Elevate your vegetable side dishes with these irresistible Crispy Fried Greens—a quick and flavorful recipe featuring a vibrant mix of kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, or spinach cooked to perfection in olive oil infused with garlic and red pepper flakes. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy sauté transforms fresh greens into a tender yet crispy delight, enriched with a zesty splash of lemon juice and finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nutty flavor. Perfect as a nutrient-packed side dish or a healthy snack, this recipe celebrates simple cooking techniques with bold, savory flavors. A surefire way to make greens the star of the meal!
Wash the mixed greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt and grit. Shake off excess water and pat dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
Remove any tough stems or ribs from the greens, particularly if using kale or collard greens. Tear or roughly chop the leaves into large pieces.
Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Add the sliced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
Add the red pepper flakes to the garlic and oil, stirring to combine.
Immediately add the prepared greens to the pan, tossing with tongs to coat them well with the flavored oil.
Sauté the greens for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are wilted and tender, but still vibrant in color.
Season the greens with salt and black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
Add the lemon juice to the pan and give the greens one final toss to incorporate the flavors.
Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the fried greens to a serving platter or bowl.
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top as a garnish before serving.
Serve immediately as a hot, crispy side dish or enjoy as a healthy snack.
Calories |
604 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 48.1 g | 62% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.0 g | 35% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1325 mg | 58% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.2 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.4 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.3 g | ||
| Protein | 16.3 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 795 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 13.4 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 2467 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.