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It occurred to me while writing this post that this rice dish qualifies for the Quick and Easy series I considered starting at the beginning of year. I first mentioned it when I posted my Spinach and White Bean Soup. I wanted to compile a list of dishes using my pantry/refrigerator staples. This fits the bill perfectly. Because of this fried rice, bagged frozen spinach now has a high turnover rate in my freezer. As for the rice, well, I always have leftovers in the refrigerator. I’m certain that I have posted other dishes here that qualify for “Quick and Easy” and I will update my Categories list on the sidebar to include them. In the meantime, if you should find yourself short of ideas for a healthy, simple meal, this could be an option for you. Spinach and Garlic Fried Rice- Leftover cooked rice (brown or white)
- Bagged frozen chopped spinach (You will need more than you think. For 2 – 3 cups of cooked rice, I usually use about 1/3 of the bagged frozen spinach)
- Chopped fresh garlic
- Oil, 2 – 3 tablespoons
- Soy sauce
- Optional condiments: Lemon juice, vinegar, ground pepper, hot sauce
I use a cast iron skillet to prepare this dish so I can really turn up the heat on my stove. A frying pan will do but make sure to turn up the heat to high to properly dry the spinach. When the pan is hot, add the frozen spinach and allow the water to evaporate completely before adding any oil. When the spinach starts sticking the pan, add a bit of oil and cook for a few minutes until the spinach start to brown a bit–this may take about five minutes. Sweep the spinach towards the sides of the pan to leave the center free for the garlic. Add the chopped garlic and cook for about half a minute. Don’t let it burn. Add your remaining oil before adding the leftover cooked rice. Stir fry until the rice is heated through, seasoning with a bit of soy sauce along the way. Plate and serve.
Hester Casey - Alchemy says
Lovely simple rice dish, packed full of flavour. (The sardines sound like they were completely delicious too but not as photogenic).
lemonsandanchovies says
Hester, they were delicious but the shots were too dark. 🙁 I’ll try again next time. 🙂
kitchenarian says
This looks so good. I am so glad you shared the recipe. I love spinach and brown rice so I am thinking this might just be my new favorite rice dish. Thanks!
lemonsandanchovies says
I’m surprised myself that this has become a favorite at home–so unassuming but it really is satisfying. 🙂
elizabeth says
I hope the sardines were at least tasty, if not photogenic (I’ve run into that problem myself, because we serve them head-on and therefore they can be a bit disconcerting to shoot, but they are delicious).
Simple (and pretty) standbys are absolutely essential!
lemonsandanchovies says
Elizabeth, yes, I served the sardines head on. The low light just didn’t produce the effect I was after. They were tasty, though! 🙂
Belinda @zomppa says
I’m loving this rice!!! The flavors are simply fantastic.
Katrina @ In Katrina's Kitchen says
This looks so flavorful! And quick /easy…perfect!! Thanks!
Emily @ Life On Food says
I love quick and easy meals. I have a tried and true version of fried rice. I have never thought to switch it up. Cannot wait to try something new.
Amy's Cooking Adventures says
I just love fried rice–thank you for sharing your variation!
Yadi I. says
This sounds delicious!
Liren says
Bummer about the sardines 🙁 But I will happily take this bowl of rice! Great variation – I would have never thought to use spinach!
Nami @ Just One Cookbook says
Wow spinach in fried rice – I must try. This looks delicious and dinner/lunch in 15 minutes sounds excellent! 😉 Thank you for sharing Jean!
Peggy says
So glad you were able to find sardines, but sorry that the photos did not turn out like you’d wanted them to! This plate of fried rice sounds amazing and simple – just the way I like it!
tasteofbeirut says
The rice looks like a jewel, bright colors and very enticing!
Kate@Diethood says
This sounds great…I love spinach and I love me some rice and garlic! I think I would be sneaking spoonfuls of it while it was cooling down…there would be none to present at the dinner table! 🙂
Sara says
Forget about the sardines (although it is really annoying when you are exciting about sharing something and then none of the pictures come out right! I hate when it happens) now I know what I’ll make for dinner all those evenings when I’m way too tired to cook something complicated
Saji says
Lovely recipe….First time here….happy following u
Maris (In Good Taste) says
This looks like a delightful dish and I have bookmarked it!
Soma says
We made ourselves some spinach with caramelized onions and fried garlic today (the traditional way we have it), to have with rice. And now this?!! I am thinking that my spinach is a perfect candidate to make the fried rice with!! yours sound so similar in flavor and its a one pot lovely.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
This is just the kind of recipe that I need, I usually have leftover rice at the end of the week and this would be a great way to use it up!
Judy / Bebe Love Okazu says
Mmm, this is right up my alley! I’ll have to try this one. I keep leftover rice in the freezer for emergency ‘fried rice dinner nite’. This will be perfect for one of those nights. I’ve also been adding spinach to EVERYTHING but never thought to add it to rice. Thanks! 🙂
Chad @ thebreakupnote says
Beautiful and simple – I love it.