Stir-fried Spinach with Garlic
Description: Spinach, often overlooked in Western cuisine due to overcooking, shines in this delightful southern Chinese recipe. Quick stir-frying preserves its flavor and texture, resulting in a dish that’s simple yet bursting with flavor.

Recipe Category: Spinach
Keywords: Greens, Vegetable, Chinese, Asian, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, < 15 Mins, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 80.4
- Fat Content: 4.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 729.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 8.6g
- Fiber Content: 4.2g
- Sugar Content: 1.9g
- Protein Content: 5.5g
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 750g fresh spinach
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Step | Description | Time |
---|---|---|
1 | Wash the spinach thoroughly. | 5 mins |
2 | Remove all stems, leaving just the leaves. | |
3 | Heat the wok (or large frying pan) until it is VERY hot. | |
4 | Add the oil. | |
5 | When the oil is very hot and slightly smoking, add the garlic and salt. | |
6 | Stir-fry both for 10 seconds. | |
7 | Add the spinach and stir-fry for about 2 minutes to coat the spinach leaves thoroughly. | 2 mins |
8 | When the spinach has wilted to about one-third of its original size, add the sugar. | |
9 | Continue to stir-fry for another 4 minutes. | 4 mins |
10 | Transfer to a plate and pour off any excess liquid. | |
11 | Serve hot or cold. |
Recipe Notes:
- Ensure the wok or pan is very hot before adding the oil to achieve the perfect stir-fry.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to personal preference.
- This dish can be served as a side or as part of a larger Chinese meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
This Stir-fried Spinach with Garlic recipe, inspired by Ken Hom’s southern Chinese cuisine, brings out the best flavors of spinach in a quick and easy-to-make dish. Enjoy the vibrant green color and delicious garlicky taste whether served hot or cold, making it a versatile addition to any meal.