Spicy Chili Lime Flank Steak with Roasted Butternut Squash
Juicy flank steak coated in a zesty, chili-spiced rub, seared to tender perfection and paired with caramelized butternut squash. A bold, heat-packed Paleo dinner that satisfies without tomatoes, dairy, or gluten.
Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
35 min
Makes
2 servings
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Fiona + Lila
Fiona 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
Comfort before bed
Finish the evening satisfied, not stuffed
A well-portioned evening meal can help you avoid going to bed hungry. Notice which timing and portion feel most comfortable for you.
Notice: dinner timing + comfort
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
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
35 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Large skillet · Sheet pan · Mixing bowl · Knife and cutting board
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 3Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 12 steps complete
Next: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- 01
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Tap card to mark done - 02
Toss 150g cubed butternut squash with 0
On a large baking sheet, toss 150g cubed butternut squash with 0.5 tbsp olive oil, 0.25 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp smoked paprika until evenly coated.
Look for: evenly coated
Tap card to mark done - 03
Spread the squash into a single layer…
Spread the squash into a single layer and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until edges are caramelized and sweet potato flesh is fork-tender.
Look for: edges are caramelized and sweet potato flesh is fork-tender
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Pat 170g flank steak dry
While squash roasts, pat 170g flank steak dry with a paper towel.
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Combine 1 tsp chili powder
In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp chili powder, 0.5 tsp cumin, 0.25 tsp garlic powder, 0.25 tsp onion powder, 0.25 tsp salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
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Rub the spice blend evenly over both…
Rub the spice blend evenly over both sides of the steak.
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Heat 0
Heat 0.5 tbsp olive oil in a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
Look for: shimmering
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Add the steak to the hot skillet…
Add the steak to the hot skillet and sear undisturbed for 4 minutes on the first side to develop a deep brown crust.
Allow: 4 minutes
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Flip the steak and sear for another…
Flip the steak and sear for another 3 to 4 minutes until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
Look for: an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare
Tap card to mark done - 10
Transfer the steak to a cutting board…
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes to lock in juices.
Allow: 10 minutes
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Slice the steak thinly against the grain…
Slice the steak thinly against the grain at a 45-degree angle.
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Serve sliced steak alongside roasted butternut squash
Serve sliced steak alongside roasted butternut squash, garnished with 0.5 diced jalapeno pepper and a splash of fresh lime juice.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
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