Garlic Lemon Squid with Wilted Kale and Chickpeas
Tender squid rings quick-seared with fresh garlic, chili, and lemon juice served over warm kale and fiber-rich chickpeas. A light, 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
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
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
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
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet · Knife and cutting board
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: Pat the defrosted squid thoroughly dry with…
- 01
Pat the defrosted squid thoroughly dry with…
Pat the defrosted squid thoroughly dry with kitchen paper and slice into 1/2-inch (1.2cm) rings.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Heat olive oil in a large skillet…
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering hot.
Look for: shimmering hot
Tap card to mark done - 03
Add sliced garlic clove and red chili…
Add sliced garlic clove and red chili pepper to the pan, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Look for: fragrant
Tap card to mark done - 04
Add the squid rings in a single…
Add the squid rings in a single layer and sear without moving for 1 minute.
Allow: 1 minute
Tap card to mark done - 05
Flip the squid
Flip the squid, then toss in the drained canned chickpea and kale.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Stir-fry everything together for 2 minutes until…
Stir-fry everything together for 2 minutes until the kale is wilted and the squid is opaque and tender.
Look for: the kale is wilted and the squid is opaque and tender
Tap card to mark done - 07
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice directly over…
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice directly over the skillet and stir to combine.
Tap card to mark done - 08
Transfer to a warm serving bowl and…
Transfer to a warm serving bowl and serve immediately.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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