Go Back
–+ servings
Save and Subscribe Form

Save this recipe and we'll send it right to your email inbox. Plus we'll send you other great recipes every week!

Photo of Simple Sautéed Kale.

The BEST Sautéed Kale

Chef Jenn
Sautéed Kale is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious leafy green. Lightly cooked with garlic and olive oil, it becomes tender yet vibrant, making it the perfect side dish for any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.
No ratings yet
[btn-google-source] Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 132 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds kale tough stems removed, chop the leaves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes crushed
  • 2 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • ½ cup vegetable stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the crushed red pepper flakes, if using, and let them sizzle briefly in the oil.
  • Stir in the sliced garlic and cook until softened but not browned.
  • Increase the heat to high, then add the vegetable stock and kale. Toss to combine.
  • Cover and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the kale to steam and soften.
  • Remove the cover and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the kale remains bright green.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips

  • If you prefer a milder flavor, use baby kale instead of mature kale.
  • For added flavor, sauté some diced onions before adding the garlic. Or ginger! I love this dish with fresh ginger in it, too.
  • If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts over the finished dish. I LOVE pine nuts, but they’re worth their weight in gold!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 210mgPotassium: 607mgFiber: 7gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 17055IUVitamin C: 159mgCalcium: 437mgIron: 3mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

Keyword easy kale recipe, garlic kale, healthy side dish, sautéed kale
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!