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Home » Lunch/Dinner Ideas

Healthy Garlic Spinach Stir Fry Recipe | Stir Fry Recipes

Published: Feb 27, 2025 · Modified: Feb 27, 2025 by Motions and Emotions

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Garlic Spinach Stir Fry is a healthy and flavorful dish that's quick and easy to make. Furthermore, you can enjoy this as an everyday recipe, and it is perfect for a nutritious side dish or light main course.

spinach stir fry with garlic served in a white half plate

This everyday recipe is a great way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal without much effort. Enjoy the garlic spinach stir fry on busy weeknights or as a regular part of your healthy eating routine!

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • How to make Garlic Spinach Stir Fry
  • Serving Suggesstions
  • Variations of Spinach Stir Fry Recipe
  • Top tips
  • FAQ
  • You Might Also Like
  • Garlic Spinach Stir Fry

Ingredients

Spinach: It is a leafy green vegetable that provides a mild, slightly bitter flavor. Spinach packed with nutrients like iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Baby spinach has tender leaves, while regular spinach has larger, slightly thicker leaves. Both work well in stir-fries, though baby spinach tends to wilt faster due to its more delicate nature.

chopped spinach

Garlic: It adds a strong, aromatic flavor to the dish. Spinach and garlic make an excellent combo; if you have not tried it before, you should. Thinly slicing the garlic ensures it cooks evenly and infuses the oil with its flavor.

Green Chili: If you love spicy flavor then add a touch of green chili which adds heat to the dish. You can also add chili flakes. However, I prefer the aroma of fresh green chili, hence I added it.

Oil: I have used vegetable oil. You can use olive oil too.

Seasoning: Salt, Black pepper (optional)

How to make Garlic Spinach Stir Fry

Given below detailed step-by-step recipe for Garlic Spinach Stir Fry made with spinach, garlic, green chili, salt, and oil. It's a simple and flavorful dish that comes together quickly.

Rinse the spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.

blanched spinach

You can either use baby spinach or regular spinach, depending on your preference. If you're using regular spinach, remove the stems and chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.

drained water after blanching spinach

I prefer blanching spinach as it helps to clean the spinach by removing any remaining dirt, pesticides, and microorganisms. However, this step is completely optional.

Please check the FAQ section to know more about the blanching process.

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

Once the oil is hot, add the sliced garlic and green chilies to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

stepwise making of garlic spinach stir fry

Add the blanched (or fresh) spinach leaves to the skillet. Use a spatula to toss and stir the spinach, ensuring it cooks evenly.

Sprinkle salt over the spinach to taste. Continue to cook the spinach for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the leaves are completely wilted and tender. The spinach will release some liquid, which will help cook it evenly.

garlic spinach stir fry is ready in a pan

Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Garlic Spinach Stir Fry to a serving dish. Now it is ready to serve.

Serving Suggesstions

Check these delicious serving suggestions for garlic spinach stir-fry:

  • Serve the stir-fry as a topping over steamed white or brown rice. You can serve it as a side or make it a complete meal by combining the rice and spinach in a bowl.
  • This stir fry can be added on top of toasted bread or baguette slices for a quick and tasty snack or light lunch.
  • Moreover, you can pair it with flatbreads like naan, pita bread, roti, etc.
  • A simple grilled chicken breast or thigh would add protein and a smoky flavor that pairs well with the garlicky spinach. Similarly, add this spinach stir fry with grilled fish, paneer, or tofu.

Variations of Spinach Stir Fry Recipe

Here are a few garlic spinach stir-fry variations that you can try by adding different ingredients or making small adjustments to the original recipe. These variations offer a wider range of flavors, textures, and spices to suit different tastes.

  • Add freshly minced ginger along with the garlic to infuse a warm, mildly spicy flavor into the stir-fry. You can also add a dash of soy sauce to enhance the flavor.
  • Furthermore, for a nutty, creamy touch, toast some pine nuts and sprinkle them over the stir-fry. Try to add grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, salty contrast to the fresh spinach.
  • Another interesting flavor you can make by adding cumin and turmeric which makes the stir-fry a warm, earthy flavor and a bright yellow color. Additionally, these spices, popular in Indian cuisine, pair perfectly with garlic and spinach.
stir fried spinach served in a white plate

Top tips

  • Fresh spinach works best for a tender, vibrant stir-fry.
  • Stir-fry on high heat to cook the spinach quickly, keeping its color and preventing it from becoming soggy.
  • Always sauté the garlic first in hot oil to release its aroma. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

FAQ

How to blanch spinach?

Follow this a simple method if you want to blanch spinach:
a) Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
b) Add the spinach to the boiling water and blanch for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
c) Remove the spinach and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop
the cooking process.
d) Drain the spinach thoroughly, pressing out any excess water.

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spinach stir fry with garlic served in a white half plate
Print

Garlic Spinach Stir Fry

This easy and tasty garlic spinach stir fry combines fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and a touch of seasoning.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Active Time10 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: Spinach Recipes, Stir Fry Recipes
Yield: 3
Author: Amrita

Materials

  • 3 cups Spinach chopped
  • 4-5 nos Garlic cloves chopped
  • 1-2 nos Green chili chopped
  • 2½ tablespoon Vegetable Oil
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • To eliminate dirt from the spinach leaves, thoroughly rinse them under cold water.
  • I like blanching spinach since it helps to clean it by eliminating any lingering dirt, pesticides, and bacteria. However, this step is optional.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
  • When the oil is heated, add the sliced garlic and green chilies to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 1-2 minutes, stirring regularly, until the garlic is aromatic and slight golden brown.
  • Add the blanched (or fresh) spinach to the skillet. Toss and mix the spinach with a spatula until uniformly cooked.
  • Sprinkle salt over the spinach to taste. Continue cooking the spinach for 3-4 minutes, stirring periodically, until the leaves are totally wilted and soft.
  • The spinach is going to release some moisture, allowing it to cook more evenly.
  • Once the water is dried, remove the pan from the heat and place the Garlic Spinach Stir Fry in a serving dish. It is now ready to be served.

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Hello and Welcome to Motions and Emotions - Food Diary - one stop blog for everyday recipes. I am Amrita, a medical writer by profession and food blogger by passion.

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