook. A wide pan is also preferable, as it allows you to toss the spinach around and coat it in oil and aromatics.
If you are cooking a steak and spinach together, a cast-iron skillet is a good option, as it can withstand high temperatures and is suitable for searing steak. You can then cook the spinach in the same pan, adding aromatics like garlic and lemon zest to enhance the flavour.
If you are cooking spinach on its own, a large skillet or frying pan is a good choice. You can use a variety of fats to cook the spinach, such as olive oil, canola oil, or butter. Heat the fat over medium to medium-high heat, add your aromatics, and then add the spinach, tossing it to coat the leaves.
Overall, the most important factors when choosing a pan for cooking spinach are the size and material of the pan. A large, wide pan made from a heat-conductive material like cast iron is ideal, as it will allow you to cook a generous amount of spinach evenly and efficiently.
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How to prepare the spinach before cooking
Spinach is a versatile green that can be added to almost anything, from omelets to soups. It can be cooked in several ways, but sautéing is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare spinach.
Before cooking spinach, it is important to clean and dry the leaves thoroughly. Spinach tends to release a lot of water during cooking, so it is recommended to drain and dry the leaves using a salad spinner or kitchen towels before cooking. If using mature spinach, it is also important to trim or de-stem the leaves and wash them thoroughly to remove any grit. Pre-packaged baby spinach is usually pre-washed, but it is still recommended to wash and dry it before cooking.
Once the spinach is cleaned and dried, you can heat up your chosen fat in a large skillet or pan. Common options include olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or a combination of unsalted butter and olive oil. Heat the fat over medium to medium-high heat until melted, then add your choice of aromatics such as red pepper flakes, chopped shallots, sliced scallions, or minced garlic.
After the aromatics are tender, it's time to add the spinach to the pan. Sautéing spinach doesn't take long, as it wilts pretty fast. Don't forget that spinach cooks down significantly, so use more than you think is necessary. You can use tongs or spatulas to lift and turn the spinach in the pan, ensuring that it is evenly coated with the oil and aromatics.
With these preparation steps, you'll be ready to cook your spinach in a steak pan or any other pan of your choice.
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How to cook the spinach
Spinach is a versatile green that can be added to almost anything, from omelettes to soups. It is also rich in vitamins K, C, iron, and potassium. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cook spinach in a steak pan:
Preparing the Spinach:
Firstly, it is important to note that spinach releases a lot of water during the cooking process. Therefore, it is recommended to drain and dry the spinach leaves before cooking them. If using mature spinach, it is also advisable to trim or de-stem the leaves and double wash them in a sink full of cold water. Baby spinach, on the other hand, usually comes pre-washed and can be cooked with the stems intact.
Sautéing the Spinach:
Sautéing is a popular and easy way to cook spinach. Here are the steps to sauté spinach in a steak pan:
- Heat some fat in the steak pan over medium to medium-high heat. You can use olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, or a combination of fats like unsalted butter and olive oil for added flavour.
- Add aromatics to the melted fat. This could include sliced garlic, chopped shallots, sliced scallions, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Cook until the aromatics are fragrant but not browned, which should take about 30 seconds.
- Add the spinach leaves to the pan. You may need to pack the pan with spinach and use a couple of spatulas or tongs to lift and turn the spinach, ensuring it is coated with the oil and aromatics.
- Cover the pan and cook the spinach for about 1-2 minutes. Spinach wilts quickly, so keep a close eye on it.
- Uncover the pan and turn the spinach over again. You can add a little more olive oil at this point if desired.
- Cover and cook for another minute or until the spinach is completely wilted.
- Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.
- Season the spinach with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavour.
Serving Suggestions:
Sautéed spinach is a versatile side dish that can be served with various meals. It pairs well with hefty proteins like steak, chicken, or salmon. It can also be added to pasta dishes, frittatas, grain bowls, sandwiches, or scrambled eggs.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious sautéed spinach!
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What to serve with the spinach
You can cook spinach in a steak pan by sautéing it with aromatics like garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Spinach is versatile and can be served as a side dish or added to other dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your sautéed spinach:
Proteins
Spinach is a great side dish to serve with hefty proteins. Some protein options that pair well with spinach include:
- Chicken thighs
- Coffee-rubbed steak
- Crispy parmesan chicken cutlets
- Miso-ginger salmon
- Sausage
- Chicken or shrimp pasta
Carbohydrates
Spinach can also be served with various carbohydrates. Some ideas include:
- Rice
- Tortillas or quesadillas
- Pizza
- Waffles
- Ramen
- Beans
- Salads
Other
Spinach can be combined with various other ingredients to create flavorful dishes. Some additional ideas include:
- Omelets or scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
- Soups
- Dips, such as spinach artichoke dip
- Sauces
- Pesto
- Curries
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How long does it take to cook spinach?
Spinach is a versatile green that can be added to almost anything, from omelets to soups. It is also one of the easiest vegetables to cook.
To cook spinach in a steak pan, start by heating some fat in the pan. You can use any type of fat, such as canola oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, or a combination of fats. For a simple recipe, heat a tablespoon of unsalted butter and a tablespoon of olive oil in the steak pan over medium-high heat until the butter is melted.
Once the fat is melted, add aromatics such as red pepper flakes, chopped shallots, sliced scallions, or minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds.
Next, add the spinach to the pan. You will need about 5 ounces (or 5 packed cups) of spinach per serving. The spinach will cook down a lot, so be sure to use more than you think you need. Use tongs to toss and stir the spinach until it is wilted, which should take just a minute or two.
Finally, season the spinach with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or chopped scallions for extra flavor.
In total, cooking spinach in a steak pan should take less than 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy side dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, spinach can be cooked in a steak pan.
First, heat some fat (e.g. olive oil, canola oil, butter) in the steak pan. Next, add aromatics like garlic, shallots, scallions, or red pepper flakes. Once the aromatics are tender, add the spinach and cook until wilted. This should only take a few minutes.
Spinach cooks down a lot, so use more than you think you need. For a side dish, 5 ounces (about 5 packed cups) of spinach should be enough for 2 to 4 servings.
Sautéed spinach is a great side dish for hefty proteins like steak, salmon, or chicken. It also goes well with creamy dishes like macaroni and cheese or mashed sweet potatoes. You can also add it to rice or quinoa bowls, pasta, eggs, or sandwiches.
