A Few Tips To Make The Most of Kale

Last Updated on Aug 10, 2025 by Happy Dieter

If you’re new to kale, you might be wondering how to cook it or even if it should be cooked at all. Kale is similar to spinach but belongs to the same family as broccoli and cabbage. The way you cook kale largely depends on how you want it to turn out, whether you’re combining it with other foods as part of a main dish or using it as a standalone side. Here are some essential tips to make the most of kale in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Properly preparing kale before cooking is crucial for the best flavor and texture.
There are several cooking methods for kale, each offering different tastes and textures.
Kale can be enjoyed both cooked and raw, depending on your preference and recipe.

Prepare the Kale

It’s very important to properly prepare your kale before cooking it, as this ensures you’ll get the best texture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1. Wash It

Make sure to wash kale thoroughly, even if you buy organic. Rinse it under cold water and rub all parts of the leaves with your fingers, ensuring you remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated during shipping and storage.

2. Remove the Stems

Before cooking or eating kale, be sure to remove the stems. The stems are stringy, tough, and difficult to chew and digest. To remove them, grab the stem with one hand and with your other hand, pull the leaves off the stem. This process is quick and easy, ensuring you’re left with only the tender, edible parts of the kale.

Best Cooking Methods

Cooking kale is all about balance. Overcooking can strip it of its vitamins and minerals, while undercooking can leave it tough and unappetizing. Below are some popular cooking methods to help you make the most of this nutritious vegetable:

1. Bake

Baking kale can transform it into one of the most popular healthy snacks today—kale chips. The baking process changes the consistency of kale, resulting in a crunchy, chip-like snack. To make kale chips, wash and dry the kale, coat it in olive oil, and dust it with your favorite spices. Bake for about 20 minutes, and you’ll have a nutrient-rich, fat-free snack that’s perfect for guilt-free munching.

2. Steam

Steaming kale is a great way to soften it without losing its nutrients. To avoid soggy kale, use a vegetable steamer or a pot with a lid and a bit of water at the bottom. Steaming helps retain kale’s nutritional value while making it tender enough to enjoy.

3. Sauté

Sautéing kale is one of the best ways to add flavor while retaining its nutritional benefits. Use a non-stick frying pan with a little olive oil, and sauté the kale until it softens but doesn’t wilt completely. Stir constantly and remove it from the heat when it’s just right. Taste a piece to check if it’s cooked to your liking.

4. Boil

If you choose to boil kale, be sure to monitor it closely to prevent overcooking. Overboiling can turn kale into a mushy, unappetizing mess. To avoid this, stop the cooking process as soon as the kale softens. Boiled kale can be delicious if done correctly, but overcooking is a common reason why some people dislike its texture.

5. Keep It Raw

You don’t always have to cook kale to enjoy it. Many kale salad recipes use raw kale, as do numerous green smoothies. When preparing raw kale, make sure to wash it thoroughly and remove the stems to avoid a tough, hard-to-eat texture. Raw kale is crunchy and slightly bitter, making it a great addition to salads and other fresh dishes.

Conclusion

These tips to make the most of kale will help you prepare and cook this versatile vegetable in a way that maximizes its flavor and nutritional value. Whether you prefer it baked, steamed, sautéed, boiled, or raw, kale is a nutritious addition to any diet. Experiment with different methods to find the one that suits your taste and enjoy the many health benefits of this leafy green.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Best Way to Cook Kale to Retain Its Nutrients?

A: Steaming and sautéing are two of the best methods to cook kale while retaining most of its nutrients. These methods soften the kale without overcooking it, preserving its vitamins and minerals.

Q: How Do You Prepare Kale for Cooking?

A: Proper preparation includes washing the kale thoroughly and removing the tough stems. This ensures you’re left with the tender, edible parts of the kale.

Q: Can Kale Be Eaten Raw?

A: Yes, kale can be eaten raw, especially in salads or smoothies. Just be sure to wash it well and remove the stems for the best texture.

Q: How Do You Make Kale Chips?

A: To make kale chips, wash and dry the kale, coat it with olive oil and spices, and bake it in the oven for about 20 minutes. The result is a crunchy, nutrient-rich snack.

Q: Why Does Kale Sometimes Taste Bitter?

A: Kale can taste bitter due to its natural compounds, especially when raw. Cooking methods like sautéing or baking can reduce the bitterness and enhance its flavor.