15 Romantic Dinner Recipes Perfect for Valentine’s Day (Try #12 for a Surprise!)

You’re planning a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner and want it to be perfect. You’ll find 15 impressive recipes to choose from, including tender steak and seared scallops.

If you’re feeling classic, Coq au Vin or Beef Wellington might be the way to go. But if you’re looking for something that’ll really wow, you might want to try recipe #12 – it’s a surprising twist that’s sure to impress. What makes it so special, you ask?

1. Romantic Steak Dinner

Tender steak with a rich sauce, perfect for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs filet mignon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the steak with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the steak to the oven and cook for 10-12 minutes or until done.
5. In the same skillet, add butter and sauté the mushrooms until tender.
6. Add red wine and beef broth to the skillet and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce the sauce by half and serve over the steak.

2. Seared Scallops Recipe

Seared scallops recipe, a romantic seafood dish with a crispy crust and tender interior.

Ingredients

• 12 large scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the scallops with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Remove the scallops from the skillet and serve with lemon wedges and chopped parsley.

3. Chicken Parmesan Night

Breaded and fried chicken topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the flour, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs.
4. Heat about 1/2 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Fry the breaded chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a baking dish.
7. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

4. Valentine’s Day Menu

Savor a romantic dinner with a delicious Valentine’s Day menu.

Ingredients

• 1 pound filet mignon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup mushrooms
• 1 cup asparagus
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season filet mignon with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear filet mignon for 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and cook for 10-12 minutes.
6. Toss mushrooms, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in oven for 12-15 minutes.
8. Let filet mignon rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with roasted vegetables.

5. Fancy Fish Dishes

Pan-seared salmon with a delicate lemon butter sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 lemons
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat and sear the salmon for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the salmon to a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
5. In the same skillet, add garlic, lemon juice, white wine, and chicken broth.
6. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until reduced by half.
7. Stir in chopped parsley and serve the sauce over the cooked salmon.

6. Italian Food Delights

Indulge in classic Italian cuisine with rich flavors and aromas.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer while the spaghetti cooks.
5. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot, adding the tomato sauce and tossing to coat.
6. Transfer the spaghetti to a serving dish and top with grated mozzarella cheese.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.

7. Candlelit Dinner Ideas

Savor a romantic candlelit dinner with a delicious Beef Wellington.

Ingredients

• 1 (1.5-2 pound) filet mignon
• 1/2 cup mushroom duxelles
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the filet mignon with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Sear the filet mignon in a hot skillet with butter until browned on all sides.
4. Let the filet mignon cool to room temperature.
5. Spread the mushroom duxelles over the filet mignon, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Place the filet mignon on one half of the puff pastry, brushing the edges with the beaten egg.
7. Fold the other half of the puff pastry over the filet mignon, pressing the edges to seal.
8. Brush the top of the puff pastry with the beaten egg and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
9. Place the Beef Wellington on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown.
10. Let the Beef Wellington rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

8. Decadent Chocolate Cake

Indulge in a rich, velvety chocolate cake perfect for romantic dinners.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of chocolate frosting on top.
9. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
10. Slice and serve.

9. Wine Paired Meals

Pan-seared duck breast with roasted vegetables, perfectly paired with a glass of wine.

Ingredients

• 4 duck breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1 cup red wine
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the duck breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the duck breasts until browned.
4. Transfer the duck to the oven and roast for 15 minutes.
5. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic in the same skillet.
6. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
7. Serve the duck breast with roasted vegetables and red wine.

10. French Cuisine Recipes

French cuisine’s Coq au Vin is a classic dish of braised chicken in red wine.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of red wine
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 cup of mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons of butter

Instructions

1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Heat butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Sear the chicken until browned on all sides, then set aside.
4. Add more butter if needed, then sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender.
5. Add the red wine, chicken broth, and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
6. Return the chicken to the pot and bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
8. Add the mushrooms and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

11. Homemade Pasta Night

Indulge in a homemade pasta night with a delicious, handmade fettuccine dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mixed mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Combine flour, egg, and salt to make the pasta dough, then knead for 10 minutes.
2. Wrap the dough in plastic and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the dough to a thin sheet, then cut into fettuccine strips.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine for 2-3 minutes.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
6. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their liquid and start to brown.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
8. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet, tossing to coat with the mushroom sauce.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot topped with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

12. Surprise Lobster Bisque

Rich and decadent lobster bisque perfect for a romantic evening.

Ingredients

• 2 lobsters
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Steam the lobsters until cooked, then extract the meat and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add the white wine and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Add the lobster meat, heavy cream, and paprika to the saucepan and stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then puree the mixture in a blender until smooth.
6. Return the bisque to the saucepan and heat over low heat until warmed through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped chives or parsley if desired.

13. Cozy Winter Meals

Braised short ribs with rich flavors for a cozy winter evening.

Ingredients

• 4 short ribs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the short ribs until browned on all sides, then remove them from the pot.
5. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the garlic, red wine, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme to the pot.
7. Return the short ribs to the pot, cover, and transfer to the preheated oven.
8. Braise the short ribs for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until tender and falling off the bone.
9. Serve the short ribs with the braising liquid spooned over the top.

14. Gourmet Desserts Guide

Rich chocolate lava cake oozes warm, velvety chocolate sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Butter six 6-ounce ramekins and dust with sugar.
3. Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler.
4. Whisk together the eggs and flour, then add the sugar and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins and bake for 12-15 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool in the ramekins for 1 minute.
8. Run a knife around the edges to release the cakes, then invert onto plates.
9. Serve immediately, with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

15. Elegant Dinner Recipes

Seared duck breast with cherry compote, a perfect elegant dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 duck breasts
• 1 cup cherry jam
• 1 cup port wine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup fresh cherries
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the duck breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat butter in a skillet and sear the duck breasts until browned.
4. Transfer the duck breasts to the oven and cook for 15 minutes.
5. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add port wine and cherry jam to the skillet, stirring to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Stir in fresh cherries and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
9. Serve the seared duck breast with the cherry compote.

Conclusion

You’ve got the secret ingredient to ignite the flame – 15 romantic dinner recipes that are the icing on the cake. Don’t be a skeptic, try #12 and watch the sparks fly. Your Valentine’s Day dinner will be a cut above the rest, a diamond in the rough that shines bright with elegance and flavor.