Are you looking for a flavor boost to spice up your meals? Look no further than mustard greens! These tangy, slightly bitter leaves are a staple in many cuisines around the world, and when combined with spicy ingredients, they create dishes that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a dinner party, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 spicy mustard green recipes.
From soups to salads, stir-fries to casseroles, these versatile greens can be used in a wide variety of dishes. And the best part? They’re packed with nutrients like vitamins A and K, making them a healthy addition to any meal. In this article, we’ll explore the many uses of mustard greens and share some creative recipe ideas that are sure to become new favorites.
So, what’s your favorite way to use mustard greens? Let us know in the comments below!
Stir-Fried Mustard Greens with Garlic and Chili
Mustard greens are a flavorful and nutritious addition to any meal. This simple stir-fry recipe brings out the best in these leafy greens, combining them with aromatic garlic and spicy chili for a delicious and healthy side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small red chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and chili and stir-fry for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the mustard greens and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until wilted.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-7 minutes
Mustard Greens and Bacon Sauté
A flavorful and healthy recipe that combines the peppery taste of mustard greens with the smokiness of crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, cleaned and chopped
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped mustard greens to the pan in batches, cooking until wilted, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
5. Return the cooked bacon to the pan and stir to combine with the greens.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Serve hot over your favorite grain or as a side dish.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Mustard Greens Soup with Coconut Milk
This creamy and spicy soup is a perfect blend of flavors, featuring the earthy taste of mustard greens and the richness of coconut milk. A great way to warm up on a chilly day!
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, chopped
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chopped mustard greens, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until greens are wilted, about 10 minutes.
3. Pour in coconut milk and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pickled Mustard Greens with Ginger and Turmeric
A tangy and aromatic condiment that’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any dish. This recipe is a great way to preserve mustard greens and enjoy them year-round.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, cleaned and chopped
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup vinegar (apple cider or white wine)
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the mustard greens, water, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard the solids.
3. Add sugar, ginger slices, and turmeric powder to the liquid. Stir until dissolved.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Mustard Greens and Sausage Stew
This comforting stew combines the earthy flavor of mustard greens with spicy sausage, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound smoked sausage (such as andouille or kielbasa), sliced
– 2 cups mustard greens, chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the mustard greens, chicken broth, water, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mustard Greens Pesto Pasta
This recipe combines the earthy flavor of mustard greens with the creaminess of pesto, all wrapped up in a delicious pasta dish. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., linguine, fettuccine)
– 1 cup fresh mustard greens, chopped
– 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for some heat)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine chopped mustard greens, pesto, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
3. Add the blended mixture to the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Braised Mustard Greens with Smoked Turkey
Savor the rich flavors of smoked turkey and tangy mustard greens in this hearty, one-pot dish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound smoked turkey breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add turkey and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add mustard greens, chicken broth, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 20-25 minutes or until greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Mustard Greens and Sweet Potato Curry
This hearty curry combines the earthy flavors of mustard greens with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, all wrapped up in a rich and aromatic spice blend. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, chopped
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add sweet potatoes and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Add mustard greens and coconut milk. Stir to combine, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the greens are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mustard Greens Kimchi
Mustard greens add a tangy flavor to this spicy kimchi recipe, perfect for adding a kick to your meals. This fermented Korean condiment is easy to make at home and can be stored in the refrigerator for months.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs mustard greens, cleaned and chopped
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1/2 cup kosher salt
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chopped mustard greens and kosher salt. Massage the greens for 5 minutes to help release their natural juices.
2. Rinse the greens with water and drain well.
3. In a blender or food processor, blend chili flakes, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and water until smooth.
4. Combine the blended mixture with the chopped mustard greens, scallions, and garlic. Mix well.
5. Pack the kimchi into a jar, pressing out any air pockets. Leave 1 inch at the top.
6. Store in the refrigerator for at least 3 days or up to several months.
Cooking Time: None needed! This recipe is fermented.
Mustard Greens and White Bean Soup
This hearty soup combines the earthy flavor of mustard greens with creamy white beans, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, chopped (about 4 cups)
– 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the chopped mustard greens and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the cannellini beans, vegetable broth, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer the soup over low heat for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mustard Greens Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Discover the bright flavors of springtime with this refreshing salad featuring mustard greens and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mustard greens, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped mustard greens.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine the lemon juice, tahini, garlic, and honey. Blend until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the mustard greens and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Top with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Mustard Greens and Shrimp Stir-Fry
A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry that combines the bitterness of mustard greens with the sweetness of shrimp, all wrapped up in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, chopped
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, onion, and garlic. Cook until onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Add chopped mustard greens to the pan and stir-fry until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Return shrimp to the pan and pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Stir-fry everything together for an additional minute.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mustard Greens and Cornbread Casserole
Mustard Greens and Cornbread Casserole: A Twist on a Southern Classic
This hearty casserole combines the earthy flavor of mustard greens with the sweetness of cornbread, creating a unique and satisfying side dish or main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, chopped
– 2 cups cornbread mix
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté chopped mustard greens with a pinch of salt and pepper until wilted.
3. In a separate bowl, combine cornbread mix, milk, egg, melted butter, and paprika. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked mustard greens to the cornbread mixture and stir until combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Mustard Greens and Lentil Dal
This flavorful and nutritious dish combines the earthy taste of mustard greens with the comforting warmth of lentils. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to make and packed with vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, chopped
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups water or vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, and turmeric; cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the lentils and stir to combine.
5. Pour in the water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
6. Stir in the chopped mustard greens and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Mustard Greens and Pork Dumplings
This hearty dish combines the earthy flavors of mustard greens with tender pork dumplings, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, chopped
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt, to taste
– Cooking oil or broth, for steaming
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine pork, onion, garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Add flour and egg to the pork mixture; mix until a dough forms. Knead for 5 minutes until smooth.
3. Divide dough into 8-10 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and then flatten slightly.
4. In a large pot, steam dumplings over boiling water for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, cook mustard greens in a separate pot with some oil or broth until tender. Season with salt to taste.
6. Serve dumplings atop the wilted mustard greens and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mustard Greens and Mushroom Risotto
This creamy risotto combines the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms with the slightly bitter sweetness of mustard greens, creating a unique and delicious side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 2 cups mustard greens, stems removed and chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
5. After 20-25 minutes of cooking, stir in chopped mustard greens and cook until wilted.
6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mustard Greens and Chickpea Stir-Fry
A flavorful and nutritious stir-fry that combines the peppery taste of mustard greens with the creamy texture of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a savory and aromatic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, stems removed and chopped
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the chickpeas and cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
4. Add the mustard greens and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until wilted.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes.
6. Pour the sauce over the greens and chickpeas, and cook for an additional minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mustard Greens and Potato Hash
This hearty hash combines the earthy flavors of mustard greens with the comforting warmth of potatoes, making it a perfect side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch mustard greens, chopped
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced potatoes and cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
3. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the chopped mustard greens and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional mustard greens if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your meals with these 18 mouth-watering recipes that feature mustard greens as the star ingredient! From savory stir-fries and hearty stews to creamy soups and tangy salads, there’s something for every occasion. Try Stir-Fried Mustard Greens with Garlic and Chili for a quick weeknight dinner or Mustard Greens Pesto Pasta for a flavorful weekend meal. With this collection of recipes, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy the nutritional benefits and delicious flavor of mustard greens.