Spicy Garlic Squid with Spinach and Cauliflower Rice
Tender squid rings seared with minced chili and garlic, served over warm baby spinach and light cauliflower rice. A vibrant, high-protein skillet meal ready in under 15 minutes.
Prep
5 min
Cook
8 min
Total
13 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Becky + Lila
Becky created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Comfortably satisfied
Fullness that has staying power
This meal is designed to feel substantial, so finishing it can feel like the meal is complete rather than the start of an evening of grazing.
Notice: fullness 2–3 hours later
Digestive comfort
A portion that works for you
Fiber and plants can support digestion, but more is not always better overnight. Start with a comfortable portion and build gradually.
Notice: comfort + portion
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
8 min
Total
13 min
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The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet
Time saver
Measure everything before you start so this quick recipe moves without pauses.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 8 steps complete
Next: Place a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high…
- 01
Place a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high…
Place a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 0
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 0.5 finely chopped red chili pepper to the hot skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Look for: fragrant
Tap card to mark done - 03
Add 150g of cauliflower rice and 100g…
Add 150g of cauliflower rice and 100g of baby spinach to the pan, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is completely wilted and the cauliflower rice is warm and tender.
Look for: the spinach is completely wilted and the cauliflower rice is warm and tender
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Transfer the cauliflower rice and spinach mixture…
Transfer the cauliflower rice and spinach mixture onto a warm serving plate.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done - 05
Return the skillet to high heat
Return the skillet to high heat, then add 220g of cleaned squid rings in a single layer.
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Sear the squid undisturbed for 1 minute…
Sear the squid undisturbed for 1 minute until opaque, then stir for another 30 seconds to cook through without becoming rubbery.
Look for: opaque, then stir for another 30 seconds to cook through without becoming rubbery
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Remove the skillet from heat
Remove the skillet from heat, stir in 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice, and spoon the spicy garlic squid over the spinach and cauliflower rice.
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Serve immediately while hot
Serve immediately while hot.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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