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    You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Side Dish / The Best Sauteed Spinach

    The Best Sauteed Spinach

    Published: Jan 25, 2019 · Modified: Oct 11, 2022 by Anna 80 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This Sauteed Spinach is made with fresh spinach sauteed with garlic and onions in olive oil and butter. It's the best, easiest and fastest spinach side dish that is healthy and low-carb diet friendly!

    Side clos up shot of sauteed spinach with onion in large white pan.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients:
    • How do you sauté fresh spinach?
    • Best tips!
    • Variations:
    • Recipe FAQs:
    • More recipes with spinach:
    • The Best Sauteed Spinach

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    One of my favorite side dishes that I can quickly whip up when short on time or when I need a healthy vegetable side, is this Sautéed Spinach. It's flavorful and a favorite with the whole family, even the kiddos like it!

    Sautéed onion and garlic in olive oil and butter mixture are the perfect flavor base for fresh spinach. It's a healthy and low-carb option for any meal! This is hands-down the best sautéed spinach recipe you will make. It's healthy, delicious, and goes with any main course. You can also use it in grain bowls with cooked quinoa, rice, black beans, tofu, etc.

    Ingredients:

    Fresh spinach, onion, garlic cloves, butter, olive oil and salt in bowls on a white board.
    • spinach: fresh is best, you can buy it in bunches or pre-washed and bagged;
    • olive oil and butter: my favorite combo for sauteing vegetables;
    • onion: helps build the flavor of the dish;
    • garlic: perfect aromatic to pair with spinach; use fresh cloves or minced in a jar;
    • soy sauce: the secret ingredient that adds umami flavor and takes the whole dish to a new level.

    How do you sauté fresh spinach?

    • Start by heating up olive oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and saute until fragrant and the onion is almost caramelized.
    • Stir in soy sauce and fresh spinach. Cook stirring often until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
    Overhead shot of sauteed onion and fresh spinach in pan.

    Best tips!

    • Let the onion caramelize. It will give the spinach dish a deeper, richer flavor. The addition of soy sauce deepens the flavor.
    • Do not skimp on garlic! I love this dish quite garlicky and use up to 4 teaspoons of minced garlic.
    • Use fresh spinach for the best result.
    • You can roughly chop spinach leaves or use baby spinach.

    Variations:

    • Add bacon: cook bacon until crispy, then add onion and garlic. Stir in spinach and saute until wilted.
    • Top seared chicken breast with spinach and cheese and bake for a flavorful and delicious quick meal!
    • Mix with cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, tomatoes, and red onion for a delicious grain salad.

    Recipe FAQs:

    Can I use frozen spinach to make this recipe?

    I do not recommend using frozen spinach in this recipe. You have to thaw it before using, and it will contain too much water and splatter once added to the onion in the skillet.

    Should I remove the stems from spinach?

    This is a question of preference. I don't mind the stems so I always leave them on. Less work! If you don't like the stems, simply cut them off or snip off with kitchen scissors.

    How to make sautéed spinach not bitter?

    From my experience, using fresh spinach prevents bitterness in the dish. Frozen spinach, after thawing, has a distinct flavor and once sautéed tends to be quite bitter. Use fresh, if you can.

    Overhead shot of sauteed spinach with onion in white skillet.

    More recipes with spinach:

    • Spinach in creamy sauce in a pan.
      Creamed Spinach
    • Spinach dip in a baking dish.
      Spinach Artichoke Dip
    • Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta in a casserole dish.
      Cheesy Spinach Dip Chicken Pasta
    • Pasta with Boursin sauce on a plate.
      Creamy Boursin Pasta

    If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!

    Sauteed spinach with onions in white skillet.

    The Best Sauteed Spinach

    Author: Anna
    A fresh spinach sautéed with garlic and onions in olive oil and butter. This easiest and fastest spinach side dish is healthy and low-carb diet friendly.
    4.96 from 43 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 7 mins
    Total Time 9 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 85 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 medium white onion chopped
    • 4 teaspoons minced garlic see note
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
    • 8 oz fresh spinach
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • In a large skillet, heat up olive oil. Add onion and saute for 4 minutes. Add garlic and butter and saute until the onion is starting to brown.
    • Add soy sauce and stir well. Add spinach and gently toss to mix with sauteed onion.
    • Cook until spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
    • Serve immediately.

    Notes

    • Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use a calorie counter you are familiar with.
    • Fresh spinach is recommended for this recipe. Frozen spinach, after thawing, can be quite bitter.
    • The soy sauce can be replaced by coconut aminos if you are looking to make this dish gluten-free.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 421mg | Potassium: 368mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 5405IU | Vitamin C: 18.9mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1.6mg
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Amy C Gorman says

      March 31, 2023 at 1:40 pm

      5 stars
      I just decided today that if I rely so heavily on reviews, I really should start leaving a few.
      Having said that… I love this simple spinach recipe. The ending flavors are mild but full of taste and will pair well with meat or seafood.

      Reply
    2. Gwen says

      May 11, 2022 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      I used twice as much garlic and topped with Cod with cherry tomatoes and roasted garlic. Absolutely wonderful!

      Reply
    3. Nik says

      June 21, 2021 at 7:53 pm

      5 stars
      I've made this twice now and instead of soy sauce, I used ponzu sauce. Tasted excellent! My husband and I both love it. It's definitely a keeper. 😊
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Robin says

        July 09, 2021 at 8:30 pm

        5 stars
        What a great idea! Might have some of the tart tang I recall from my grandmother's spinach. The onions and garlic alone could be used elsewhere, but they take this spinach over the top. Yum!

        Reply
        • Anna says

          July 18, 2021 at 10:55 pm

          I am so glad! Thank you, Robin!

          Reply
    4. RaDonna says

      June 10, 2021 at 7:11 pm

      5 stars
      Lovely! Easy! Delish!

      Reply
    5. Mrs. McMeyersen says

      May 21, 2021 at 9:10 pm

      5 stars
      Quick and yummy! Will be my go to prep for spinach from now on! I didn't have soy sauce so I substituted coconut aminos, next time I'll try soy sauce just to see if there's any noticeable difference with the flavor. Also used bacon grease instead of olive oil because I didn't have that either. I just moved so I haven't fully stocked my pantry yet.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        May 31, 2021 at 11:15 pm

        Love that! Thank you for making my recipe!

        Reply
    6. Terry says

      April 23, 2021 at 7:58 pm

      Does it get any better? Quick prep, truly great flavor, AND healthy? Made it without the bacon (though I'm sure that would be delicious) and served with broiled salmon for dinner. Just lovely. This will become a staple in our house. Tasty enough for company, but quick enough for a weeknight dinner. (I think I'll try a squirt or two of fresh lemon juice next time. ) Thanks so much!

      Reply
    7. Joe says

      April 22, 2021 at 8:56 pm

      What’s the reason for a white onion, rather than a yellow, sweet onion?
      I like yellow onions, but I’m curious about “why white?”

      Reply
      • Anna says

        April 30, 2021 at 9:40 pm

        Ho Joe! You can certainly use the onion you like. Both yellow or white work great here. I hope you enjoy the dish!

        Reply
    8. A says

      March 30, 2021 at 6:40 pm

      5 stars
      I normally despise sauteed spinach but my recipe called for some so I gave this recipe a shot. I absolutely plan on making this again because it tasted Amazing! I followed the recipe to the letter and it was perfect.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        April 11, 2021 at 9:26 pm

        Yay! I am so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!

        Reply
    9. Christine F says

      March 25, 2021 at 7:37 am

      5 stars
      Surprisingly good! Wanted to use up the giant tub of spinach without making my usual creamed spinach, which is delicious but heavy and somewhat time consuming... this was light and fast and also delicious! Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        March 26, 2021 at 10:38 pm

        Yay! I am so glad you enjoyed it, Christine! Thank you for trying my recipe!

        Reply
    10. Diane says

      March 18, 2021 at 7:59 pm

      5 stars
      Best spinach ever !!!!!

      Reply
    11. Ali says

      March 17, 2021 at 11:02 pm

      5 stars
      Wow! Was getting hungry and decided to cook up a marinated steak I had in the fridge and looked up some spinach recipes as a side, I came across this recipe and it did NOT disappoint! Extremely yummy and I'll be making again tomorrow! Lol thanks for sharing!!!

      Reply
    12. Kathy says

      February 10, 2021 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      My husband & I both loved this spinach recipe.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        February 17, 2021 at 5:24 pm

        Thank you so much, Kathy!

        Reply
    13. Tom T. says

      January 31, 2021 at 11:58 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, I went into this not have expectations. Absolutely delicious. I used coconut aminos in lieu of soy sauce due to a soy allergy. But it makes a huge difference. I've made this a ton of times without the soy sauce but this recipe enlightened me. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        February 05, 2021 at 10:33 pm

        Hi Tom! That's absolutely fantastic! I am so glad you enjoyed the spinach. Thank you for giving my recipe a try!

        Reply
    14. Brenda M says

      January 31, 2021 at 8:19 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight exactly as written. Absolutely delicious. The butter and soy sauce made the whole dish. .

      Reply
      • Anna says

        February 05, 2021 at 10:34 pm

        Thank you so much, Brenda!

        Reply
    15. Jonna says

      January 21, 2021 at 11:25 pm

      I MUST SAY THIS IS 100+ INFINITY STARS RATING! lols .... I made this as a side dish for my chicken cutlets for dinner. Very delish! Thank you for this recipe ❤️

      Reply
      • Anna says

        February 05, 2021 at 10:48 pm

        Awesome!! Thank you, Jonna! I am so glad you love the recipe!

        Reply
    16. Dennis Kitsman says

      January 02, 2021 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      I have never liked cooked spinach before, but went to a friends house for New Year's Ever dinner and he made this recipe. It was delicious! I enjoyed it so much I'm making it tonight. I now love sauteed spinach! Great recipe and easy to make!

      Reply
    17. Danette says

      December 27, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      Can I freeze this once I’ve prepared it?

      Reply
      • Ann Kasprzyk says

        November 13, 2021 at 12:04 am

        I want to make this for Thanksgiving for a different vegetable beside the traditional one I make. I would need to triple the recipe. I would like to make it the day before and then put it in a crock pot on Thannksgiving, just on warm, would that work? For how long on warm, 2 hours? I have never cooked or ate spinach but this got such rave reviews I would like to try it depending on using a crock pot.

        Reply
    18. Paul Barbour says

      December 14, 2020 at 12:40 pm

      5 stars
      Wow just Wow! Great with eggs and toast

      Reply
    19. Dolores Nelson says

      November 04, 2020 at 3:34 pm

      4 stars
      I used TWICE the spinach (about 16 oz baby spinach)and could have used more; maybe I used too much onion (1\2 large)? I also used 3 slices of precooked bacon (no extra fat.) Still, it seemed too oily -- but I think that's MY fault. Another time I will be more careful with the oil; it's the first time I sauteed spinach. Good flavor. I think I'll serve it over mashed potatoes.

      Reply
      • AR says

        May 06, 2021 at 10:54 am

        5 stars
        Try sautéed spinach tossed gently with mashed potatoes and butter. Season to taste. An old favorite.

        Reply
    20. Suse says

      October 23, 2020 at 7:46 am

      5 stars
      I should have made more! I swapped the soy sauce for apple cider vinegar and added smoked paprika.

      Reply
    21. Ana says

      September 29, 2020 at 6:59 am

      I loved it, thanks. 🙂

      Reply
    22. Natasha says

      September 27, 2020 at 5:57 pm

      5 stars
      It is so easy to make plus it is very healthy too! Served it as a side dish with grilled chicken and a little bit of rice. It was such a hit, I will surely save this recipe for future use. Thank you!

      Reply
    23. Melissa says

      September 26, 2020 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      I love thinking of new ways to spinach! Great recipe 😋

      Reply
    24. Laura Reese says

      September 26, 2020 at 12:16 pm

      5 stars
      This is delicious and a great new way for me to use spinach!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 26, 2020 at 12:33 pm

        Thank you, Laura!

        Reply
        • Gina says

          February 10, 2021 at 10:08 pm

          Can I use garlic powder instead of the other garlic

          Reply
    25. Melodie Winawer says

      September 22, 2020 at 10:04 am

      5 stars
      This really IS the best sauteed spinach ever. The combination of onions, garlic, butter, and soy sauce makes for an incredible combination.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 25, 2020 at 12:28 pm

        Yay! I am so glad you love it, Melodie! Thank you!

        Reply
    26. Theresa says

      August 31, 2020 at 11:31 am

      How does this keep if you have leftovers

      Reply
      • Anna says

        August 31, 2020 at 9:52 pm

        Hi Theresa! It keeps really well for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a microwave or in a pan. I hope this helps!

        Reply
    27. Chris says

      August 11, 2020 at 8:38 pm

      This recipe is amazing and if you replace the onion with shallots and double the amount I promise you it’s life-changing!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        August 15, 2020 at 1:45 pm

        Thank you, Chris!

        Reply
    28. Cindy says

      April 13, 2020 at 8:41 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious! I added a can of black-eyed peas for protein.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        April 16, 2020 at 4:46 pm

        Perfect! Thank you, Cindy!

        Reply
      • Ralene says

        September 13, 2020 at 7:16 pm

        5 stars
        Absolutely delicious. Prepared exactly as recipe instructed, this will definitely become a go to vegetable. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.

        Reply
    29. Suzanna Nevkin says

      March 15, 2020 at 11:43 am

      Yummy – but instead of the animal fat butter, I used plant-based butter and it was still delicious. No need to use dairy. It's awful for your body, for the environment, and for the animals. Also, instead of soy sauce, I used liquid aminos – tastes just like soy sauce, but much healthier. Thanks for the delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        March 15, 2020 at 6:08 pm

        Thank you, Suzanna! Great tips!

        Reply
      • Peter says

        April 06, 2020 at 8:17 pm

        I would use extra virgin olive oil myself. Im not against butter but margarine is not that healthy either. Peter

        Reply
      • Annette says

        April 25, 2020 at 12:36 pm

        I added a little hand full of chopped cashew nuts at the end it was delicious

        Reply
        • Karl B Beutel says

          July 31, 2020 at 7:02 am

          5 stars
          Excellent add! The cashews were a huge success.

          Reply
    30. Karen Tolbert says

      February 24, 2020 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      So very yummy! Only adjustment I made was in the amount of garlic- my husband sort of limits that for us - I only used 1 tsp. Tasted so buttery. The onions perfect. Definitely a repeat in our menu. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        February 24, 2020 at 10:40 pm

        Thank you so much, Karen! I am so glad the spinach was a hit!

        Reply
    31. Kerry says

      February 13, 2020 at 5:13 pm

      5 stars
      I added additional salt the first time and it was too salty for my liking... made it again without extra and it was perfect!

      Reply
    32. gail says

      February 05, 2020 at 5:45 pm

      5 stars
      This is by far the best spinach recipe! And so easy. This will be a usual in my house! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Anna says

        February 06, 2020 at 12:59 am

        I am so glad you love it, Gail! Thank you so much!

        Reply
    33. Sherrie says

      September 22, 2019 at 5:28 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome recipe! Paired great with my panko crusted salmon. I will definitely be making this again. Thanks

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 23, 2019 at 2:27 pm

        Thank you so much, Sherrie! I love it with salmon too!

        Reply
    34. Tammy says

      September 16, 2019 at 8:40 am

      5 stars
      This dish is super delicious and easy!! I made it by the directions and then tossed it with grilled chicken, cheese ravioli and parmesan cheese. Made for a complete meal but will use as a side with a piece of fresh fish real soon.

      Reply
      • Anna says

        September 16, 2019 at 12:07 pm

        Hi Tammy! Yay! That's fantastic! I love that you added chicken and ravioli. Delicious! Thank you so much for trying my recipe!

        Reply
    35. Susie says

      August 12, 2019 at 9:18 pm

      At first I was doubtful about the soy sauce but you were right...it really combines well with the rest of the ingredients and gives the dish that extra oomph! It’s delicious...thank you

      Reply
    36. Erin says

      January 29, 2019 at 7:28 am

      5 stars
      Healthy means I can eat more, right?

      Reply
    37. Rob says

      January 28, 2019 at 10:22 am

      5 stars
      Such an easy and delicious recipe...thanks!

      Reply
    38. Krista says

      January 28, 2019 at 10:02 am

      5 stars
      This does look like the best! I cannot wait to try it!

      Reply
    39. Allyson Zea says

      January 27, 2019 at 4:54 pm

      5 stars
      I love finding delicious variations to make plain old spinach! Thanks!

      Reply
    40. Taylor says

      January 27, 2019 at 9:34 am

      5 stars
      One of my favorite sides! Healthy and delicious!

      Reply
    41. Catalina says

      January 27, 2019 at 2:57 am

      5 stars
      This is my kid's favorite meal. He loves spinach! Yummy!

      Reply
    42. Brandy says

      January 26, 2019 at 4:24 pm

      Sounds perfect! Can't wait to make as a side with my dinner tonight!

      Reply
    43. Kristyn says

      January 26, 2019 at 12:28 am

      5 stars
      Tasty, healthy, & super easy to make!! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        January 26, 2019 at 12:50 pm

        Thank you, Kristyn!

        Reply
    44. Sommer says

      January 25, 2019 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      Never liked sauteed spinach until I found this recipe!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        January 26, 2019 at 12:50 pm

        Yay! Thank you, Sommer!

        Reply
        • Renee Ravan says

          February 08, 2020 at 1:33 pm

          5 stars
          I tossed in sea scallops that I quartered
          So wonderful!!!!

          Reply
    45. Becky Hardin says

      January 25, 2019 at 7:21 pm

      5 stars
      Looks so super easy to make! I bet it taste amazing too.

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        January 26, 2019 at 12:50 pm

        It sure does!

        Reply
    46. Stephanie says

      January 25, 2019 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE spinach and this was super easy to make. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        January 25, 2019 at 6:09 pm

        Thank you so much, Stephanie!

        Reply
    47. Erin says

      January 25, 2019 at 4:00 pm

      5 stars
      Such an easy and healthy side dish

      Reply
      • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

        January 25, 2019 at 6:09 pm

        Right? It's delicious!

        Reply

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