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Donna R. Luis

Garlicky Cremini Spinach Skillet

Tender cremini mushrooms and baby spinach are quickly sautéed with garlic, olive oil, and seasonings, then finished with fresh lemon juice and optional Parmesan for a bright, savory side dish.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces baby bella cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 5 ounces baby spinach leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Large sauté pan or skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Garlic press or knife for mincing
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Citrus juicer

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms thoroughly, then slice them into pieces.
  2. Heat the Oil: Place a large sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to heat before adding the mushrooms.
  3. Sauté the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4 minutes, stirring often so they cook evenly.
  4. Season the Mushrooms: Sprinkle in the kosher salt and add a few grinds of fresh black pepper, then continue cooking for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid released by the mushrooms has cooked out and the mushrooms are tender.
  5. Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute, stirring so the garlic combines with the mushrooms.
  6. Wilt the Spinach: Add the baby spinach leaves and cook for 2 minutes, stirring as needed, until the spinach has wilted.
  7. Add the Lemon Juice: Turn off the heat, then add the fresh lemon juice along with 2 pinches of salt and stir thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
  8. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sautéed vegetables and add more salt or freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  9. Garnish and Serve: If desired, finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Clean the cremini mushrooms before slicing them so they are ready to cook evenly.
  • Stir the mushrooms often during the first 4 minutes of cooking, then only occasionally during the additional 2 minutes.
  • The mushrooms are ready for the next step when they are tender and most of their liquid has cooked away.
  • Add the garlic after the mushrooms have cooked to prevent it from being cooked for too long.
  • The spinach only needs about 2 minutes to wilt.
  • Add the lemon juice after turning off the heat to preserve its fresh, bright flavor.
  • Parmesan is optional and can be added just before serving.