How to Microwave Spinach
Prep Time
1 minCook Time
1-2 minsFree Time
turn green with envy
The best and fastest way to cook spinach? The microwave, of course! Steam will preserve both the vibrant color and nutritional benefits of this leafy green. Season it with salt, or incorporate it into dishes like soups, omelets, pasta, and more.
Make sure to pack fresh spinach leaves tightly into the Anyday as the leaves will wilt down into a concentrated dish. Using a larger Anyday dish (like the Extra Large dish) will guarantee more servings of this super green.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 3 cups (65g) fresh baby spinach
- salt and pepper, optional and to taste
Preparation
- Add the spinach to an Anyday dish and season with salt and pepper. Make sure to pack in the spinach since it drastically reduces in volume as it cooks.
- Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach is tender.
- Place the Anyday Strainer in the dish and remove the access liquid before serving or storing.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Scrambled eggs: Add spinach to scrambled eggs for an easy way to boost your veggie intake at breakfast.
- Quick pasta or rice mix: Stir spinach into cooked pasta or rice for a fast, nutrient-packed lunch.
- Spinach dip: Mix cooked spinach with sour cream, a pinch of cayenne, and chopped water chestnuts for a simple spinach dip that's perfect for snacking.
- Parmesan and red pepper flakes: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a savory and slightly spicy kick.
Recipe notes
- Rinse spinach thoroughly to remove any grit or dirt.
- Add olive oil, butter, or brown butter for extra flavor.
- For frozen spinach, follow the directions in this recipe.
- Fresh bundles of mature spinach can also be used in this recipe! The stems will steam evenly; there’s no need to remove them.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Microwave Match Up: Spinach
See for yourself— microwaving spinach is simply faster, start to finish.
| Appliance | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| Microwave in an Anyday dish | 1-2 mins |
| Stovetop* | 4-5 mins |
| Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker)* | 15 mins |
All You Need to Know About Microwaving Fresh Spinach
How long does take to cook fresh spinach in the microwave?
| Ingredient | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 3 cups fresh baby spinach | 1-2 mins |
| 6 cups fresh baby spinach | 2-3 mins |
| 9 cups fresh baby spinach | 4-5 mins |
| 12 cups fresh baby spinach | 4-5 mins |
It typically takes around 1-2 minutes for fresh spinach to cook in the microwave. To tell when the spinach is ready, look for glossy, tender leaves. You can also test it by biting into a small piece; the spinach should be tender, but not mushy.
How to cook frozen spinach in the microwave?
Microwaving frozen spinach is an easy and convenient alternative to fresh spinach! Place frozen spinach leaves in an Anyday, cover with the lid, and microwave until tender. If using frozen chopped spinach from a block, you may need to stir halfway through the cooking process to break up the spinach. This will help the vegetable cook more evenly.
How to freeze microwaved spinach?
First, cook the spinach in the microwave and allow the wilted greens to come to room temperature. Pack the greens into the 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Trays, cover with the lid, and freeze for up to 3 months. Add a frozen portion to soups, stews, pastas, and more!
Is it better to boil or steam spinach?
Steaming is one of the best cooking methods for preserving nutrients, including water-soluble vitamins, which are sensitive to heat and water. Steaming spinach can help preserve the folate content in spinach, a B-vitamin crucial for a healthy diet. Spinach will lose a lot of its nutrients when boiled.
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