Fried Spinach

Servings: servings

Calories: 98cal

Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
Add enough oil in a deep sided skillet so that it comes about 1 inch or so up the sides.
Heat oil over medium-high until it reaches about 325-350 F.
HINT - Use a candy thermometer to gauge temp, or test by dropping a spinach leaf in the oil. Be careful, the oil will pop and the spinach will crackle.
Drop a handful of spinach at a time into the hot oil. The reaction between the fresh leaves and the oil will be sudden and loud, so be prepared! The spinach will cook quickly, it only needs to fry for 2-3 minutes.
TIP - Do not stand too close to the pan and be sure you are wearing clothing that is appropriate for frying. In other words, don’t wear shorts and a tank top!
Remove with a large slotted spoon and spread onto paper towel lined baking sheet.
Place garlic into a fat skimmer and lower it into the hot oil. Allow the garlic to slide off the skimmer and let it cook for just a minute, long enough for it to crisp up and turn golden brown.
Using the fat skimmer, remove the fried garlic and place onto the resting fried spinach.
Allow spinach and garlic to drain for 5 minutes then move to a large bowl. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, toss to combine well.

5 from 1 vote

You'll want regular, raw spinach with the stems removed for this recipe. You can substitute with baby spinach if desired but do note that the cook time will be quicker if doing so.
Red pepper flakes, salt, ground black pepper, and fried minced garlic add flavor. Feel free to season the fried spinach with your favorite blend of spices. Cajun seasoning or all purpose seasoning make great substitutes!

Course: Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Rest Time5

Total Time20