Classic Spinach Recipes

Spinach is one of the most versatile and nutritious greens you can keep in your kitchen. Whether you're looking for quick sides, main dishes, or creative preparations, these ten classic spinach recipes will transform how you use this superfood. The final one is an absolute showstopper!

1. Blanched Spinach with Garlic Dressing

Move beyond stir-frying with this simple, nutritious preparation. Soak spinach in salted water for 15 minutes - you'll be surprised how much dirt emerges! Blanch in boiling water with salt and oil (the secret to vibrant green color) for just 8 seconds. Arrange elegantly. Combine minced garlic and pepper strips activated with hot oil, then mix with sugar, oyster sauce, and light soy sauce. Pour over spinach for a crisp, refreshing side that's never oily.

2. Velvety Spinach Egg Custard

This unexpected combination creates an incredibly tender, savory custard. Remove spinach roots, clean thoroughly, and blanch in oiled, salted water for 30 seconds. Immediately cool in cold water to preserve color, squeeze dry, and chop. Beat five eggs, combine with salt-thickened starch water (adjust water for desired tenderness), strain bubbles, mix with spinach, cover with plastic, and steam for about 15 minutes. Create a dipping sauce with light soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil. Cut into blocks and arrange beautifully - the result is remarkably smooth and flavorful.

3. Spinach with Savory Egg Topping

Beyond stir-fries, this simple preparation rivals rich meats. Chop spinach into sections, blanch in oiled, salted water, cool, and squeeze dry. Mix soybean paste, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, starch, and water for the sauce. Quickly scramble three eggs, add the sauce, and reduce until thickened. Pour over spinach for straightforward deliciousness.

4. Refreshing Spinach and Wood Ear Salad

Perfect for balancing rich meals, this crisp salad cuts through heaviness. Blanch wood ear mushrooms with oil, add spinach for 30 seconds, then cool in water. Squeeze thoroughly for better flavor absorption. Combine garlic, sesame seeds, and dried chilies activated with hot oil, then season with salt, sugar, light soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil - this versatile dressing enhances any salad. Toss together for a refreshing side all ages love.

5. Garlic Sauce Spinach

Restaurant-quality spinach made simple. Clean and section spinach, blanch for 30 seconds in oiled, salted water. Create a sauce with salt, sugar, light soy sauce, cooking wine, water, and potato starch. Sauté garlic until fragrant, add the sauce and thicken until glossy. Pour over spinach for a dish that outshines even the richest meats.

6. Century Egg and Spinach Soup

Avoid simply boiling spinach - this century egg version offers exceptional flavor. Blanch spinach in oiled, salted water to remove oxalic acid. Sauté garlic until fragrant, add two century eggs and one salted egg, mashing slightly. Add ginger strips and ham, then boiling water (key to milky broth). Season with salt and chicken essence, simmer 2-3 minutes, then pour over spinach. The resulting soup is wonderfully aromatic and loved by all.

7. Spinach with Enoki Mushrooms

Remember this step, and you won't trade this dish for the richest meats! Cut spinach into long sections. Blanch enoki mushrooms, carrots, and spinach in oiled water for one minute, then cool. Combine garlic, sesame seeds, and dried chilies activated with hot oil, then season with salt, sugar, light soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil for a versatile dressing. Toss together for a perfect accompaniment to drinks and meals.

8. Spinach with Meat Sauce

A refreshing alternative to soups that's surprisingly delicious and simple. Chop spinach, blanch in salted water (preserving color and nutrients) for one minute, then cool. Sauté minced meat until fragrant, add chili, soybean paste, light soy sauce, chicken essence, and sugar for freshness. Thicken with starch slurry, reduce until glossy, and add scallions. Pour over spinach for a light, satisfying dish.

9. Spinach Meatball Soup

Smart parents prioritize children's nutrition, especially with wholesome dishes like this. Section autumn spinach, clean with flour (which effectively removes insect eggs and dirt thanks to its adhesive properties). Mix minced pork with scallion, ginger, salt, pepper, and egg, stirring in one direction until elastic - crucial for well-formed meatballs. Add to boiling water, skim foam, add spinach, and season with salt, chicken essence, and pepper. Finish with scallions and cilantro for a tender, light soup everyone loves.

10. Fluffy Spinach Pancakes

Everyone knows spinach's nutritional benefits - these soft, fragrant pancakes make enjoying them delightful. Combine 300g flour, sugar, and yeast with 200g warm water, mixing until shaggy. Knead into smooth dough and let rise until doubled. Meanwhile, blanch spinach in oiled water for 30 seconds to remove oxalic acid. Cool, squeeze dry, chop, and mix with carrot dices, scallions, salt, and pepper. Incorporate into risen dough, knead to release air, form into log, portion, shape into rounds, flatten, and let rise 10 minutes. Pan-fry in oiled skillet until golden brown. Incredibly simple, these fluffy pancakes burst with spinach, carrot, and scallion aroma.

Which of these spinach creations will become your new favorite? From elegant sides to satisfying mains, there's something here for every palate and occasion!