How to Make the Perfect Garlic Spinach Wilt
Italian-American · Easy · 5 min · 2 servings
This microwave garlic spinach wilt takes a big bag of fresh spinach and transforms it into a silky and savory side dish in under 5 minutes. It is the quickest way to cook spinach without standing over a hot stove and watching every leaf carefully.
Why this recipe works
This Garlic Spinach Wilt recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 5 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 75 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 10 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Place the fresh spinach in a large microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the spinach and scatter the minced garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes evenly on top.
Step 2: Microwave and Stir
Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Remove and stir the spinach, then microwave for another 30 to 60 seconds until completely wilted.
Step 3: Drain and Serve
Use a spoon to press the spinach against the side of the bowl and drain any excess liquid. Taste, adjust the salt if needed, and serve immediately as a warm side dish.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- fresh baby spinach → frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- red pepper flakes → black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the spinach past the wilting point which causes it to become slimy and lose all its bright color
- Not draining the released liquid after cooking which makes the spinach sit in a pool of water
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 75 calories, 5g protein, 7g carbs, 4g fat, 4g fiber.
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