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    Home » Recipes » Sides

    Easy Buttered Kale

    Published: Apr 25, 2022 · Modified: Jun 9, 2025 by Jo Keohane · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

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    My Easy Buttered Kale is a fast and delicious healthy side, comprising sautéed kale with butter and lemon. If you're trying to get more greens in your life this is the recipe for you! Ready in 5 minutes and so versatile, this side goes with everything from breakfast eggs to roast veggies and meats. Try it once and you'll make it on repeat.

    Top down image of a white bowl of sautéd kale with two wedges of lemon.

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    With only 4 ingredients, curly kale is combined with lemon juice, butter and seasoned with flaky salt.

    This great tasting wilted kale dish features regularly in my weekly meal planning as it can be ready in just 5 minutes, ideal for those days when we are pushed for time.

    This method of cooking raw kale is an excellent way to persuade the kale haters as the salt and lemon balance out any bitterness you might detect in this yummy green veg.

    In fact, even my 8 year old daughter can't get enough of this delicious veggie side.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Easy Buttered Kale recipe:
    • Sautéed Kale Ingredients
    • How to Make Easy Buttered Kale - Step-By-Step
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Variations & Substitutions for Easy Buttered Kale
    • Tips & Tricks For Making Easy Buttered Kale
    • Pin This Easy Buttered Kale Recipe For Later
    • What Do You Think?!
    • More Easy Side Dish Recipe Ideas
    • Printable Recipe
    • Easy Buttered Kale
    • Reader Comments & Ratings

    Why You'll Love This Easy Buttered Kale recipe:

    • Any dish with 4 ingredients, that can be made in 5 minutes is a winner for me.
    • Sautéing the curly kale helps to soften it and the addition of salt and lemon juice ramps up the flavor.
    • We should all be including low carb leafy greens in our daily diets! This is one of the easiest kale recipes you can find.
    • Kids are happier eating sautéed rather than plain steamed kale.
    • For other quick and tasty veggie sides the whole family will enjoy, try my Easy Corn Ribs, Roasted Shishito Peppers, Roasted Asparagus & Carrots or my Kitchenaid Mashed Potatoes.
    Top down image of prepared kale leaves with separated kale stems, half a lemon, a bowl of salt and bowl of butter on top of a white marble worktop.

    Sautéed Kale Ingredients

    Find the full list and quantities in the recipe below.

    Kale - I have used curly kale in my recipe. However, this simple cooking method works with a whole host of greens. Try it with cavoli nero, swiss chard, collard greens or spinach.

    Butter - I use unsalted butter, but you can use salted butter too, just cut back a little on the salt when you come to season. For dairy free and vegan diners, swap the butter for coconut oil or olive oil instead.

    Lemon Juice - freshly squeezed lemon juice has the best flavor. Save any leftover juice for another day by freezing it in an ice-cube tray.

    Salt- use a good quality sea salt to season the kale as it will make all the difference to the finished dish.

    How to Make Easy Buttered Kale - Step-By-Step

    Find the full printable recipe below.

    Prepare the kale by trimming and discarding the tough stalks. Tear into bite-size pieces. Wash it well and drain.

    Heat the butter in a large pan or cast iron skillet and add the drained kale and a sprinkle of sea salt.

    Top down image of large cooking pot, with melted butter.
    Top down image of large pot with curly kale leaves and a wooden spoon.

    Stir and cook until wilted. This will take around 3 minutes - then add the lemon juice.

    Check the seasoning and add more salt if needed before serving.

    Top down image of large pot with wilted kale and a wooden spoon.
    Top down image of white bowl of wilted kale.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is sautéed kale healthy?

    Kale is a super-food, that is packed full of Vitamin A, K, B6 and C as well as iron, calcium, potassium, copper and manganese. This leafy green is something we should all include in our daily diet.

    Both raw and cooked kale are good for you. I like to cook kale as the heat softens it, making it less chewy.

    I sauté my kale in a little butter with a splash of lemon juice for flavor, which really ramps up the flavor. The thing with kale is not to add too much liquid, so that it doesn't become soggy and retains all of its nutrients.

    How do you add flavor to kale?

    There are 2 techniques that work best when adding flavor to kale. Firstly, massaging the kale with olive oil and/or lemon juice will tenderize it, making it far easier to chew.

    Secondly cook the kale by either steaming or sautéing it with a little oil or butter and a splash of citrus.

    How do you get the bitterness out of kale?

    The best way to balance out any bitterness in kale is to add salt and also a sour acid, like lemon juice, red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar.

    How long should you cook kale for?

    The trick to cooking kale is to sauté until it is just wilted and still bright green! Around 3 minutes over a medium heat, stirring constantly so it doesn't catch.

    Top down image of a white plate with wilted kale, topped with a fried egg with a burst yolk and a drizzle of chili sauce.

    Variations & Substitutions for Easy Buttered Kale

    Curly kale has a strong flavor so it can handle other flavors being added to it. Here are some suggestions:

    • Add chili flakes or red pepper flakes for added spice.
    • A clove of minced garlic works well with the kale and the lemon juice.
    • Keep things simple and cook the kale in a splash of vegetable broth.
    • For an Asian twist, sauté the kale with minced garlic and ginger, add a splash of light soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil.

    How do I make this side vegan?

    I've used butter but a great vegan or plant based alternative fat to use is coconut oil. Olive oil will also work too.

    Tips & Tricks For Making Easy Buttered Kale

    • Be sure to season well with flaky sea salt as it will make all the difference to the finished dish.
    • Don't dry the kale leaves too thoroughly as you will need some residue water to help the leaves wilt in the pan.

    How To Serve Buttered Kale

    This versatile side dish can be served with any main course, where you would normally serve spinach, cabbage or other leafy greens.

    Try this easy vegetable side with my Lemon Caper Chicken Breasts, my Sheet Pan Caprese Chicken my Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs or my Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Cream Sauce.

    However, it can also be a key component in a dish, like the light lunch dish I have here, where I've simply topped the wilted spinach with a fried egg and a dash of my favorite chili sauce.

    How To Reheat Buttered Kale?

    This is a dish that is best serve hot, straight from the pan. However you can keep kale in an air tight container for a day in the fridge. It can be re-heated in a pan on a gentle heat. Just don't overcook the kale or it will become mushy.

    Pin This Easy Buttered Kale Recipe For Later

    Pinnable image with recipe title and top down image of large pot with wilted kale and 2 wedges of fresh lemon.

    What Do You Think?!

    I'd love to know what you think about this recipe! I'd be so grateful if you scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave a star rating and comment.

    Don't forget to go over to Facebook and Instagram and make sure you're following me so you can join in the chat. And remember to save this recipe to your Pinterest too!

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    More Easy Side Dish Recipe Ideas

    • Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Tahini & Lime Sweet Potato Fries (Oven Baked)
    • Winter Coleslaw
    • Charred Broccolini with Lemon & Chili

    Printable Recipe

    Easy Buttered Kale

    My easy buttered kale is a fast and delicious healthy side, comprising sautéed kale with butter and lemon. If you're trying to get more greens in your life this is the recipe for you! Ready in 5 minutes and so versatile, this side goes with everything from breakfast eggs to roast veggies and meats. Try it once and you'll make it on repeat.
    4.93 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Share Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 sides
    Calories 71 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 8 oz Curly Kale - One large bunch kale. Note: 1oz = 1 packed cup
    • 2 tbsp Butter
    • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
    • Sea Salt

    Instructions
     

    • Trim and discard the tough stalks from the kale.
    • Tear into bite sized pieces and then wash well in a strainer and drain. It's ok if it's still slightly wet as the kale needs a little water to wilt in the pan.
    • Heat the butter on a medium high-heat in a large heavy based frying pan or cast iron skillet.
    • Add the kale and a sprinkle of sea salt. Cook until wilted, stirring, for around 3 minutes so the kale remains a bright green color.
    • Add the lemon juice.
    • Check the seasoning and add more salt if needed.
    • Serve.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sideCalories: 71kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 203mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5839IUVitamin C: 54mgCalcium: 146mgIron: 1mg
    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be taken as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and the Family Food Kitchen can't guarantee the accuracy of this information.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lesley says

      April 26, 2022 at 6:47 am

      5 stars
      I love my leafy greens and in particular kale. Love the addition of butter and lemon juice to this tasty side.

      Reply
    2. Janice says

      April 26, 2022 at 7:20 am

      5 stars
      I love the addition of butter and lemon to the kale. I can eat it just steamed with salt but I can just imagine how delicious it would be with lemon and butter - yum!

      Reply
    3. Kacie says

      April 26, 2022 at 11:44 am

      5 stars
      When I cook kale at home, I usually go for crispy kale, but I love the look of your buttered kale - I'm sure it would work well on a Sunday roast dinner!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        April 26, 2022 at 12:31 pm

        I love crispy Kale too! This version is super tasty and you can't go wrong adding butter! Thanks for your comment Kacie.

        Reply
    4. nancy says

      April 26, 2022 at 11:48 am

      5 stars
      OHHH so that's how you make kale so tender and buttery! thanks for the tips

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        April 26, 2022 at 12:33 pm

        You're so welcome Nancy. Thank you for commenting and hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    5. Choclette says

      April 26, 2022 at 1:46 pm

      5 stars
      You don't have to convince me, I love Kale. We grow curly kale and various others and eat a lot of it. The way you've done it is probably the way we cook it most often. Who can resist butter, lemon and greens?

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        April 26, 2022 at 5:10 pm

        Completely agree with you Choclette!! You're so lucky to have home grown. Thanks so much for your comment.

        Reply
    6. Sheeba says

      April 27, 2022 at 2:36 am

      5 stars
      That is a quick, easy and nutritious side dish. I'm definitely going to try it paired with your creamy garlic chicken!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        April 27, 2022 at 8:01 am

        Thanks so much Seeba, hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    7. Chloe Edges says

      May 05, 2022 at 8:44 pm

      5 stars
      I love Kale and keeping it simple like this is absolutely in my wheelhouse. I love the suggestion for an Asian twist and I'll be giving that a go with my next Asian inspired feast!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        May 08, 2022 at 7:29 pm

        Thanks Chloe, you know how I feel about Kale 😉

        Reply
    8. Relle says

      April 29, 2023 at 3:20 pm

      Always looking for ways to get my greens in. This is a great way to do it.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        May 01, 2023 at 1:39 pm

        Me too! So happy you liked this recipe, thank you Relle.

        Reply
    9. Jere Cassidy says

      April 29, 2023 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      I had leftover kale from a salad and found your recipe for buttered kale. I loved your idea of serving it with a fried egg, and that's how I served it and toast. The whole dish was totally delicious.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        May 01, 2023 at 1:39 pm

        Yum - so glad you enjoyed. Thank you for your comment

        Reply
    10. Liz says

      April 30, 2023 at 8:55 am

      5 stars
      My family loved this! And it was such an easy side dish, I'll definitely make it again!

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        May 01, 2023 at 1:38 pm

        That's lovely to hear, thank you so much for your comment.

        Reply
    11. Healing Tomato says

      April 30, 2023 at 5:14 pm

      5 stars
      We eat a lot of kale in my house, so I am always looking for new ways to make it. Made this last night and quickly bookmarked your post. This was so easy to make and it was ready in 10 minutes! I did add extra butter!! 😉

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        May 01, 2023 at 1:38 pm

        No such thing as too much butter. Thank you for your comment.

        Reply
    12. Elizabeth S says

      April 30, 2023 at 5:56 pm

      5 stars
      This was easy and so delicious. I added garlic powder to mine.

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        May 01, 2023 at 1:38 pm

        Great idea! Hope you enjoyed!

        Reply
    4.93 from 13 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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