Make Delicious Sautéed Kale in Minutes!

Kale is a super healthy veggie that can make your meals awesome! It's not just good for you; it's also tasty and easy to cook. Sautéed kale with garlic is a simple recipe that goes great with any meal.

In this post, I'll share how I like to cook kale best. This sautéed kale is seasoned just right and cooked quickly! It's got a garlicky taste with a hint of lemon. It's simple, delicious, and the tastiest way to enjoy kale!

For additional healthy side dish recipes, take a look at these Kale Apple Slaw, Meatless Collard Greens, and Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Carrots recipes.

Jump to:

• Ingredients:
• How to Sauté Kale with Garlic in Easy Steps:
• Variations
• Tips
• Storage and Reheating
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

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Ingredients:

Here's a list of ingredients you'll need to make the sautéed kale recipe, along with why each one is important:

1. Fresh chopped curly kale: Kale is the star of the dish, providing a nutritious and flavorful base. You can use both the leaves and stems for added texture, crunch, and fiber. I personally prefer using both parts as it enhances the overall dish.
2. Garlic: Garlic adds a deliciously aromatic flavor to the kale, giving it a savory kick that complements its earthy taste.
3. Olive Oil: Olive oil serves as the cooking fat and adds richness to the dish. It helps to sauté the kale evenly and enhances its flavor.
4. Kosher Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the kale, bringing out its natural flavors and balancing the dish's taste.
5. Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the sautéed kale, enhancing its overall taste profile.
6. Broth (chicken or vegetable): Broth not only adds flavor but also helps keep the kale moist and tender without overcooking it. You can use chicken broth for a savory taste or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
7. Lemon Zest: Lemon zest brings a fresh, citrusy tang to the dish, infusing it with vibrant flavor that perfectly offsets the kale's earthiness. I avoid using lemon juice to prevent the kale from becoming overly acidic, but if you enjoy it, feel free to add a splash!

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How to Sauté Kale with Garlic in Easy Steps:

Here's a guide to sautéing kale:

1. Prepare the Kale: Start by washing the kale thoroughly under cold water. Remove any tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces. If you like, you can include some sliced kale stems for added texture.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add sliced garlic to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about a minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Sauté the Kale: Gradually add kale to the pan, working in batches, and drizzle a bit of broth each time. Stir well, incorporating more kale and broth as needed, until the kale becomes moist and tender. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper to elevate the taste.
5. Finish with Lemon Zest and Serve: Once the kale reaches your desired level of doneness, transfer it to a serving dish. Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over the top. The lemon zest will infuse a refreshing, citrusy taste that perfectly complements the kale's earthy flavor. Serve this delightful and nutritious side dish alongside your favorite meal and enjoy!

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Variations

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique variations of sautéed kale! Here are a few variations to make kale:

1. Garlic Parmesan Kale: After sautéing the kale, sprinkle it with grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic for a flavorful twist.
2. Spicy Kale: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili peppers to the sautéed kale for a spicy kick.
3. Asian-Inspired Kale: Toss sautéed kale with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
4. Lemon Herb Kale: Instead of lemon zest, add freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the sautéed kale for a bright and herby taste.
5. Creamy Kale: Stir in a spoonful of cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
6. Mushroom and Kale Saute: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the kale for an earthy and satisfying dish.
7. Kale and Bean Sauté: Add cooked beans such as cannellini beans or chickpeas to the sautéed kale for extra protein and texture.

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Tips

Here are some helpful tips for sautéing kale:

• Prep Properly: Wash the kale thoroughly and remove any tough stems before cooking. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces for easier handling.
• Use High Heat: Sauté kale over medium-high heat to quickly wilt the leaves while retaining their vibrant color and nutrients.
• Don't Crowd the Pan: Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to uneven cooking.
• Season Thoughtfully: Season the kale with salt and pepper to taste, but remember that other ingredients like broth may already contain sodium, so adjust accordingly.
• Add Liquid Sparingly: Use broth sparingly to prevent the kale from becoming too soggy. You can always add more liquid if needed, but it's difficult to remove excess moisture once it's added.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and flavorings to customize your sautéed kale to your taste preferences.
• Finish with Freshness: Add a pop of freshness and brightness to the dish by finishing it with freshly grated lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, or chopped fresh herbs.
• Enjoy Immediately: Sautéed kale is best enjoyed fresh off the stove while it's still hot and tender. Serve it as a side dish or incorporate it into other recipes for a nutritious boost!

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Storage and Reheating

Here's how to store and reheat sautéed kale:

1. Storage: Allow the sautéed kale to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For additional food safety guidance, please visit this website.
2. Reheating on the Stove: To reheat, simply transfer the desired amount of kale to a skillet or frying pan. Add a splash of water or broth to help moisten the kale, then cover and heat over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
3. Reheating in the Microwave: Alternatively, you can reheat the kale in the microwave. Place the kale in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out, and heat on high in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking.

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I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don’t mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating. Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly recipes and follow me on Pinterest.

📖 Recipe