Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Rice Bowl with Tahini Dressing
Earthy mushrooms and tender spinach sautéed and served over fluffy rice, drizzled with a creamy, nutty tahini dressing for a wholesome, vegetarian meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes blends uncooked white rice, water, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp warm water
- 1 tsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup uncooked white rice under cold water until water runs clear. Combine rice and 2 cups water in a medium pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and sauté for 5 minutes until golden and moisture evaporates.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 5 cups fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until spinach is wilted and tender, about 3 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp warm water, 1 tsp maple syrup, and 1/2 tsp salt until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: To serve, divide rice among 4 bowls, top with sautéed spinach and mushrooms, and drizzle each bowl with tahini dressing.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Rice Bowl with Tahini Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Rice Bowl with Tahini Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Rice Bowl with Tahini Dressing?
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 Spinach and Mushroom Rice Bowl with Tahini Dressing 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.
Is Sautéed Spinach and Mushroom Rice Bowl with Tahini Dressing 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.