Sautéed quickly in olive oil with garlic until just tender, this easy Garlic & Chili Crunch Sautéed Kale recipe is healthy and flavorful made with just 5 ingredients with a spicy kick from chili crunch. Serve it as a side dish or as the perfect addition to pasta, grain bowls, frittatas, or even tacos.
I am a self-professed condiment lover. I love anything that I can dip into or slather in a sauce, dressing, or other flavorful condiment. From at least 6 different hot sauces to just about every kind of mustard ever made, our fridge is always packed with condiments and sauces. Friends regularly come over and express surprised reactions to our overflowing condiment shelf (Yes, they have taken over just the door and have migrated to their own shelf in the fridge. No, I’m not sorry.).
But my latest condiment obsession is Chili Crunch. I have been slathering this stuff over everything from roasted broccoli and stir-fried green beans to cooked salmon or chicken, and even avocado toast. Chili crunch adds some fiery heat and an addicting crunch to just about anything. So this Garlic & Chili Crunch Sautéed Kale made with just 5 ingredients is the perfect easy application to try it out.
What is Chili Crunch?
Chili Crunch is a spicy-crunchy chili oil that is originally inspired by the Chinese condiment chili crisp. It is made with crispy dried onions, garlic, and spicy peppers that have been simmered and packed in oil. The chilis flavor the oil so it has a nice heat throughout, but it is not too spicy. The bits of garlic and onion fry in the oil, so they keep their perfect crispy, crunch.
You can buy chili crunch in most grocery stores. You may have to ask where to find it. In my local store, it was located on a random display stand in the produce section. You can also get it on Amazon. Or you can even make your own (this is definitely one of the next things on my to do list!).
I have found that the crispy garlic and onion and the spicy chilis and oil bring out the flavors of so many dishes. But one of my favorite applications, is this simple Garlic & Chili Crunch Sautéed Kale. The spicy chilis and crispy onion bits pair with the tender, slightly sweet and earthy kale for the perfect flavor punch.
Here are some other ways to try Chili Crunch:
- Spoon it over or toss it with some cooked pasta to make easy Chili Crunch pasta – I also really love adding this Garlic & Chili Crunch Sautéed Kale to a bowl of pasta.
- Add some to give a little kick to your cooked eggs – it’s great with scrambled, fried, or over easy.
- Serve it over cooked vegetables – like my favorite Easy Roasted Broccoli, these Blistered Green Beans, or any cooked veggies like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, etc.
- Sprinkle some over your avocado toast for a little extra crunch and heat.
- Add some to finish your pizza.
- Use it to kick up your proteins – such as baked salmon, roasted chicken, steak, or even grilled pork.
How Do You Serve Garlic & Chili Crunch Sautéed Kale?
This Garlic & Chili Crunch Sautéed Kale is so easy to make, it only takes a couple of minutes, and you have a flavor-packed, healthy side dish. You can serve this on its own as the perfect side to anything from roasted chicken or baked salmon to crispy pork chops or even a grilled steak. I also love to cook up this Garlic & Chili Crunch Sautéed Kale and stuff it inside a tortilla with some cheese for a quick quesadilla (or should is say “kale”sadilla 😉) at lunchtime. You can also toss it over any pasta dish to add extra flavor and veggies. It is delicious with anything from a tomato based red sauce to creamy white. You can also add it on a pizza (trust me spicy kale on a pizza is delicious!), serve it in a grain bowl, load it in tacos, or toss it in with scrambled eggs or a frittata.
Looking for More Spicy Recipes That Bring the Heat?
Here are a few more of my favorite spicy recipes and cocktails:
- Crispy Baked Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
- Spicy Cucumber Coconut Water Margarita
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Creamy Celery Ranch Slaw
- Deep Dish Jalapeno Popper Pizza with Candied Bacon
- Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce
- Spicy Blood Orange Margarita
If you make this easy Garlic & Chili Crunch Sautéed Kale recipe, don’t forget to comment and rate the recipe below. You can also share your photos and tag me @NamasteHomeCooking on Facebook or @NamasteHomeCooking on Instagram. I love to hear what friends think of my recipes!
Garlic & Chili Crunch Sautéed Kale
Ingredients
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 bunch kale (about 1 lb)
- 2 cloves garlic
- sea salt
- 2 tsp chili crunch
Instructions
- Rinse kale and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel (removing as much water as possible) This will help ensure the kale gets slightly crispy as it cooks.
- Remove stems from kale, and chop leaves roughly.
- Heat a large, heavy bottom skillet over high heat, when hot, add the olive oil and heat for about 30 seconds. Add kale to skillet, then add garlic on top over the kale (this will help keep it from burning). Add a pinch of salt.
- Cook kale 2 – 4 minutes stirring and turning as it cooks to keep kale and garlic from burning. Cook until kale turns bright green and tender with a couple of crispy brown patches starting to form.
- Add chili crunch, and stir to coat evenly.
- Remove from heat and serve.