Are you craving a quick, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful side dish that will transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience? Look no further than this mouthwatering Garlic Stir Fry Spinach recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, aromatic dish that combines the earthy goodness of fresh spinach with the bold, pungent punch of garlic, all elevated by a hint of sesame oil and a sprinkle of nutty sesame seeds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach leaves under cold running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Gently pat the spinach dry using clean paper towels or a salad spinner.
- Peel the garlic cloves and finely mince them using a sharp knife. The smaller and more uniform the garlic pieces, the more evenly they will distribute flavor throughout the dish.
- Heat the sesame oil in a large wok or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to become hot but not smoking, which should take approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and quickly stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter and lose its delicate flavor.
- Immediately add the prepared spinach leaves to the wok. Use tongs or a spatula to gently toss and coat the spinach with the garlic-infused oil.
- Drizzle the soy sauce over the spinach and continue stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and becomes bright green. The leaves should be tender but still retain some texture.
- Remove the wok from heat and transfer the garlic stir-fry spinach to a serving plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for added texture and nutty flavor.
- Serve immediately while hot, as a side dish or as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal.
Tips
- Choose the freshest spinach possible - look for bright green leaves without any wilting or yellowing.
- Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve that perfect stir-fry sear.
- Mince garlic uniformly to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Work quickly when stir-frying to prevent burning and maintain the spinach's vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Don't overcook the spinach - it should be just wilted and still retain a slight crunch.
- Use toasted sesame oil for an extra depth of flavor if available.
- For added protein, consider adding sliced tofu or quickly seared shrimp to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
