How to Cook Spinach - Cooking Times

Compare cooking times and preparation for Spinach. Times vary with portion size, cut and heating conditions; check the tips for each method below.

Leafy Greens

Season: Winter

Preparation

Cut root end in a cross (makes it easier to wash out dirt)

Cooking Times by Method

Boil

30 sec-1 min

From boiling water

Start with root end. Transfer to cold water immediately (stops cooking and removes bitterness)

Stir-fry

1-2 min

High heat, quick cooking. Parboil first to remove bitterness

Microwave

1.5-2 min

100g at 600W. Must rinse in water to remove bitterness

Steam

2-3 min

Rinse in water after steaming to remove bitterness

Common Mistakes

Storage & Use PlanTips & dates

Storage Time Guide

  • Freezer · Blanched, cutAbout 1 month

    Blanch, squeeze out water, cut and wrap portions in a freezer bag.

    Source (Japanese)

Estimates assume fresh produce stored as described. Freshness and temperature affect storage; these dates do not guarantee safety. Follow pack dates and instructions. Do not eat food showing spoilage, regardless of the date.

Plan When to Use It

Choose an earlier date if freshness has declined. One record per vegetable is saved on this browser.

Spinach Cooking FAQs

How long to boil Spinach?

Boil Spinach for 30 sec-1 min (From boiling water). Start with root end. Transfer to cold water immediately (stops cooking and removes bitterness)

How long to microwave Spinach?

Microwave Spinach for 1.5-2 min. 100g at 600W. Must rinse in water to remove bitterness

How long to stir-fry Spinach?

Stir-fry Spinach for 1-2 min. High heat, quick cooking. Parboil first to remove bitterness

How long to steam Spinach?

Steam Spinach for 2-3 min. Rinse in water after steaming to remove bitterness

Compare Related Cooking Times

Cooking times are estimates. Adjust for portion size, thickness and equipment, and check that the food is cooked through.