Get your daily dose of vibrant greens with this simple side dish!
Let’s be honest—it’s not always easy to get enough greens in your diet, even as an adult. Many people believe that the most convenient foods are the least healthy, but this recipe proves otherwise. Steamed spinach is a nutritious, versatile, and delicious side dish that takes so little time to put together. Not only does spinach cook quickly, but it’s also more easily digested when cooked. Best of all, it can be served with practically any meal.
My favorite way to enjoy steamed spinach is with some sunny-side-up eggs in the morning, as a topping for a hearty rice bowl at lunch, or as a side for broiled fish or roasted chicken at dinner. The pairing possibilities are endless; if you need a side, chances are that a serving of steamed spinach will work perfectly.
This dish has a bright, savory flavor thanks to the lemon juice, melted butter, and garlic powder—but you could also dress it up into something even fancier with additional herbs and spices, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan. The sky’s the limit!
Is Steamed Spinach Healthy?
Spinach is a potent superfood. Rich in numerous vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it’s an easy “win” for both wellness and flavor. Meanwhile, the addition of lemon juice brings an additional boost of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
While the recipe calls for butter, you can reduce the saturated fat content by using olive or avocado oil instead. That would also make the dish 100% vegan and dairy-free.
Easy To Cook, Easy To Grow
Not only is spinach easy to cook, but it’s also quite easy to grow! If you have a garden and want to try growing your own vegetables, spinach is a great plant to start. It thrives in both spring and fall, so you can plant spinach seeds in early spring, two to three weeks before the last frost, or in late summer for a fall harvest.
Plant the seeds half an inch deep and two inches apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart. While spinach prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade. Ensure the soil has a pH between six and seven, and water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not oversaturated. Growing your own spinach is a rewarding way to connect with your food, making this recipe even more satisfying and meaningful.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
You can store steamed spinach in an airtight container for 3-5 days and enjoy the leftovers reheated in a little olive oil on the stove over medium heat. When serving my leftovers, I like to jazz them up with a splash of coconut aminos for some extra low-sodium umami flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Of all the main dishes you could serve this with (and there are plenty!), some of my favorites include this Poached Salmon, this Slow-Cooker Beef Brisket, or this vegan-friendly Falafel Burger. The heartier the main, the lighter and brighter the side—any of these will make a great complement to the bright spinach greens.
Spinach also pairs really well with bacon, which is another way you could dress up this recipe. Try spooning in some Hot Bacon Dressing or Bacon Onion Jam, or tossing in some chopped-up Million-Dollar Bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach, thoroughly washed
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Place the cleaned spinach leaves in a steaming basket over a pot of boiling water.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam the spinach for about 5 minutes until just wilted.
- Transfer the steamed spinach to a bowl. Press to remove excess water, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drizzle with melted butter and lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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