Every once in a while, I crave a delicious full steakhouse dinner but don’t want to pay the steakhouse prices. A full steakhouse dinner is more than just the meat. The sides have to be delicious and craveable as well. Enter this steakhouse garlic creamed spinach recipe.
My problem with steakhouse creamed spinach is that it is oftentimes overcooked and browning. This is probably due to the demands of dinner service and keeping everything hot. My steakhouse garlic creamed spinach recipe features vibrant green spinach because there is no overcooking. In my opinion, there is nothing as awful and overcooked brown vegetables.
What is the secret to preventing the browning of spinach?
- Don’t overcook
- Submerge spinach in iced water once cooked to stop cooking process
- Drain spinach thoroughly and squeeze out any excess liquid
How do I make a perfect creamed spinach?
- Choose good quality fresh spinach
- Steam or boil spinach until just cooked through
- Submerge spinach in ice water
- Drain spinach and squeeze any excess liquid out
- Make a bechamel sauce
- Add sharp delicious cheeses for body and flavor (e.g., Parmigiano Reggiano and aged cheddar)
- Add aromatics such as caramelized onion and garlic
For the perfect steak, please check out my steak tutorial.
Steakhouse garlic creamed spinach
Ingredients
- 1 bunch spinach washed well
- 1/2 sweet onion thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano grated
- 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
Instructions
- Blanch spinach in boiling water for 1 minute. Then place spinach into ice water bath to cool.
- Once spinach is cooled, drain. Place the bunch of spinach in your hands and form into a ball, squeezing out any excess liquid. Then set aside.
- Heat a medium size skillet on medium heat. When pan is hot, add in oil and sliced onions, mixing thoroughly into the oil. Place a lid on the onions, turn fire to medium low and allow onions to slowly caramelize for 5 minutes. Check on onions and mix with a spatula. For more caramelization, place lid on and allow onions to cook another 5 minutes.
- Then add in garlic to the onion mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add in cream, nutmeg, pepper, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Add drained spinach and mix well into the sauce. Add salt to taste.