Spicy Garlic Squid with Spinach and Mexican Rice
Quick pan-seared squid tossed with garlic, chopped red chili, and wilted baby spinach, served alongside warm Mexican rice. A high-protein 12-minute skillet dinner loaded with bold flavor.
Prep
5 min
Cook
7 min
Total
12 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
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
7 min
Total
12 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: Heat 1 tsp (5ml) olive oil in…
- 01
Heat 1 tsp (5ml) olive oil in…
Heat 1 tsp (5ml) olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over high heat for 1 minute until shimmering.
Look for: shimmering
Tap card to mark done - 02
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 0
Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 0.5 chopped red chili to the skillet, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Look for: fragrant
Tap card to mark done - 03
Add 200g cleaned squid rings to the…
Add 200g cleaned squid rings to the hot skillet in a single layer and sear without moving for 1 minute.
Allow: 1 minute
Tap card to mark done - 04
Stir the squid and sauté for an…
Stir the squid and sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until opaque and tender, being careful not to overcook.
Look for: opaque and tender, being careful not to overcook
Tap card to mark done - 05
Microwave 125g pre-cooked Mexican rice according to…
Microwave 125g pre-cooked Mexican rice according to package instructions for about 1 minute until steaming hot.
Look for: steaming hot
Tap card to mark done - 06
Toss 50g baby spinach into the skillet…
Toss 50g baby spinach into the skillet with the squid for 30 seconds until just wilted.
Look for: just wilted
Tap card to mark done - 07
Transfer the hot Mexican rice to a…
Transfer the hot Mexican rice to a shallow bowl, top with the spicy garlic squid and spinach, and serve immediately.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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