# Spinach cooking times

How long to cook spinach: **2–3 min pan-fried, 2–3 min steamed, 1–2 min boiled and 1–2 min in the microwave**. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.

Source: https://feastflow.co.uk/spinach-cooking-times (FeastFlow free cooking-time guides). Last checked 11 November 2026.

## How long to cook spinach

Times are for 250 g fresh spinach, for 2–3 (it shrinks a lot).

Spinach: cooking times by method:

| Method | Time | Heat | How |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Pan-fry](https://feastflow.co.uk/pan-frying-times) | 2–3 min | over a medium heat | Wilt in a large pan with butter or oil, turning, with the water still clinging to the leaves. |
| [Steam](https://feastflow.co.uk/steaming-times) | 2–3 min | over simmering water | – |
| [Boil](https://feastflow.co.uk/boiling-times) | 1–2 min | in boiling salted water | Drain and squeeze out the water. |
| [Microwave](https://feastflow.co.uk/microwave-cooking-times) | 1–2 min | on full power, covered | With no added water; stir halfway. Frozen spinach takes 4–5 minutes. |

## Before you start

Wash and drain. Baby spinach needs nothing else; take the thick stalks off large-leaf spinach.

## How to tell it’s done

Just wilted and dark green.

## Questions

### How long to pan-fry spinach?

2–3 min over a medium heat. Wilt in a large pan with butter or oil, turning, with the water still clinging to the leaves.

### How long to steam spinach?

2–3 min over simmering water.

### How long to boil spinach?

1–2 min in boiling salted water. Drain and squeeze out the water.

### How long to microwave spinach?

1–2 min on full power, covered. With no added water; stir halfway. Frozen spinach takes 4–5 minutes.

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Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and sizes vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance.

FeastFlow also plans a whole meal backwards from serving time, with every dish timed and oven temperatures that don’t clash: https://feastflow.co.uk/