Sautéed Spinach with Savory Soy and Oyster Glaze
Experience the vibrant flavors of this Sautéed Spinach with Savory Soy and Oyster Glaze. This quick and easy dish takes fresh spinach to a whole new level with the umami richness of oyster sauce balanced by the subtle saltiness of light soy sauce. Perfect as a side dish to complement any Asian-inspired meal, or as a nutritious addition to your lunch or dinner. With its bright green color and appealing presentation, it's not just delicious—it's also a feast for the eyes!
2
Servings
45
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
spinach leaves
1 lb (washed and trimmed)
oyster sauce
2 teaspoons (ready to use)
light soy sauce
1 dash (ready to use)
Instructions
1
Prepare a bamboo steamer and place a plate or heatproof dish inside it.
2
Fill a wok or large pot with water, bring it to a rolling boil.
3
Once boiling, arrange the washed spinach leaves evenly on the plate inside the steamer. Be sure not to overcrowd the leaves to ensure even cooking.
4
Cover the bamboo steamer with a lid and steam the spinach for 1-2 minutes, until bright green and tender.
5
Carefully remove the plate from the steamer and transfer the spinach to a serving dish.
6
Drizzle the oyster sauce and a dash of light soy sauce over the steamed spinach. Toss gently to combine and ensure the leaves are evenly coated.
7
Serve immediately as a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Nutrition Information
1g
Fat
6g
Carbs
3g
Protein
2g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
260mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sautéed Spinach with Savory Soy and Oyster Glaze?
It is a quick and healthy Asian-inspired side dish featuring steamed spinach leaves tossed in a savory mixture of oyster sauce and light soy sauce.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this spinach dish contains approximately 45 calories.
Is this recipe actually sautéed or steamed?
Although the title mentions sautéed, the preparation instructions utilize a bamboo steamer to cook the spinach before glazing it.
Is this spinach recipe vegetarian?
The recipe is tagged as vegetarian; however, traditional oyster sauce is made from shellfish. To ensure it is strictly vegetarian, use a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce.
How long does it take to cook the spinach?
The spinach should be steamed for only 1-2 minutes until it is bright green and tender.
How much spinach do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of fresh spinach leaves, washed and trimmed.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
You can use vegetarian stir-fry sauce or a thick mushroom-based sauce as a direct substitute for oyster sauce.
Is this dish high in sodium?
There is approximately 260mg of sodium per serving, primarily from the soy and oyster sauces.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is portioned to serve 2 people.
Can I use baby spinach instead of regular spinach?
Yes, baby spinach works perfectly for this recipe and may require slightly less steaming time.
Do I need a bamboo steamer to make this?
While a bamboo steamer is recommended for the best texture, you can use any steamer basket or a mesh strainer over a pot of boiling water.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This dish is very low in fat, containing only 1g per serving.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
There is a very small amount of sugar, approximately 0.5g per serving, mostly originating from the sauces.
What does light soy sauce add to the dish?
Light soy sauce provides a subtle saltiness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the spinach.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Standard soy and oyster sauces contain wheat. To make this gluten-free, use tamari and a gluten-free certified oyster sauce.
How much protein is in this spinach dish?
Each serving provides about 3g of protein.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as Asian cuisine, healthy, easy, quick meal, and side dish.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding minced garlic to the glaze or steaming it with the spinach would enhance the savory profile.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
Each serving contains 2g of dietary fiber.
Should the spinach be served hot or cold?
This dish is best served immediately while the spinach is still hot and vibrant.
How do I prevent the spinach from getting mushy?
Ensure you do not overcook the leaves; 1-2 minutes of steaming is sufficient to soften them while retaining texture.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Fresh spinach is highly recommended for this specific texture, as frozen spinach tends to be too soft and watery for a bamboo steamer preparation.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with steamed white rice, grilled fish, or sesame-crusted tofu.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 6g of carbs and very low sugar, it can easily fit into a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
How do I prepare the spinach before cooking?
The spinach should be thoroughly washed to remove grit and the tough lower stems should be trimmed off.
Can I add sesame oil?
A dash of toasted sesame oil added at the end would provide a wonderful nutty aroma to the glaze.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the spinach may release more water over time.
What makes the glaze 'savory'?
The combination of umami-rich oyster sauce and the fermented depth of soy sauce creates a complex savory flavor.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Because it only takes a few minutes to cook fresh, it is better made to order rather than prepped far in advance to keep the leaves from wilting too much.