Pan-Seared Garlic Lemon Whole Squid with Leafy Greens
Tender whole squid quick-seared with crushed garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon, served over a bed of fresh leafy greens.
Prep
5 min
Cook
5 min
Total
10 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 HealthComfortably 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
Steadier 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
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
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
5 min
Cook
5 min
Total
10 min
How many are you cooking for?
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 7 steps complete
Next: Place 150g whole squid on paper towels…
- 01
Place 150g whole squid on paper towels…
Place 150g whole squid on paper towels and pat completely dry on both sides.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Heat 10ml extra virgin olive oil in…
Heat 10ml extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until shimmered, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Look for: shimmered
Tap card to mark done - 03
Add 2 pcs garlic clove (minced) to…
Add 2 pcs garlic clove (minced) to the oil and sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Look for: fragrant but not browned
Tap card to mark done - 04
Place the dried squid flat in the…
Place the dried squid flat in the pan and sear undisturbed for 90 seconds until opaque and lightly golden underneath.
Look for: opaque and lightly golden underneath
Tap card to mark done - 05
Flip the squid
Flip the squid, squeeze 15ml lemon juice into the pan, and cook for another 60 to 90 seconds until cooked through and tender. Remove squid from heat immediately.
Look for: cooked through and tender
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Toss 60g mixed leafy greens with 5g…
Toss 60g mixed leafy greens with 5g fresh parsley and remaining pan juices in a serving bowl.
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Top the greens with the warm garlic…
Top the greens with the warm garlic lemon squid and serve immediately.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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