Everybody loves a good date night – and especially at this time of year. Perhaps you’ve stocked up on scented candles, have the cheesy Netflix movie ready to press play on and perhaps even have a special someone to celebrate Valentine’s day with. But what are you making for dinner? You’re going to need some epic Valentine’s day recipes to knock their socks off.
Whether you’re after something uber impressive like a perfectly cooked salmon en croute (or a beef wellington if you prefer something a bit more carnivorous), you’re going for a more comfort food vibe or you’re after something quick (and delicious) before you hit the town, I’ve got you covered. Check out my top 10 date-night dinners that are destined to impress that special someone.
Date night recipes to share the love
From steak and pasta to dessert and cocktails, you’ll love these Valentine’s day recipes (that are equally awesome at any date night of the year!).
Steak & Creamy Miso Mushroom Sauce
How to make steak night (and date night) even better? Add this epic mushroom sauce. Show them you care by nailing that cook so the steak turns out just how they like it, and they’ll love you even more for it.
Thai Lime & Garlic Steamed Fish
Steaming fish at home is easier than you think – this dish takes under 15 minutes to cook and you won’t even need a steamer. This is a quick and zesty little number that looks – and tastes – just like what you’d get at a restaurant.
Quick(ish) Asian Ragu
Pasta dishes are a staple for date night, but this one is even better because it’s spiked with some surprising Asian ingredients! Prepare to curl up on the couch with your date and a bowl (or two) or carby goodness.
Cheesy French Onion Ramen Noodle Soup
The French know romance, and this mash-up is the comforting collab of dreams: French onion ramen noodle soup. Cheesy, carby and one of the most perfect Valentine’s day recipes, I reckon.
Grilled Hoisin Steak & Garlicky Chinese Broccoli
I love a steak recipe as much as the next person. And this 30-minute meal is a bangin’ steak night option: tender, juicy beef, a delightful hoisin glaze sauce with buttery richness, and some charred garlic greens to top it off. Date night dinner at its best!
Salmon en Croute with Bacon Plum Jam and Pomme Frites
Flaky, golden pastry, juicy and tender salmon fillet and thrice-cooked pomme frites (fries sounds so much better in French!) add some sweet yet savoury bacon plum jam and you’re sorted.
Sweet Chilli Peanut Chicken Nachos
Your eyes meet across the table, your fingers brush as you both reach for the cheesiest nacho at the top of the pile… I can’t guarantee how your relationship will turn out, but I CAN guarantee this recipe idea being sheer happiness on a plate.
Creamy Butternut Pumpkin Udon Noodles
It’s an easy noodle dinner that is so simple, yet so satisfying. And that hit of miso really does work wonders.
Marion’s Best Lemon Chicken
Ditch the Chinese takeout imposter for real-deal deliciousness this Valentine’s day. Crispy fried chicken and who can resist that sweet, sticky lemon sauce?
Vietnamese Flan Cake
No date night is complete without dessert. And this Vietnamese flan is the only recipe you’ll need. Crème caramel meets the fluffiest sponge ever – it’s sweet, creamy and one of my all-time faves.
