In case you needed a reminder, Valentine’s Day is February 14th. This holiday is fun to celebrate with family, friends, loved ones and of course your very own Valentine. This year, skip the crowded restaurants and stressful reservations and instead, dine in at home. Create delicious V-Day dishes with these delicious Valentine’s Day dinner ideas perfect for a date night in. They are so good, even Cupid would approve. (Sorry, we had to).
1. Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Garlicky Lemon Butter
Channel the vibes of the land and sea with this surf and turf-inspired Valentine’s Day meal for Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Scallops with Garlicky Lemon Butter. Crispy air fryer bacon wraps around succulent scallops that have been drenched in a garlicky lemon butter sauce. (Yes, you can cook scallops in an air fryer. Is there anything this little workhorse cannot do)? If you want to give this meal a touch of Valentine’s Day flare, shape the strips of bacon into heart shapes before placing them in the air fryer for cooking.
2. Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops
Pork Chops are a classic dinner for two that work well for Valentine’s Day dinner. Elevate a basic pork chop and avoid it tasting bland by adding a layer of irresistible flavor with a subtly savory and sweet glaze using this recipe for Balsamic-Glazed Pork Chops.
3. Easy Grilled Beef Hearts
Valentine’s Day is the season for all things hearts and love, but if hearts are one of your favorite foods and organ meats to enjoy, serve up some hearts in a delicious dinner for two in this recipe for Easy Grilled Beef Hearts.
4. Gluten-Free Pad Thai
If you and your Valentine cannot be whisked away to some tropical destination this year, recreate an exotic cuisine with new and exciting flavors and tastes from other cultures. Gluten-Free Pad Thai anyone? Yes, you may be able to order pad thai from your favorite restaurant right down the road, but this homemade pad thai is made with a secret ingredient – lots of love.
5. Healthy Chicken Parmesan
Italian cuisine is a Valentine’s Day dinner staple on almost any menu, even if you are dining at home. If you plan on plating up some pasta, add a hearty yet healthy entree with this recipe for Healthy Chicken Parmesan. If you or your Valentine prefer a low-carb alternative to pasta, try making homemade zoodles in this twist on tradition with Spaghetti and Meatballs.
6. Pan-Roasted Salmon Filets with Warm Strawberry Chutney
Do not save the chocolate strawberries for dessert. Instead, grab a few fresh strawberries from your batch, without the chocolate coating of course, and use them to create a savory yet sweet sauce to pair with the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner like in this recipe for Pan-Roasted Salmon Filets with Warm Strawberry Chutney. If you or your Valentine crave something creamier, try this Pan Seared Salmon in Cream Sauce Recipe.
7. Seared Duck Breast
Level up your Valentine’s Day date night-in with a Seared Duck Breast. As the recipe creator notes, “Duck breast has a thick layer of fat that reduces upon cooking, creating a crisp, golden-brown layer on top. The flavor inside is rich and tender, making it an ideal romantic dinner for two!” Talk about a delightful dinner for two option.
8. Something Savory
In many parts of the country, Valentine’s Day weather can still be quite cold, so serve up a classy bowl of comfort food with a savory homemade recipe. Some favorites include:
9. Steak
A steak dinner is another Valentine’s Day classic, but instead of paying for an overpriced steak at a local steakhouse, create your own culinary masterpiece at home with these sensational steak recipes that are absolutely mouthwatering. They are so good, your Valentine will be asking for seconds.
- Beef Tenderloin Filet Mignon with Black Truffle Butter
- Bone-In Prime Rib Steak
- Delmonico Steak
- Garlic Herb Flat Iron Steak
- Skillet Seasoned Steak
Need some ideas on how to properly season a steak? Check out these four amazing ways to season and serve up a steak.
10. Wine Marinated London Broil
Most Valentine’s Day meals pair perfectly with a glass or two of wine, so why not use a little extra wine in your Valentine’s Day cooking? Try this Wine Marinated London Broil or this Red Wine Grilled Strip. If you are new to cooking with wine, no worries. Here is a guide to cooking with wine featuring some easy tips and tricks to try.
This Valentine’s Day, whether you whip up a recipe for yourself or another loved one in your life, enjoy the flavors of the season with these Valentine’s Day recipe ideas perfect for a date night in. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
