• Recipes
  • Fall
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Cookbook (coming soon!)
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Fall
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Cookbook (coming soon!)
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Fall
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Cookbook (coming soon!)
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Easy Side Dishes

    Sautéed Lemon Garlic Kale

    Modified: Feb 3, 2023 · Published: Mar 11, 2022 by Andrea · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments
    Jump to Recipe

    If you are on the fence about kale you must try this recipe for Sautéed Lemon Garlic Kale. It's quick, easy, and makes a perfect side dish for any of your favourite proteins. It's so delicious you won't even know it's good for you!

    close up of sauteed kale with fresh wedges of lemon

    Ingredients

    It only takes a few simple ingredients to make this recipe.

    • kale - I used a bag of chopped kale for convenience and removed the thicker stems
    • garlic
    • cumin
    • olive oil
    • broth (vegetable or chicken) or water
    • fresh lemon juice
    • white wine (optional)
    • chili flakes (optional)
    Ingredients for making lemon garlic kale on a white board

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Over medium-low heat sautè the garlic, cumin, and chili flakes in a large pan or pot for one minute. Add kale then pour in the stock and wine (or a combination of both, or water). Reduce the heat, cover, and let simmer for 5 minutes or until the kale is tender. You can add more liquid to the pan if it is drying out before kale reaches desired doneness. Remove from heat and pour in fresh lemon juice. Be sure to taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

    sauteed kale in deep frying pan

    Equipment

    No fancy equipment is needed! If you are interested in checking out the pan used you can find it here: All-Clad Stainless Steel Sautè Pan (affiliate link).

    Substitutions

    • Kale - use any hearty green you like such as collards or Swiss chard
    • Broth & white wine - you can use straight up water or a combination of any or all!
    • Chili flakes - omit these if you don't want a kick
    • Cumin - curry powder or smoked paprika would also work

    Storage

    Store in the refrigerator for several days. Reheat in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave.

    Top tip

    Remove the thicker tough stems from the kale before chopping. If using a bag of chopped kale you still want to go through the pieces and remove any large stems. They can be tough and woody.

    Other recipes you might like to try

    • Crispy Kale And Avocado Caesar Salad
    • Braised Red Cabbage With Onions And Apple
    • Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
    • Roasted Salmon With Brown Butter Pickle Sauce

    This post may contain affiliate links. If a purchase is made I receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your continued support.

    📖 Recipe

    Finished lemon garlic kale on a white platter with wedges of fresh lime

    Lemon Garlic Kale

    This lemon garlic kale is a quick and easy side dish that is so delicious you won't even know it's good for you!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 95kcal
    Author: Andrea Mut
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
    • pinch dried chili flakes, optional
    • ¾ cup chicken or vegetable stock or water
    • ¼ cup dry white wine
    • 8 cups kale, chopped with thick stems removed
    • 2 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
    • salt and pepper

    Instructions

    • In a large sautè pan or pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat.
    • Add garlic, cumin, and chili flakes if using. Cook, stirring for one minute.
    • Add kale then pour in the stock and wine. Stir to combine.
    • Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 5 minutes or until kale is tender. You can add more liquid to the pan if it is drying out before kale reaches desired doneness.
    • Remove from heat and pour in fresh lemon juice. Stir well. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

    Notes

    Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for 5 days. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 53mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MyPocketKitchen or tag #mypocketkitchen!

    More Easy Side Dishes

    • Green giant cauliflower restaurant side and Parmesan green beans restaurant side in their packages and cooked in dishes.
      Green Giant Restaurant Sides
    • beet and goat cheese salad on a bid of greens.
      Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
    • 4 examples of winter green recipes.
      Winter Greens
    • creamy brussels sprouts in a cast iron pan with a wooden serving spoon.
      Creamy Brussels Sprouts

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

      Feel free to leave a comment and a rating: Your email address will not be displayed Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Lorna says

      April 04, 2022 at 9:40 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this tonight and it was amazing! Hardest part was chopping the kale cause I couldn’t find the pre-chopped bags. Had it with Cajun blackened tilapia for a Gina approved dinner. 😉

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        April 05, 2022 at 7:46 am

        Sounds delicious Lorna! Thanks for commenting!

        Reply
    2. Jeanine says

      March 16, 2022 at 12:23 pm

      Sounds delicious...have to give this a try...
      One thing I really appreciate with your recipes is the suggestions for substitutions!
      I can be creative but it's nice to have a pro's opinions!!
      Thanks again

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        March 16, 2022 at 4:10 pm

        Thanks Jeanine!
        I'm so happy you enjoy all the tips and tricks! Hope you enjoy the kale recipe and thanks for your comment!

        Reply
    portrait of Andrea Mut standing in her kitchen.

    Hello and welcome to My Pocket Kitchen! I'm Andrea, a professional Chef & Pastry Chef . Here you will find easy, step by step recipes that are packed with wholesome, nutrient rich ingredients. Hope you have fun! Read More…

    Fall Recipes

    • crispy skinned greek chicken with mixed vegetables on a white ceramic plate. A glass of white wine and the tray is off to the side.
      Greek Chicken Tray Bake
    • single serving of soup in a ceramic bowl with a spoon, garnished with coconut milk and fresh cilantro.
      Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup
    • baked frittata in a cast iron skillet after coming out of the oven.
      Easy Baked Frittata
    • one bowl of red lentil and vegetable soup with lemon slice and cilantro.
      Curried Red Lentil Soup

    Popular Recipes

    • spaghetti squash in a baking dish with one portion on a side plate with a fork.
      Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
    • finished soup in a white bowl with antique spoon
      Spiced Spinach and Chickpea Soup
    • a single serving of soup in a white bowl garnished with cheddar cheese and parsley.
      Cowboy Soup
    • pork medallions in creamy mushroom sauce in pan with spoon
      Pork Medallions In Creamy Mushroom Sauce

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About
    • Want to say Thank You?

    Copyright © 2025 My Pocket Kitchen

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

    This worked exactly as written, thanks!
    My family loved this!
    Thank you for sharing this recipe

    Or write in your own words:

    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.