Steaming Spinach: How Long Before It's Ready?

Steaming spinach is a simple and quick process that can be done on the stove or in the microwave. It is a gentle cooking method that preserves the flavour of the spinach. The cooking time depends on the quantity of spinach being steamed, but generally, it takes between 3 to 7 minutes.

How to steam spinach on the stove

Wash and Prepare the Spinach

Firstly, wash the spinach in a colander under the tap until it is slightly damp. You can also add it to a bowl and swish it around in some water. It's important to ensure the spinach is free of sand and other contaminants. Remove the stems. You can then pat the spinach dry with a clean paper towel—no need to get it bone dry, but ensure it's not dripping wet.

Prepare Your Saucepan

Pour two tablespoons of water into a medium saucepan. The saucepan should be big enough to hold all your spinach without cramming it in. If you have a lot of spinach, you may need to cook it in batches.

Steam the Spinach

Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Add the spinach and let it cook until it is slightly wilted and a bright green colour. This should take around 3-5 minutes, but keep an eye on it as you don't want to overcook it. Give the spinach an occasional toss with a pair of tongs to ensure it cooks evenly.

Serve

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the spinach to a colander. Gently shake the colander over the sink to remove any excess water. You can then serve the spinach as a side dish. It goes well with meat or fish. Add some butter, seasonings, or a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover spinach can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave on 50% power.

How to steam spinach in the microwave

Steaming spinach is a simple and healthy way to cook this versatile green. You can steam spinach in the microwave or on the stove, and it makes for a great side dish to most meals. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming spinach in the microwave.

Wash the Spinach

Firstly, you will want to wash your spinach leaves. Place them in a colander and run them under the tap until they are slightly damp. If you don't have a colander, you can put the spinach in a bowl and swish it around in some water. This initial step ensures you remove any contaminants.

Dry the Spinach

After washing, pat the spinach dry with a clean paper towel. You don't need to get it bone dry, but you don't want it dripping wet.

Prepare the Microwave Bowl

Place your spinach in a microwave-safe bowl. The bowl should be big enough that the spinach fits comfortably without cramming it in. Cover the bowl with either its own lid, or a plate that is also microwave-safe.

Microwave the Spinach

For a small amount of spinach, microwave on high in 3-minute intervals. For a larger amount, use 7-minute intervals. Keep an eye on the spinach, and when it is limp, wilted, and bright green, it is ready. Spinach cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it.

Serve the Spinach

If your recipe requires it, gently squeeze out the excess moisture from the spinach. You can save the green water for use in soup. Now your spinach is ready to serve! Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and a drizzle of lemon juice or butter.

Storing Steamed Spinach

If you have leftover spinach, it can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. To keep it fresh, roll it in a paper towel and place it in a plastic bag, or put it in a plastic container lined with paper towels.

How to prepare spinach before steaming

Before steaming spinach, it's important to wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or contaminants. Place the spinach in a colander and rinse it under cool, running water, or swish it around in a bowl of water. You can also fill a large bowl with cold water, plunge the leaves inside, and swish them around, changing the water if it becomes dirty. This is especially important if you are using flat-leaf spinach, which tends to have more dirt and debris.

After washing, dry the spinach with a clean paper towel or a salad spinner, especially if you plan to sauté it after steaming. Make sure the spinach is not dripping wet.

If you are using flat-leaf or curly-leaf spinach, you may also want to remove the stems as they can be tough and fibrous. You can do this by cutting them off with a knife or pulling them off with your hands.

Now your spinach is ready to be steamed!

How to season and serve steamed spinach

Spinach is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses, including chicken, beef, pork, and seafood. Here is a guide on how to season and serve steamed spinach:

Seasoning Steamed Spinach:

Steaming spinach is a gentle cooking method that preserves the vegetable's flavour and nutrients. Once steamed, spinach can be seasoned in a variety of ways to enhance its flavour. Here are some popular seasoning options:

• Butter and Lemon Juice: This is a classic combination that adds a tangy and creamy flavour to the spinach. It is recommended to use freshly squeezed lemon juice, as it tastes better than bottled juice.
• Garlic: You can use fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder. Garlic powder should be fresh, as stale spices can ruin the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: It is suggested to use kosher salt or coarse salt. If using fine salt, reduce the amount to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes will give the spinach a mild spiciness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavour to the spinach.
• Hollandaise Sauce: Drizzling hollandaise sauce over the steamed spinach creates a rich and creamy dish.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy extra-virgin olive oil can be used in place of butter.

Serving Steamed Spinach:

Steamed spinach can be served as a simple side dish or incorporated into various recipes. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Seafood: Steamed spinach goes well with seared scallops, seafood sauté, pan-fried salmon, or garlic butter shrimp.
• Meat: It can be served with chicken, beef, or pork dishes.
• Salads: Spinach can be added to warm or cold salads, such as a warm spinach salad with shiitake mushrooms and red onion.
• Pasta: It can be incorporated into pasta dishes like lemony pasta with goat cheese and spinach or spinach-feta pizza slab pie.
• Rice: Spinach can be paired with rice-based dishes like quinoa-and-spinach pilaf or lentils with spinach.
• Eggs: Try steamed spinach with crustless spinach quiche or scrambled eggs.
• Dip: Create a creamy spinach artichoke dip to enjoy with pita chips or vegetables.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover steamed spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, place the spinach in a microwave-safe container and gently reheat it in the microwave at 50% power.

How to store leftover steamed spinach

Leftover steamed spinach can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Here are some steps to ensure your leftover spinach stays fresh:

• Allow the spinach to cool to room temperature.
• Place the spinach in an airtight container or bag. You can line the container with paper towels to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Store the container in the refrigerator.
• Reheat the spinach gently when you are ready to eat it. You can use the microwave at 50% power or in short bursts of 30 seconds.

It is important to note that cooked spinach should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as bacteria can grow rapidly. Additionally, make sure to consume the leftover spinach within 3-5 days, as it will start to spoil and develop an unpleasant smell after that.

Frequently asked questions