Sautéed Arugula
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Take your greens to the next level with this sautéed arugula. This is a zingy, buttery side dish that will enhance any dish it’s served with.
I’m convinced that if greens are cooked well, anyone can fall in love with them- and this sautéed arugula is my proof. I first started making it when my partner and I went through our arugula salad phase, and were buying bags of it weekly. To help use it up (there’s only so much salad one can eat), I experimented with turning a bag into something buttery, garlicky, and genuinely delicious.
Sautéing mellows the sharp, peppery bite of raw arugula, while keeping all that bright, zesty flavor. With just butter, a little seasoning, and a few minutes on the stove, it cooks down quickly without ever turning watery, the way some greens do. It makes the most flavorful and nutrient-dense side dish that pairs with almost anything (even pizza, according to my partner).
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
- Arugula (or rocket, if you’re in Australia/UK). I typically buy fresh arugula in bags from the grocery store, but on several occasions have also purchased boxes of it from the green grocer.
- Butter and oil. It may seem unusual to use both oil and butter, but there is a good reason behind this choice. The oil will help saute the arugula and prevent the butter from overheating and burning. The butter will add some flavor and a silky texture to the final dish.
- Garlic and seasonings. Greens and garlic go so well together! Arugula has such a distinctive flavor that all it needs is your trusty garlic, simple salt, and pepper to make it sing!
How to saute arugula
Step 1- Sauté. Add oil and butter to a skillet. Once hot, add the minced garlic and fry until fragrant. Add the arugula and seasonings and saute until they wilt.
Step 2- Serve with fresh lemon.
Arman’s recipe tip
- Don’t saute for too long. Be careful not to saute for too long; the arugula should only be wilted. Cooking it longer will cause it to lose its bright green color and become mushy.
Recipe variations
- Change out the greens. This recipe works really well for a variety of greens. Why not try it out with basil, spinach, collard greens, kale, or Swiss chard?
- Garnish with some crunch. If you want some extra flavor and texture, then I suggest garnishing it with a little something crunchy. You can sprinkle on some sesame seeds or, my favorite option, add some toasted pine nuts to finish it off.
- Add some meat. This is a great vegetarian option, but it also works really well with meat. To add some protein, I suggest tossing in some diced crispy bacon or ham.
- Add some ginger. Garlic is a great aromatic for this dish, but ginger works really well, too, if you want some extra flavor dimension. We love doing this with sauteed eggplant and asparagus, too.
Frequently asked questions
Yes- I’ve made this with vegan butter (Miyoko’s and Kite Hill) for my niece, and it was just as delicious as traditional butter.
My grocery store actually pre-washes the arugula bags, which is handy. Still, if I’m getting the boxes from the green grocer, I wash the arugula thoroughly, then pat it dry completely. If there are any large stems, I usually remove those too.
For sautéing vegetables, I find stainless steel or non-stick pans work best. I don’t recommend cast-iron or aluminum pans, as they can react with the acids in the arugula, giving it a metallic taste.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Sautéed arugula
Ingredients
- 6 ounces arugula
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add the butter and olive oil to a large non-stick skillet or pan.
- Once hot, add the garlic, then the arugula, salt, and pepper, and saute for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
- Remove from the pan and serve with fresh lemon.
Notes
- TO STORE: This dish stores very well, so none of it will go to waste. All you need to do is pop it in the fridge in an airtight container and use it within three days.
- TO REHEAT: The easiest way to heat this arugula is in the microwave. However, you can also pop it back in the skillet with a tiny bit of butter and reheat it that way.
Nutrition
Serving suggestions
If you need to add some greens to a meal, then this recipe is the perfect way to do it. It’s so fast, tasty, and nutritious that it works with so many different dishes. Try serving this sauteed arugula alongside these mains:
Beef
Tomahawk Steak
Chicken Recipes
Baked Chicken Breast
Seafood
Grilled Swordfish
Seafood
Chilean Sea Bass Recipe
Originally published March 2023
Thanks for the heallthy recipe!
So quick & easy!
I’ve been looking for a recipe for cooking arugula and this sounds perfect. Can’t wait to try it. Thank you!!!
So easy, cheers.
Big hugs and thanks! 🤗
So delicious! I followed the directions exactly. I will make this often.