January 7, 2025

The Best Sautéed Kale

A pan of freshly sauteed kale with lemon wedges and a wooden spatula.

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If you’re on the hunt for a quick, healthy, and versatile side dish, look no further than sautéed kale. Kale, often hailed as a superfood, is packed with nutrients and can be transformed into a delicious dish with just a few simple ingredients. In this blog post, we’ll dive into a detailed guide on how to cook kale, specifically a sautéed kale recipe that’s easy enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re new to kale dishes or looking to expand your collection of kale recipes, this is the perfect place to start.

Why You Will Love This Sautéed Kale Recipe

There are countless reasons why this kale sautéed recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

Sautéed Kale Ingredient Notes

Fresh kale leaves, olive oil, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper on a wooden cutting board with a kitchen towel.

To make the best sautéed kale recipe, you only need a handful of ingredients:

Optional additions include:

Sautéed Kale Recipe Tips

To ensure your sautéed kale turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:

Freshly chopped kale on a wooden cutting board with a knife.

Vegan Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This sautéed kale recipe is incredibly versatile and works well with a variety of vegan dishes. Here are some ideas:

Storage Instructions

Cooking kale ahead of time can save you effort later. Here’s how to store your sautéed kale:

Frequently Asked Questions about Sautéed Kale

1. How do you cook kale without it tasting bitter?
To reduce bitterness, sauté the kale with garlic and olive oil. Adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of salt also helps balance the flavors.

2. Can I use other types of kale for this recipe?
Absolutely! Lacinato (dinosaur) kale or red Russian kale are great substitutes. They have slightly different textures and flavors but work well in sautéed kale recipes.

3. What’s the best way to clean kale?
Rinse the kale thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with a kitchen towel. You can also soak it in a bowl of water to loosen dirt.

4. Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Yes! Use a small amount of vegetable broth or water instead of olive oil to sauté the garlic and kale.

5. What other seasonings can I use?
Try smoked paprika, cumin, or a dash of soy sauce for added depth of flavor.

 A plate of sauteed kale garnished with garlic slices and lemon wedges, placed on a wooden cutting board with garlic cloves and a striped cloth in the background.

Equipment Needed

To make this sautéed kale recipe simple and efficient, you’ll need:

This sautéed kale recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create a delicious and nutritious dish. Whether you’re new to cooking kale or a seasoned pro looking for fresh kale dinner ideas, this recipe is a must-try. By mastering the art of sautéing kale, you’ll open the door to countless recipes using kale and discover just how versatile this leafy green can be.

Do you have a favorite way to enjoy sautéed kale? Have you tried this recipe or made your own variations? Share your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments below! Let’s inspire each other with creative ideas for cooking kale and kale dishes. If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family and tag me on social media! 🌿✨

A plate of sauteed kale garnished with garlic slices and lemon wedges, placed on a wooden cutting board with garlic cloves and a striped cloth in the background.

Sautéed Kale

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

A quick and simple sautéed kale recipe made with fresh curly kale, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Perfect for a healthy side dish or as part of your favorite kale dinner ideas.

Ingredients

  • 1 large bunch of curly kale (about 8 cups, loosely packed)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash the kale thoroughly and pat dry. Remove the thick stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the kale to the skillet in batches if necessary. Stir to coat the leaves in the garlic-infused oil.
  5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kale is wilted but still bright green.
  6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Remove from heat and serve immediately as a side dish or use as a topping for grain bowls, pastas, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Prep Smart: Remove kale stems and chop leaves into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Sauté kale in batches if needed to keep it crisp and avoid steaming.
  • Brighten the Flavor: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra
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