Steaming Spinach: A Quick, Healthy, And Delicious Guide

Steamed spinach is a healthy and tasty side dish that can be prepared in just a few minutes. It is a simple process that involves washing and drying the spinach, adding it to a pot with a small amount of water, and steaming it until it is tender and slightly wilted. The key to perfectly steamed spinach is to avoid overcooking it, as this can result in mushy and gloppy spinach. With just the right amount of steaming, you'll be left with a bright green and tasty addition to your meal.

How to steam spinach on the stove

Wash and Prepare the Spinach

Wash the spinach in a colander under the tap until it is clean and slightly damp. You can also fill a bowl or sink with cold water and let the sand settle to the bottom. Remove the stems, especially if you are using more mature spinach, as these can be stringy.

Prepare the Saucepan

Pour two tablespoons of water into a medium-sized saucepan. The saucepan should be large enough to fit all of your spinach without cramming it in. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium heat.

Steam the Spinach

Add the spinach to the saucepan and cook until it is slightly wilted and soft. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes, depending on the amount of spinach. You can toss the spinach with a pair of tongs to ensure it cooks evenly.

Serve

Once the spinach is limp and bright green, remove the pan from the heat. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the spinach to a colander and gently shake to remove any excess water. You can then add seasonings, such as herbs and lemon juice, or serve it as it is.

Tips:

• Do not oversteam the spinach, as this will result in a mushy, gloppy texture.
• Spinach releases a lot of water when it cooks, so it is a good idea to drain and dry the leaves before cooking, using a salad spinner if necessary.
• If you are cooking a large batch of spinach, you may need to work in batches.
• Steamed spinach can be served as a healthy side dish to most meals, especially if you need a vegetable to accompany a protein-based dish.

How to steam spinach in the microwave

Ingredients

• Fresh spinach
• Salt
• Garlic
• Water
• Olive oil or butter
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Method

• Clean the spinach: Rinse the spinach leaves under cold water and remove any long stems or discoloured leaves.
• Prep the spinach: Place the spinach into a microwave-safe bowl and add a tablespoon of water, oil or butter, garlic, and salt. Toss to coat the leaves evenly.
• Cover the bowl: Use a microwave-safe lid, plate, or plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, leave a small vent for steam to escape.
• Microwave: Cook on high for 1 minute, then stir the spinach to ensure even cooking. Microwave for another 1-2 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and tender.
• Drain excess liquid: Remove the dish and drain away any excess liquid.
• Add cheese (optional): If you're using cheese, sprinkle it on top of the spinach now.
• Serve: Enjoy your steamed spinach!

Tips

• Choose fresh and vibrant spinach for the best taste and presentation.
• Clean the spinach well to remove any dirt or grit.
• Avoid overcrowding the bowl to ensure even cooking.
• Experiment with spices to add some heat or warmth to your dish, such as red pepper flakes or grated nutmeg.
• Always let your spinach cool down after removing it from the microwave to avoid any scorching surprises.
• Be careful when removing the lid, as the steam can be hot.

How to prepare spinach for steaming

Preparing spinach for steaming is a simple process. Firstly, you will need to wash the spinach leaves to ensure they are clean and free of any dirt or debris. Fill a large bowl with cold water and plunge the spinach leaves into it, swishing them around. If the spinach is particularly gritty, you may need to change the water and repeat this process. If you are using a colander, simply run the spinach under a tap until it is slightly damp.

Once the spinach is clean, you can pat it dry with a clean paper towel. It is important to ensure the spinach is not dripping wet. If you are using a salad spinner, place the spinach inside and spin it dry, leaving just a little water clinging to the leaves.

The next step is to remove the stems from the spinach leaves. This is easily done by cutting them off with a knife or pulling them off with your hands. If you are using baby spinach, you can leave the stems on.

Now your spinach is ready to be steamed!

How to season steamed spinach

Seasoning is a great way to add flavour to steamed spinach. Before steaming, it is important to wash spinach thoroughly to get rid of any dirt. You can do this by placing the spinach in a colander and running it under tap water until it is slightly damp. If you don't have a colander, you can place the spinach in a bowl and swish it around as you pour water over it.

Once the spinach is washed, you can pat it dry with a clean paper towel. It is not necessary to get the spinach completely dry, but you should ensure that it is not dripping wet.

• Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the spinach.
• Add a small amount of butter to the spinach.
• Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
• Toss with olive oil and garlic.
• Top with salty parmesan or feta cheese.
• Add garlic to the oil or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Sprinkle with onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, or nutmeg.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

These seasoning options can be added to steamed spinach to enhance its flavour and make it a tasty side dish.

How to store leftover steamed spinach

To store leftover steamed spinach, you can use a plastic storage container or a plastic bag. If using a container, line it with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Place your spinach on top, seal the container, and store it in the refrigerator.

If using a plastic bag, first roll your spinach in a paper towel to absorb any moisture. Then, place the paper towel with the spinach inside the bag and store it in the refrigerator.

Leftover steamed spinach can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Frequently asked questions