The Ultimate Keto Steakhouse-Style Spinach (Better Than Ruth’s Chris!)
Craving that luxurious steakhouse experience at home? This velvety, rich keto-friendly spinach side dish rivals the best steakhouse versions, delivering all the indulgent flavor without the carbs. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your weeknight dinner game.
Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe captures the essence of high-end steakhouse dining while keeping it gloriously gluten-free and keto-compliant. The secret lies in the perfect balance of cream, cheese, and perfectly wilted spinach.
Originally inspired by classic steakhouse creamed spinach, this version cuts the carbs without sacrificing any of the decadence. Pair it with your favorite grilled ribeye or salmon for a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home. At just 4g net carbs per serving, it’s a keto dieter’s dream come true.
Ultimate Keto Steakhouse-Style Spinach Recipe
Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh spinach leaves (for frozen spinach, see below)**
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium shallot finely chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions:
1. Wash spinach thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat
3. Add shallots and cook until softened, about 3 minutes
4. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
5. Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted
6. Remove spinach mixture and drain well, pressing out excess liquid
7. Return skillet to heat, add cream cheese and heavy cream
8. Whisk until cream cheese is fully melted and smooth
9. Stir in both kinds of cheese until melted
10. Add nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and cayenne
11. Return spinach to pan and stir to combine
12. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened
Air Fryer Instructions:
1. Follow steps 1-6 above
2. Transfer mixture to an air fryer-safe dish
3. Air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through
4. Top with extra cheese and air fry for 2 additional minutes if desired
Elevated Cooking Tip:
For extra depth of flavor, deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons of dry white wine after cooking the shallots, letting it reduce completely before continuing with the recipe.
Notes:
- Can be made ahead and reheated
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
- Perfect for holiday meals
- Consider adding crispy pancetta for extra flavor
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 280
Fat: 24g
Protein: 8g
Net Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Total Carbs: 6g
Estimated Cost Per Serving: $2.50
Total Recipe Cost: $15.00
Other Information:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment Needed: Large skillet, colander, measuring cups and spoons
Servings: 6
**Here’s the added information for using frozen spinach:
Frozen Spinach Substitution
If using frozen spinach instead of fresh:
1. Use 20 ounces (about 2.5 packages) of frozen chopped spinach
2. Thaw completely in refrigerator overnight or using microwave
3. Place thawed spinach in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
4. Squeeze thoroughly to remove ALL excess moisture (this is crucial)
5. Skip the wilting steps in the original recipe
6. Add the drained, thawed spinach directly to the cream sauce mixture
Important Notes for Frozen Spinach:
- Make sure to remove as much liquid as possible to prevent a watery dish
- Frozen spinach is more compact than fresh, so you’ll need less
- The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious
- Using frozen spinach reduces prep time by about 10 minutes
- Choose whole-leaf frozen spinach over chopped for better texture
- Consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to compensate for the drier texture of frozen spinach
Adjusted Nutrition Information When Using Frozen Spinach:
Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 275
Fat: 24g
Protein: 7g
Net Carbs: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Total Carbs: 5g
Estimated Cost Per Serving: $2.00 (frozen spinach typically costs less)
Total Recipe Cost: $12.00
Adjusted Prep Time with Frozen Spinach:
Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus thawing time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (not including thawing)
Money-Saving Tip:
Stock up on frozen spinach when it’s on sale – it has a long freezer life and is typically more economical than fresh spinach while retaining similar nutritional benefits.
In Conclusion, Ultimate Keto Steakhouse-Style Spinach
This restaurant-quality keto steakhouse spinach proves that following a low-carb lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or elegance. With proper storage, this dish can be enjoyed for up to 4 days when refrigerated in an airtight container.
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