Steaming Spinach: A Quick, Healthy, And Delicious Way

Steamed spinach is a healthy and versatile side dish that can be prepared in a number of ways. It can be cooked on the stove or in the microwave, and pairs well with a variety of seasonings and main courses. In this article, we will explore different methods for steaming spinach, as well as provide tips for washing, storing, and serving this nutritious vegetable.

How to steam spinach on a stove

Ingredients

• Spinach
• Salt
• Pepper
• Butter
• Lemon juice

Utensils

• Colander
• Paper towels
• Medium-sized saucepan
• Stove
• Slotted spoon
• Serving bowl

Method

• Wash the spinach in a colander under running water to remove any sand or contaminants.
• Pat the spinach dry with a clean paper towel. It doesn't need to be completely dry, but ensure it's not dripping wet.
• Pour two tablespoons of water into a medium-sized saucepan.
• Place the spinach in the saucepan and put it on the stove over medium heat.
• Cook the spinach until it is slightly wilted and soft, which should take around five minutes. You may need to adjust the timing depending on the amount of spinach you are cooking.
• Toss the spinach with a pair of tongs while it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly.
• Once the spinach is limp and bright green, remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the spinach to a colander.
• Gently shake the colander over the sink to remove any excess water.
• Transfer the spinach to a serving bowl.
• Season the spinach with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of lemon juice. You can also add butter if desired.
• Serve immediately.

Tips

• You can also season the spinach with herbs, garlic, or red pepper flakes.
• Steamed spinach goes well with meat and seafood.
• Leftover spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to steam spinach in a microwave

Steaming spinach is a simple and quick process that can be done in a microwave. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Wash the Spinach:

Start by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly in a colander under running water to remove any contaminants. If you don't have a colander, place the spinach in a bowl and swish it around in a small amount of water. This step ensures your spinach is clean and free of sand or grit.

Dry the Spinach:

After washing, gently pat the spinach dry with a clean paper towel. It's okay if the spinach is still slightly damp, but you don't want it to be dripping wet. Removing excess water helps prevent over-steaming and mushy spinach.

Prepare the Microwave-Safe Bowl:

Find a microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to comfortably fit your spinach without cramming it in. The bowl should have a cover, or you can use a plate or another dish's cover that is also microwave-safe.

Place Spinach in the Bowl:

Put the washed and dried spinach leaves into the microwave-safe bowl. If you have a large amount of spinach, you may need to cook it in batches. Do not overcrowd the bowl.

Cover the Bowl:

Cover the bowl securely to ensure that the steam doesn't escape. If using a plate or another type of cover, ensure that it is microwave-safe.

Microwave on High:

Place the covered bowl of spinach in the microwave and set it to high power. Microwave in intervals of 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the amount of spinach. For a small amount of spinach, start with 3-minute intervals, and for a larger amount, use 7-minute intervals. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook.

Check for Doneness:

The spinach is done when it is limp, slightly wilted, and bright green. Be careful not to overcook it, as this can lead to mushy spinach. Remove the bowl from the microwave when the spinach is just wilted.

Squeeze Out Excess Moisture (Optional):

If your recipe calls for it, gently squeeze the steamed spinach to remove any excess water. You can save the green water for use in soups or other dishes.

Serve:

Your steamed spinach is now ready to be served! You can add seasonings like herbs, salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Steamed spinach makes a great side dish, especially when paired with a protein-based main course. Enjoy!

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftover steamed spinach, you can store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Place the spinach in a sealed container or wrap it in a paper towel and then place it in a plastic bag to absorb excess moisture.

How to wash spinach before steaming

Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to appetizers and main courses. To ensure food safety, it is important to wash spinach thoroughly before steaming it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by taking your spinach and removing any thick stems. Fill your sink with cold water or use a large container or stock pot. You want to ensure there is enough water for the spinach to float, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between the floating spinach and the bottom of the container.

Step 2: Soak the Spinach

Submerge the spinach in the water and swish it around gently with your hands. You can also add a cup of vinegar to the water to help kill any bacteria on the leaves. Let the spinach soak for 20-30 minutes, agitating the leaves occasionally to help dislodge any dirt or grit.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

After soaking, scoop the spinach out of the water with a colander or salad spinner basket and give it a quick rinse under running water. Then, spin the spinach in a salad spinner or pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Step 4: Store or Proceed to Steaming

If you are not planning to use the spinach immediately, you can store it in a sealed container or large ziplock bag with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. The spinach will stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Now that your spinach is clean and ready, you can proceed to steam it. Place the spinach in a steamer basket or directly in a large pot over high heat. Cover and steam for about 3-5 minutes, being careful not to overcook it. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, or your desired toppings, and enjoy!

How to season steamed spinach

Firstly, wash your spinach leaves thoroughly. It is recommended to buy pre-washed spinach leaves to make life easier. However, if you are washing the spinach yourself, fill your sink with cold water, immerse the spinach, and let the sand settle at the bottom. Drain the sink and repeat until no sand remains.

Now, you can begin the steaming process. Place the spinach leaves in a large, deep skillet. Add a quarter cup of water and cover the skillet tightly with a clear lid, if possible. This will allow you to monitor the cooking process without removing the lid. Turn the heat to medium-high. Once the spinach starts to steam, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the leaves are just wilted. This should take around 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the spinach, as it can quickly become dry and burnt.

Once the spinach is cooked, transfer it to a colander and use a large serving spoon to press out as much liquid as possible. Then, transfer the spinach to a serving plate.

Here comes the seasoning part. You can season your steamed spinach with a variety of ingredients, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some options:

• Salt and pepper: Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper over the steamed spinach. Be cautious with fine salt as it can make the dish too salty.
• Garlic: Add some garlic powder or freshly cooked garlic. If using garlic powder, ensure it is fresh, as stale spices can ruin a dish.
• Butter: Drizzle melted butter over the spinach. You can use salted or unsalted butter, whichever you prefer.
• Lemon juice: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy flavor.
• Red pepper flakes: If you like a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some finely grated Parmesan cheese over the spinach for a savory touch.
• Hollandaise sauce: For a more indulgent option, drizzle your steamed spinach with creamy hollandaise sauce.

Feel free to mix and match these seasoning options to create a flavor profile that suits your taste. You can also experiment with other ingredients and sauces to find your perfect combination. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious steamed spinach!

How to store leftover steamed spinach

Once you've cooked your spinach, it's important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store leftover steamed spinach:

Step 1: Cool the Spinach

Allow the steamed spinach to cool down to room temperature. This is an important step to prevent condensation from forming inside your storage container and causing excess moisture, which can lead to spoilage.

Step 2: Choose a Storage Container

Select an airtight container or a zip-top bag to store your leftover spinach. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the spinach.

Step 3: Portion and Store

Place the cooled spinach into your chosen container. If you plan to eat the leftovers in one go, you can store them all together. Otherwise, consider portioning the spinach into individual servings to make it easier to reheat only what you need. Seal the container tightly to prevent air and moisture from getting in.

Step 4: Refrigerate

Place the sealed container of leftover spinach in the refrigerator. It's best to store it in the crisper drawer of your fridge, which is specifically designed to keep fruits and vegetables fresh.

Step 5: Consume Within 3 to 4 Days

Cooked spinach can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. After this time, it's best to discard any remaining spinach to avoid food spoilage and potential foodborne illnesses.

Step 6: Reheat Gently

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover steamed spinach, reheat it gently in the microwave on low to medium power. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid overcooking, as this can affect the taste and texture of the spinach.

Additional Tips:

• If you have a large amount of leftover spinach, consider freezing it. Blanch the spinach first to preserve its color, flavor, and texture. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags and store it for up to 10 to 12 months.
• Always practice food safety by washing your hands before handling leftover food and ensuring your kitchen surfaces and utensils are clean.

Frequently asked questions