Canned spinach is one of the easiest vegetables to keep on hand for quick meals. Since it is already cooked during the canning process, it only needs to be heated and seasoned before serving. Many people overlook canned spinach, but it can be transformed into a flavorful and satisfying dish with just a few simple ingredients.
In this guide, you’ll learn two simple methods for cooking canned spinach: on the stove and in the microwave. Both methods are quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.
1. How to Cook Canned Spinach on Stove (Yield: 3 Servings)
Ingredients
- 1 (10–12 oz) can spinach, drained thoroughly
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Begin by opening the can of spinach and draining it very well. Press the spinach gently with the back of a spoon to remove as much excess liquid as possible. This step helps prevent the final dish from becoming watery and improves both flavor and texture.
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is warm, add the minced shallot and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the shallot becomes soft and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir continuously so the garlic does not burn. The garlic should become aromatic while remaining lightly colored.
Add the drained spinach to the skillet. Break up any clumps with a wooden spoon and stir the spinach into the shallot and garlic mixture. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until any remaining moisture evaporates and the spinach is heated through.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese melts completely and coats the spinach evenly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
Season the spinach mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste. Remember that Parmesan cheese already contains some salt, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet with the spinach mixture.
Allow the eggs to sit for about 20 seconds before gently stirring. Use a spatula to slowly push the eggs from the edges toward the center of the pan. Continue cooking and stirring gently until the eggs are soft, fluffy, and fully cooked. Avoid overcooking, as the eggs will continue to firm up slightly after being removed from the heat.
Remove the skillet from the stove and serve immediately. The creamy spinach, savory cheese, and fluffy eggs create a delicious meal that works well for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.
2. How to Cook Canned Spinach in Microwave (Yield: 2 Servings)
Ingredients
- 1 (10–12 oz) can spinach, drained thoroughly
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Drain the canned spinach thoroughly and transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl. Press gently with a spoon to remove any excess liquid that remains after draining.
Add the butter, minced shallot, and minced garlic to the bowl. Stir everything together so the butter is distributed throughout the spinach.
Cover the bowl loosely with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high power for 1 minute. Carefully remove the bowl and stir the mixture.
Return the bowl to the microwave and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the strength of your microwave. The shallot should become tender, the garlic should be fragrant, and the spinach should be fully heated.
Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir thoroughly. If there is any excess liquid in the bottom of the bowl, carefully drain it before proceeding.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts into the hot spinach. The cheese adds richness and helps create a more satisfying texture.
Taste the spinach and add a small amount of salt and pepper if desired. Stir one final time to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Allow the spinach to rest for about one minute before serving. This simple microwave method creates a warm, flavorful side dish in just a few minutes and pairs well with chicken, fish, beef, or roasted vegetables.
3. Frequently Asked Questions
Many home cooks have questions about using canned spinach. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.
Do I need to cook canned spinach before eating it?
No. Canned spinach is fully cooked during the canning process and can be eaten directly from the can. However, heating it with seasonings and other ingredients greatly improves its flavor and texture.
Can I substitute canned spinach for fresh spinach in recipes?
Yes. Canned spinach can replace fresh spinach in many recipes, including soups, casseroles, dips, and pasta dishes. Keep in mind that canned spinach is more compact and contains less volume than fresh spinach after cooking.
How should I store leftover cooked canned spinach?
Allow the spinach to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can canned spinach be frozen after cooking?
Yes. Cooked canned spinach freezes well. Place it in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What foods pair well with canned spinach?
Canned spinach works well alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, roasted potatoes, rice dishes, pasta, eggs, and various casseroles. Its mild flavor makes it easy to incorporate into many meals.
Conclusion
Learning how to cook canned spinach is a great way to create quick and nutritious meals with minimal effort. With a few simple ingredients, canned spinach can be transformed into a flavorful dish that tastes far better than straight from the can.
