Are you tired of bland, overcooked vegetables that lose their nutritional punch? Get ready to revolutionize your side dish game with the most incredibly quick and foolproof Instant Pot Fresh Steamed Spinach recipe! In just 7 magical minutes, you'll create a vibrant, nutrient-packed green marvel that will have your family begging for seconds. This recipe isn't just cooking—it's culinary wizardry that preserves every ounce of spinach's incredible health benefits while delivering restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 2 mins
Total Time: 7 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Carefully wash the fresh spinach leaves under cold running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Gently pat the spinach dry using clean paper towels or a salad spinner.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot inner pot. This water will create the steam needed to cook the spinach.
- Place the steamer basket or trivet inside the Instant Pot, ensuring it sits above the water level.
- Loosely pile the fresh spinach leaves into the steamer basket. Do not pack them tightly, as this will prevent even steaming.
- Sprinkle a small amount of salt over the spinach leaves to enhance their natural flavor.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to the sealing position.
- Select the "Steam" function and set the cooking time to 2 minutes at high pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, immediately perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking.
- Carefully open the lid and use tongs to transfer the steamed spinach to a serving dish.
- Optional: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the spinach to add brightness and enhance the flavor.
- Serve immediately while the spinach is hot and retains its vibrant green color.
Tips
- Always use the freshest spinach possible for maximum flavor and nutrition
- Don't overfill the steamer basket—loose packing ensures even, quick cooking
- Perform a quick pressure release to maintain the spinach's bright green color and prevent mushiness
- For extra flavor, experiment with adding garlic, herbs, or a splash of olive oil after steaming
- Use tongs instead of a spoon when transferring steamed spinach to preserve its delicate texture
- If you prefer a less watery result, consider using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel to gently squeeze excess moisture after steaming
- Season sparingly—spinach has a delicate flavor that can be easily overwhelmed by too many competing ingredients
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 41kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
