Steaming Spinach: Using Your Egg Cooker For Quick, Easy Greens

Steaming spinach is a simple and healthy way to cook this versatile vegetable. It is a gentle cooking method that can be done in just a few minutes and doesn't require any special equipment. In this article, we will discuss how to steam spinach in an egg cooker, a standard kitchen appliance that many people use to prepare hard-boiled eggs.

How to steam spinach on the stove

Step 1: Wash and Dry the Spinach

Always wash your spinach before steaming to remove any contaminants. Place the spinach in a colander and rinse it under tap water until it is slightly damp. You can also add the spinach to a bowl and swish it around as you pour water over it. After washing, pat the spinach dry with a clean paper towel. It doesn't need to be completely dry, but you should ensure it's not dripping wet.

Step 2: Prepare the Saucepan

Pour two tablespoons of water into a medium-sized saucepan. Do not add more water, as the spinach will also have droplets of water on it. Make sure to choose a saucepan that can accommodate all your spinach without cramming it in. Using a saucepan that is too small will cause uneven cooking. If you don't have a large enough saucepan, you may need to cook the spinach in batches.

Step 3: Add the Spinach

Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the spinach. Cook until the spinach is slightly wilted and soft, which usually takes around five minutes, depending on the quantity. Keep an eye on the spinach, as oversteaming can lead to mushy, gloppy spinach. Once the spinach is limp and bright green, remove the pan from the heat. You can use tongs to toss the spinach occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Transfer to a Colander

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked spinach to a colander. Gently shake the colander over the sink to remove any excess water.

Step 5: Serve

Your steamed spinach is now ready to serve! You can season it with some herbs, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Steamed spinach goes well as a side dish with most meals, especially meat or seafood.

How to steam spinach in the microwave

Steaming spinach in the microwave is a simple and quick process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash the Spinach

Before steaming, always wash your spinach to remove any contaminants. Place the spinach in a colander and rinse it under tap water until it is slightly damp. Alternatively, you can put the spinach in a bowl and swish it around in a small amount of water.

Step 2: Dry the Spinach

After washing, gently pat the spinach dry with a clean paper towel. It doesn't need to be completely dry, but you don't want it dripping wet.

Step 3: Prepare the Microwave-Safe Bowl

Find a microwave-safe bowl that is big enough to comfortably fit your spinach without cramming it in. If your bowl doesn't have its own cover, use a plate or another dish's cover that is also microwave-safe.

Step 4: Place the Spinach in the Bowl

Put the washed and dried spinach in the bowl. If your bowl is not large enough to accommodate all the spinach, you may need to do this in two batches.

Step 5: Cover the Bowl

Cover the bowl with either its own lid or a suitable microwave-safe cover.

Step 6: Microwave on High

Place the bowl of spinach in the microwave and cook on high power. For a small amount of spinach, microwave for 3-minute intervals. For a larger amount, use 7-minute intervals. Check the spinach after each interval and continue cooking if needed. The spinach is ready when it is limp, slightly wilted, and bright green.

Step 7: Squeeze Out Excess Moisture (Optional)

If your recipe calls for it, gently squeeze the cooked spinach to remove excess moisture. You can save the green water for use in soup.

Step 8: Serve

Your steamed spinach is now ready to be served! You can add seasonings like herbs and lemon juice to taste. Steamed spinach is a great side dish, especially when paired with a protein. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

How to prepare spinach for steaming

Before steaming spinach, it's important to wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or contaminants. To do this, place the spinach in a colander and rinse it under cool, running water. If there is a lot of sand or dirt, you may need to plunge the leaves into a large bowl of cold water and swish them around, changing the water if necessary. For baby spinach, which is usually pre-washed, a quick rinse in a colander should suffice.

After washing, dry the spinach with a clean paper towel. It doesn't need to be completely dry, but you don't want it dripping wet. If you plan to sauté the spinach, it's best to use a salad spinner to ensure it's thoroughly dried.

If you're using larger spinach leaves, like flat-leaf spinach, you may want to remove the stems as they can be tough. You can do this by cutting them off with a knife or pulling them off with your hands.

Now your spinach is ready for steaming! You can steam it on the stove or in the microwave.

How to serve steamed spinach

Seasonings

Steamed spinach can be served with a variety of seasonings. For example, a drizzle of melted butter, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkling of garlic powder or red pepper flakes can add flavour to the dish. A pinch of salt and pepper is also a simple way to season steamed spinach.

As a Side Dish

Steamed spinach is a healthy side dish to any meal. It can be served alongside a protein-based dish, such as meat, or with seafood. It is a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main courses.

In a Salad

Steamed spinach can be used as a base for a salad. For example, it could be served with a pan-fried chicken breast on top.

In a Dip

Steamed spinach can be added to dips, such as spinach artichoke dip.

In a Smoothie

Fresh spinach can be added to smoothies, so steamed spinach could also be used in this way.

How to store leftover steamed spinach

Storing leftover steamed spinach is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, allow the spinach to cool down to room temperature. This is important as storing hot food can increase the temperature of your refrigerator, creating an optimal environment for bacteria to grow. Once the spinach has cooled, place it in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it tightly.

Leftover steamed spinach can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. It is important to note that cooked spinach should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety and maintain its quality. If you plan to store the spinach for longer than a week, consider freezing it.

To freeze leftover steamed spinach, first, let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer the spinach to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the containers or bags with the date, and store them in the freezer. Frozen spinach will maintain its best quality for 2 to 3 months but can be safely stored for up to a year.

Frequently asked questions