Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes

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

Quick sautéed spinach infused with garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and a hint of chili flakes for a flavorful and nutritious side dish. This asian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 10 minutes pairs fresh baby spinach, garlic cloves, thinly sliced, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 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: 5 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 120 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but garlic is not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 10 oz fresh baby spinach in batches, tossing gently to wilt, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until fully wilted but still bright green.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring to combine.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds evenly over the spinach, and serve immediately as a vibrant, healthy side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (5 min prep + 5 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 with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes?

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 fresh baby spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes?

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 with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Toasted Sesame and Chili Flakes?

Asian vegetarian 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.

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