Sauteed Kale Recipe

A bowl of cooked chopped spinach garnished with sliced garlic, with a fork on the side; garlic cloves, oil, and spices on a wooden board in the background.

This sauteed kale cooks quickly and brings out the best in simple greens. A touch of garlic and a bit of oil turn it into a tender, flavorful side. It is easy enough for weeknight meals and works with almost any main dish.

Course Side Dish, Sides

Cuisine American, International

Keyword cook kale, kale, kale recipe, kale salad, lemon juice, olive oil, pepper flakes, red pepper, red pepper flakes, saute, sauteed, sautéed kale, sauteed kale recipe, side dish, wilt

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Servings Servings

Calories 131kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

1 Spatula (wooden)
1 Cooking Pan

Ingredients

¾ Pound Kale chopped and stemmed
1 Piece Garlic Clove finely sliced
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
¼ Cup Water or Veggie Broth
Red Pepper Flakes optional, pinch
1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high until glossy and hot so your aromatics sizzle right away.
Add red pepper flakes and let them sizzle briefly to release their smoky aroma.
Sauté minced garlic, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant but not browned.
Add kale with a splash of broth, cover to steam for 5 minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and a touch of balsamic for brightness.

Notes

Use fresh kale whenever possible: Fresh kale has a better texture and flavor when sautéed or made into kale salad. If using older kale, remove any tough or yellowing leaves first.
Don’t skip the massage: Gently massaging the kale with a bit of oil or salt before cooking helps soften the leaves. This makes them less bitter and quicker to cook.
Add garlic or onion for flavor: A little minced garlic or sliced onion added to the pan can really boost the taste. Let them cook for a minute before adding the kale.
Finish with a splash of acid: A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar at the end brightens the whole dish. It balances the earthy flavor of kale and makes it pop.

Nutrition