Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tomato Rice Bowl

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

A vibrant and quick rice bowl featuring sautéed garlic spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes over fluffy steamed rice. This mediterranean-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 27 minutes pairs uncooked jasmine rice, water, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 22 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it rest covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted and tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly but still hold their shape.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide into 2 bowls. Spoon the garlic spinach and tomato mixture evenly over the rice and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tomato Rice Bowl take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (5 min prep + 22 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 Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tomato Rice Bowl?

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 uncooked jasmine rice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tomato Rice Bowl?

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 Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tomato Rice Bowl for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Tomato Rice Bowl vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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