Steaming Spinach: A Quick, Healthy Cooking Method

Steaming spinach is a simple and healthy way to cook this leafy green vegetable. It is a gentle cooking method that retains the bright green colour of the spinach and tenderises the leaves. This process can be done on the stove or in the microwave and only takes a few minutes.

How to steam spinach on the stove

Steaming spinach is a simple and quick process that only requires a few steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to steam spinach on the stove:

Wash and Dry the Spinach:

Firstly, place your desired amount of spinach in a colander and run it under tap water to ensure it is clean and slightly damp. You can also add the spinach to a bowl and swish it around in the water if you don't have a colander. After washing, use a clean paper towel to pat the spinach dry. It doesn't need to be completely dry, but you don't want it dripping wet.

Prepare the Saucepan:

Pour two tablespoons of water into a medium-sized saucepan. It's important not to add more water, as there will still be droplets of water on the spinach leaves. Ensure you choose a saucepan that can comfortably fit all your spinach without cramming it in. A saucepan that's too small will cause uneven cooking.

Steam the Spinach:

Place the saucepan with water on the stove over medium heat. Add the spinach to the pan and cook until the leaves are just slightly wilted and tender. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes, depending on the amount of spinach. Keep an eye on it, as over-steaming will result in mushy spinach. Toss the spinach occasionally with a pair of tongs to ensure even cooking.

Serve the Spinach:

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the steamed spinach to a colander. Gently shake the colander over the sink to remove any excess water. You can now serve your steamed spinach as a side dish. If desired, add some butter, seasonings, or a squeeze of lemon juice to taste.

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover spinach, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, do so gently in the microwave at 50% power.

How to steam spinach in the microwave

Steaming spinach in the microwave is a quick and easy way to cook this leafy green while preserving its vibrant colour and nutritional benefits. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by rinsing the spinach thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. You can use a sieve or colander to make sure it is clean. Fresh bundles of mature spinach can be used, and there is no need to remove the stems as they will steam evenly.

Step 2: Season the Spinach

After washing the spinach, you can season it with a variety of ingredients. Keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add other dried herbs and spices of your choice. You can also add a tablespoon of water to the bottom of your steamer basket to create steam. If you want to add some extra flavour, you can include butter, olive oil, or brown butter.

Step 3: Cook the Spinach

Place the seasoned spinach in a microwave-safe container or bowl. Make sure to pack the spinach tightly as it will wilt down during cooking. Cover the container with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Cook the spinach in the microwave on high power for 1 to 2 minutes, depending on your microwave's wattage. Check the spinach halfway through to ensure it is cooking evenly.

Step 4: Serve the Spinach

Once the spinach is tender and wilted, remove it from the microwave. Pour off any excess liquid that may have accumulated during cooking. You can now serve the steamed spinach as a side dish. It goes well with a squeeze of lemon juice and a garnish of lemon wedges. You can also add other ingredients like parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for extra flavour.

Tips and Variations:

• If you want to add some protein to your steamed spinach, you can stir in some scrambled eggs or cooked pasta or rice.
• For a simple spinach dip, mix cooked spinach with sour cream and chopped water chestnuts.
• You can also freeze cooked spinach for later use. Simply let it cool to room temperature, pack it into freezer trays, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to season steamed spinach

Seasoning Steamed Spinach

There are many ways to season steamed spinach. Here are some ideas:

Butter, Lemon Juice, and Garlic

This is a simple yet tasty option. Start by placing your steamed spinach on a serving plate. Then, sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Next, drizzle melted butter and fresh lemon juice over the spinach. You can also add toppings such as red pepper flakes, grated parmesan cheese, or hollandaise sauce.

Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, and Salt

This combination is both tasty and heart-healthy. Simply toss your steamed spinach with extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and coarse salt. You can also add a garnish of lemon wedges for serving.

Cooking with Garlic

If you want to incorporate garlic into your steamed spinach, try this method: heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add peeled and smashed garlic cloves and cook until fragrant and slightly browned, which should take about a minute. Remove the garlic and discard it. Then, add your spinach to the skillet gradually, waiting for each batch to wilt before adding more. Finally, add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

Storing Seasoned Spinach

If you have leftover seasoned spinach, you can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use the microwave at 50% power. To prevent your spinach from becoming too wilted during storage, roll it in a paper towel and place it in a plastic bag or a plastic container lined with paper towels.

How to store fresh spinach

Storing fresh spinach correctly is essential to prevent it from getting slimy and inedible. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your spinach fresh for longer:

• Before storing, it is crucial to ensure your spinach is clean. Pick out and discard any leaves that are damaged or starting to rot. These leaves will encourage the rest of your spinach to spoil faster.
• Wash your spinach in a salad spinner to save time and make the process easier. If you don't have a salad spinner, place the spinach in a bowl and swish it around in a small amount of water.
• The next critical step is to dry your spinach thoroughly. Liquid causes spinach to get slimy, so make sure it is completely dry before storing. Lay the spinach out flat on paper towels to air-dry.
• Once your spinach is dry, you can store it in the refrigerator using one of the following methods:
• Paper Towels and a Plastic Bag: Wrap spinach in paper towels to absorb any moisture, place them in a bag, remove the excess air, and store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
• Paper Towels and a Plastic Container: Line a plastic container with paper towels, add the spinach, place another paper towel on top, seal the container, and store in the fridge. This method helps keep spinach fresh for up to 10 days.
• Plastic Produce Bag: Place the spinach in a plastic produce bag. Blow into the bag to provide the spinach with carbon dioxide, seal, and store in the refrigerator.
• Keep your spinach away from ethylene-producing fruits like bananas, apples, melons, pears, and tomatoes. The ethylene from these fruits can cause spinach to wilt and decay prematurely.
• Change out the paper towel if it becomes wet to ensure your spinach stays as dry as possible and fresh for longer.
• If you don't want to use paper towels, you can use slices of bread in your storage container to absorb moisture and keep the spinach fresh.
• Consider investing in a plastic container designed to extend the life of produce, such as the Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver Food Storage Container.

How to store cooked spinach

Storing cooked spinach is a simple process. It is important to refrigerate the spinach within two hours of cooking. Properly stored, cooked spinach will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.

To maximise the shelf life of cooked spinach, you can store it in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags. You can also use a plastic storage container, lined with a layer of paper towels. It is important to ensure the container is big enough to comfortably hold all the spinach, as spinach that is packed down will become mushier.

Another option is to roll the spinach up in a paper towel and place it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. The towel will absorb the excess moisture and allow you to store the spinach without it becoming more wilted.

If you want to keep cooked spinach for longer, you can freeze it. It will maintain its best quality for 10 to 12 months, but will remain safe to eat beyond that time.

Frequently asked questions