Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame

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An easy vegan stir-fry combining earthy shiitake mushrooms and tender spinach leaves, accented with toasted sesame and garlic for a quick nutrient-rich side or main. This Asian Fusion-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 15 minutes, pairs fresh shiitake mushrooms, fresh spinach leaves, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 3, 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: 10 min Serves 3 Asian Fusion 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 or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz sliced fresh shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and begin to brown on the edges.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 cups fresh spinach leaves, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and optional 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top. Toss lightly and serve immediately as a side dish or over steamed rice for a light meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Shiitake and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame?

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 shiitake mushrooms from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shiitake and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame?

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 Shiitake and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Shiitake and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic and Sesame vegan?

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

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