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Sauteed Mushrooms and Spinach with Spicy Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

This vibrant side dish features sautéed mushrooms and fresh baby spinach tossed in a flavorful, spicy garlic sauce. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while the combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes provides a perfect balance of savory and heat. Ideal for upping your vegetable side dish game, this quick and healthy recipe comes together in just 35 minutes and serves 4.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Sauce

  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

For the Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups sliced mushrooms (such as shiitake or portabello)
  • 4 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves

Instructions

  1. Toast Sesame Seeds: Place the sesame seeds in a small sauté pan over medium-low heat. Frequently move the seeds around the pan to ensure even toasting. Cook until they turn golden brown and emit a nutty aroma, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Crush Sesame Seeds: Transfer the toasted sesame seeds onto a cutting board. Using a heavy knife or the side of a chef’s knife, gently crush the seeds into smaller pieces to release more flavor.
  3. Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the crushed sesame seeds, minced garlic, chopped scallions, low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and sugar until well combined. Set this spicy garlic sauce mixture aside.
  4. Sauté Mushrooms: Heat the olive oil in a saucepan or large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and release their moisture, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Add Spinach: Add the baby spinach leaves to the mushrooms in the pan. Stir to combine and wilt the spinach slightly.
  6. Combine with Sauce and Finish Cooking: Pour the prepared spicy garlic sauce over the sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to coat the vegetables evenly. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use a mix of shiitake and portabello mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
  • For a nuttier flavor, try using toasted walnuts or pine nuts as a garnish instead of sesame seeds.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice or as a side to grilled meats or tofu.
  • Make sure to use fresh baby spinach for the best texture and taste.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian