Description
If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with almost any meal, these sautéed mushrooms with spinach will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. This dish is packed with earthy, umami-rich flavors from the mushrooms, complemented by the delicate freshness of wilted spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
- 1 pound mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach works best)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, adds depth)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients
- Clean the mushrooms using a damp paper towel to remove dirt. Avoid soaking them in water, as they absorb moisture easily. Slice them evenly for uniform cooking.
- Mince the garlic and set it aside. Wash and dry the spinach.
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Heat the Pan
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
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Sauté the Mushrooms
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet in an even layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3–4 minutes to develop a golden-brown sear. Stir and cook for another 3–4 minutes until they release their moisture and start to caramelize.
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Add the Garlic and Seasonings
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
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Wilt the Spinach
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and toss it with the mushrooms. It will look like a lot at first, but it wilts quickly. Stir occasionally, and cook for about 2 minutes, until the spinach is tender but still vibrant green.
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Finish with Balsamic Vinegar and Cheese (Optional)
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it over the mixture and stir to combine.
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Serve Immediately
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Enjoy warm as a side or as a topping for grilled meats, pasta, or rice.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Mushrooms need space to sear properly. If your skillet is small, cook them in batches.
- Use a mix of mushrooms: Combining cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms adds layers of flavor.
- Swap the spinach: If you don’t have spinach, try kale or Swiss chard.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg (if using Parmesan)