HOW TO COOK LAMBSQUARTERS: EASY

Lambsquarters has a huge background in the lives of southern Americans. Whenever I mention plants to Southerners, somebody always has an interesting story about Lambsquarters. Enjoy this simple and elegant Simple Lambs Quarters Recipe.

Lambsquarters was the bed for my Amazing Bluegill Fried in Butter to lay on. Lambsquarters and Bluegill are seemingly always available to the forager.

Shout out to my second post ever! Fried Lambsquarters is my favorite Lambsquarters recipe to speak of.

Table of Contents

• INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO COOK LAMBSQUARTERS
• Equipment Needed
• HOW TO MAKE LAMBSQUARTERS IN BUTTER
• NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF LAMBSQUARTERS
• WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HARVEST LAMBSQUARTER GREENS?
• OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO COOK LAMBSQUARTERS

• Lambsquarter greens
• Butter
• Salt and pepper (optional)
• Other seasonings I like to use are garlic powder, paprika, and seasoning salt!
• Other flavor enhancers I like to use are balsamic vinegar, red or white wine vinegar, white wine, and green onion!

I might receive a small commission for items purchased through affiliate links in this post at no additional cost to you.

Equipment Needed

• Cast Iron Pan or the pan you have.
• Spatula
• Salad Spinner (optional)

HOW TO MAKE LAMBSQUARTERS IN BUTTER

Now mind you, these leaves I have here are from the top of a lambsquarters plant. So, they are going to be a bit more narrow than the basal leaves.

Here is a good shot of the basal leaves when the plant is nice and young.
the white powder on top of the new growth is mineral salt from deep within the ground!
Notice the base of the leaf flares out. The leaf has wider bases.

• Start by picking more leaves than you think you will need. They shrink when you cook them!
  
• Wash them under cold water in a colander.
  
• Let them drip dry briefly while you move to the next step.

• Melt butter on medium heat. Be careful not to burn it!

• Sautée the Lambsquarters until they have shrunken down and are tender.
  
• At this time you may add salt and pepper or any other seasonings you wish to use.

• Making way for my fresh blue gill. You can cook thin pieces of fish or meat now as well. Anything that will cook fast.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF LAMBSQUARTERS

• Surprisingly, Lambsquarter greens contain fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, 19 vitamins and minerals, 18 amino acids, and a solid amount of fiber.
• 100 grams or about 1/4 cup of greens gives you your daily value of vitamin C, half of your daily value of vitamin A, and a surprising 4.2 grams of protein!
  
• For more information on the nutrient content of lambsquarters visit USDA Food Date Central.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HARVEST LAMBSQUARTER GREENS?

• Lambsquarter is similar to many plants in that the younger the leaves the better they taste. The older they get, the more tough and bitter they get.
  
• However, when it comes to Lambsquarters, the greens are quite fine to eat at any stage of the plants growth. I had mentioned I picked them from the top of the plant when it was flowering and they still taste great!
  
• The seeds of the Lambsquarter plant have been used as a grain for centuries if not longer and can be popped like popcorn. That is the subject of a later post.

OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE

• HARVESTING MARIGOLD SEEDS
  
• HOMEMADE WILD BLACKBERRY JELLY
  
• HOW TO IDENTIFY CHANTERELLE MUSHROOMS
  
• GRASSHOPPER RECIPE

Yield: 2 SERVINGS

SIMPLE LAMBSQUARTERS RECIPE

Print

I can't think of a plant that has more of a background in the lives of southern americans. Whenever I mention plants to some southerners, somebody always has an interesting story about lambs quarters. Enjoy this simple and elegant Simple Lambs Quarters Recipe.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• Lambsquarters
• Butter
• Light sprinkle of salt and pepper (optional)
• Additional seasonings or vegetables (optional)

Instructions

1. Harvest lambsquarter leaves. Wash them and drain the water out.
2. Melt butter and sautée lambsquarter greens.
3. Add the optional salt and pepper or other vegetables to the mix.
4. The leaves are ready to be eaten when they are soft and wilty. You can choose to brown the leaves slightly if you want them a bit more crispy.

Notes

• Harvesting from young plants will lend you more mild flavored and tender greens. It is also more pleasant to eat them raw this way.
• Wash the leaves to get any dirt or insects off of them.
• This entire plant can be eaten raw or cooked including the seeds.
• It is easy to identify when you put a leaf under water and it comes out completely dry. The underside of the leaf is hydrophobic and will not get wet.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

100 grams
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 49Total Fat: 0.8gSodium: 43mgCarbohydrates: 7.3gFiber: 4gProtein: 4.2g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

MORE POSTS YOU WILL ENJOY!

POTATO CAKES

Potato Cakes made with the Wild Onion, will keep you waiting for spring to come. Potato Cakes are an old Read more

Fried Lambsquarters

Among the most common edible plants in North America, you will find this beauty! Chenopodium album is known as many Read more

Skillet Fried Curry Carrots

Curry carrots is a very simple dish, but is one of the absolute best carrot recipes you could ever ask Read more

Wild Foraged Garlic Powder

Garlic Powder made with wild garlic aka wild onion, Allium canadense, is a flavor packed seasoning! To make your own Read more

• Author
• Recent Posts

Eligh Miller-Polivka

Hello everyone, welcome to my neck of the woods! My name is Eligh, I was born in Portland, Oregon, and I love to forage! From when I was very young, my father took me out picking mushrooms, fishing, and camping. He loved to forage for mushrooms, and so naturally, I developed a keen eye for mushroom identification. After meeting my lovely wife on the Oregon coast, I started spending all of my free time out in the woods with plant, mushroom, and tree identification books. After some time I was able to identify every tree, plant, and mushroom that I came across. I learned their uses, both by native Americans and settlers alike. At this time, I also began fishing for salmon, trout, and different species of coastal rockfish. I always felt a strong sense of pride to be able to harvest a wide variety of wild edibles to suit my palate, and then harvest some natural bait and catch a fish, even how to make hooks and line using plants and trees that grow on the river bank.
I started cooking at a very young age. In middle school, my friends and their parents would ask me to cook food for them because I could make something out of nothing. I love to cook up new concoctions and see what everyone likes. When I became of working age, I started as a buss boy at a barbecue restaurant, and then moved on to work all positions of the restaurant industry. From head chef of a Jamaican restaurant in Tulsa, OK, to sous chef at a highly accredited bistro on the Oregon coast, all before I turned 21.
I Inherited land in southeast Oklahoma and now spend my days working a Fedex delivery route and working with my wife and 3 young boys on our rural homestead. We raise many different kinds of animals and some vegetable gardens. I hunt all manor of large and small game, and butcher all of my own meat. We harvest wild edibles of all kinds and enjoy to cook with them and eat them.
I am grateful that you stopped by to see how we are doing and hope to see you again very soon. We would love to be friends and hope you enjoy all of the recipes and information that I can manage to put out.
Thank you, and much love!
-Eligh

I may receive a small commission for items purchased through affiliate links in this post at no additional cost to you.

Latest posts by Eligh Miller-Polivka (see all)

• Homemade Remedy for Arthritis: Ginger Poultice - January 21, 2025
• THE WORLD FAMOUS SMELT FISH - January 9, 2025
• GROWING CORIANDER FROM SEED - December 10, 2024

KitchenAid KSM3311XAQ Artisan Mini Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, 3.5 quart, Aqua Sky Blue

$399.87 (as of December 21, 2025 14:13 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

25% lighter, 20% smaller footprint (compared with KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer) Compatible with all attachments. Excludes bowls and beaters. The tilt-head design allows clear access to the bowl and attached beater or accessory so you can easily add... read more

KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield KSM150PS, Matcha

10% Off $499.99 $449.95 (as of December 21, 2025 14:13 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Built to take it all on with the durable and built-to-last metal construction, and 59 touchpoints around the mixer bowl for great mixing results. 5 Quart Stainless Steel Bowl with comfortable handle for small or large batches, to mix up 9 dozen cooki... read more

Instant Pot, 6-Quart Whisper Quiet 9-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Slow Rice Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker, Warmer & Sterilizer, Free App with 800+ Recipes, Stainless Steel

29% Off $139.99 $143.10 (as of December 21, 2025 15:06 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

9 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, sous vide, make rice, yogurt, cake, or simply keep your meal warm—all in one appliance with intuitive dial control. Guided Cooking: An angled control panel with a clear message display and ... read more

Mintiml Sharp Stainless Steel Fish Scaler,Multifunction Fish Scale Planer Knife,Fish Scaler Remover Fishs Cleaning Tool Descaler Scales Scraping Tool for Home Market Restaurant (C/1PCS)

(as of December 21, 2025 13:40 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Durable Construction: Crafted from high-quality stainless steel (304 grade), combining sturdiness with lightweight ease, ensuring long-term reliability and safety for culinary us. Efficient Scaling: Fine double-row teeth ensure high-efficiency scrapi... read more

IMUSA USA Granite Molcajete Spice Grinder 6-Inch, Gray

$16.99 (as of December 21, 2025 13:44 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

MEASUREMENTS AND BENEFITS: With a 6 inche diameter, this Granite Molcajete is perfect for preparing small to medium sized batches of your favorite recipes, its size provides efficient grinding and mashing of spices, herbs, and more DURABLE CONSTRUCTI... read more

Nut Milk Bags, All Natural Cheesecloth Bags, 12"x12", 2 Pack, 100% Unbleached Cotton Cloth Bags for Tea/Yogurt/Juice/Wine/Soup/Herbs, Durable Washable Reusable Almond Milk Strainer(Weave 66x70)

$6.99 (as of December 21, 2025 13:17 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Natural Material: Made of 100% natural unbleached cotton cloth, getting rid of synthetics(nylon, polyester) can make life healthier. Easier Handling: Cotton nut milk bag will squeeze out the liquid more quickly and easily, output smoothly nut milk wi... read more

Genuine Handmade Mexican Mortar and Pestle Set- 8 Inches, Molcajete Mexicano — Mexican Cookware Perfect as Salsa Bowls, Guacamole Bowl and Masher, Mortero Para Cocina made from Volcanic Rock in Mexico

$59.95 (as of December 21, 2025 14:41 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

🌋 GENUINE HAND CARVED IN MEXICO: Made from 100% Natural Volcanic Rock from the Popocatepetl Volcano Located in Puebla, Mexico. Crafted from genuine basalt stone sourced from Mexico, giving you a traditional grinding tool with unmatched durability and... read more

Weston Stainless Steel Cone and Pestle Set (83-3030-W), 2 Quart Capacity, Dishwasher Safe, 1.9-Liter, Silver

$60.99 (as of December 20, 2025 20:01 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

DURABLE 3 PIECE SET: This durable set includes the stainless steel cone strainer and support stand, and a solid-wood pestle. It's ready to use out of the box. It's perfect for making apple sauce, berry jams, tomato puree, mashed potatoes, and other f... read more

Multi Collagen Peptides Powder, 16 Oz - Hydrolyzed Protein Peptides | Type I,II,III,V,X with Hyaluronic Acid, Biotin 10,000mcg & Vitamin C - Unflavored - Keto & Paleo Friendly, Ez Mix in Drinks

$34.95 ($2.18 / ounce) (as of December 21, 2025 12:00 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Micro Ingredients 8 in 1 full spectrum hydrolyzed collagen peptides powder. Offers up to 11g of pure pasture raised collagen peptides per serving. Created with premium hydrolyzed collagen for complete and efficient absorption. A powerful unflavored m... read more

Mesliese Vacuum Sealer Machine, 85kPa 120W Automatic Food Sealer, Powerful Sealing System, Build-in Cutter | Bags Storage | Moist Mode and Air Suction Hose | 2 Bag Rolls and 5pcs Pre-cut Bags

30% Off $99.99 $69.99 (as of December 21, 2025 14:51 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

【Automatic Function Easy Operation】 DRY VAC & SEAL - For dry food, press to vacuum and seal. MOIST VAC&SEAL - For moist food, press to vacuum and seal. SEAL ONLY - One Press to seal. OPEN - Press to open the vacuum chamber cover automatically. PULSE ... read more