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Garlicky Spinach

This vibrant garlicky spinach is a simple yet sophisticated vegan side dish that brings a punch of savoury flavour to any meal. By using mature spinach leaves rather than baby spinach, the dish maintains a robust texture that stands up beautifully to the bold aromatics. The combination of toasted sesame oil and garlic creates a deeply fragrant base, while a splash of vinegar and soy sauce provides a perfectly balanced salty-acidic finish.

Ideal for mid-week dinners or as part of an Asian-inspired banquet, this healthy accompaniment is incredibly quick to pull together. Squeezing the water from the blanched leaves is the secret to ensuring the dressing coats the greens perfectly without becoming diluted. Serve it alongside grilled tofu, steamed fish, or simply with a bowl of fluffy white rice for a nutritious and comforting homemade meal.

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Ingredients for Garlicky Spinach

  • 2 275g bags fresh spinach (not baby)

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

  • 2 chopped garlic cloves

  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

  • kosher salt

  • freshly ground black pepper

How to make Garlicky Spinach

Cook two 275g bags fresh spinach (not baby) in a large pot of boiling salted water just until wilted, 1-2 minutes. Drain, then transfer to a bowl of ice water; let cool. Drain and squeeze out excess water.

Heat 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 chopped garlic cloves and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 minute. Add spinach, 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar. Stir to combine; season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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