Garlicky Collard Greens with Ginger and Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, bright side dish of tender collard greens sautéed with garlic, ginger, and a zesty lemon finish, ideal for balancing rich stews. This ethiopian-inspired street food ready in about 35 minutes pairs collard greens, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 118 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 118 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1.5 pounds chopped collard greens and 1/4 cup water. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender.
  3. Step 3: Uncover and cook for 3 more minutes to evaporate excess water.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 lemon's juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for 2 minutes more until flavors are fully integrated and greens are glossy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlicky Collard Greens with Ginger and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlicky Collard Greens with Ginger and Lemon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep collard greens from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlicky Collard Greens with Ginger and Lemon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlicky Collard Greens with Ginger and Lemon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Garlicky Collard Greens with Ginger and Lemon?

Ethiopian street food like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes