Steamed Nettles Recipe
Steamed Nettles with Toasted Sesame Seeds, Sesame oil and Chives. Easy, delicious and detoxifying, a tasty sidedish full of calcium and iron.
How to Make the Best Steamed Nettles
Foraging for nettles in spring is a rewarding tradition, and this simple steamed nettles recipe transforms these wild greens into a nutritious and flavorful side dish. With a touch of toasted sesame oil and a sprinkle of furikake, you’ll discover that nettles have a deep, earthy flavor that rivals spinach or kale.
Nettles are a powerhouse of nutrition, loaded with iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C. Once cooked, the stinging hairs are completely neutralized, leaving you with tender, delicious greens. The Japanese-inspired sesame and soy seasoning complements their natural earthiness perfectly, creating a side dish that’s both detoxifying and deeply satisfying.
This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and yields about 1½ cups of cooked greens—perfect alongside grilled fish, rice bowls, or as part of a plant-based meal. Don’t forget to save that vibrant green cooking water for a mineral-rich broth or calming herbal tea.
Steamed Nettles
Steamed Nettles with Toasted Sesame Seeds, Sesame oil and Chives. Easy, delicious and detoxifying, a tasty sidedish full of calcium and iron.
Ingredients
Steamed Nettles
Instructions
Steamed Nettles
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Using tongs, add nettles to the boiling water and simmer until tender about 5 minutes. Turn heat off, let seep 10 minutes.
- Drain, reserving the nutrient-rich nettle broth, saving for soups or tea. If drinking as a tea, add fresh mint to the water to temper the flavor.
- Place wilted nettles on a cutting board and remove any tough stems or thick stems. Tender stems are OK.
- Chop the cooked nettles and place them in a bowl. You should have about 1½ cups, after it's cooked down.
- Season with soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, furikake or toasted sesame seeds, chives and chive blossoms. Enjoy!
Notes
- Always use tongs or gloves when handling raw nettles to avoid stings—the stinging hairs are neutralized once cooked.
- Don't discard the cooking water! Nettle broth is packed with nutrients and makes an excellent base for soups or a soothing tea.
