10 Romantic Dinner Recipes for Valentine's Day to Wow Your Love

You'll be interested to know that over 60% of couples celebrate Valentine's Day with a romantic dinner. You're likely planning to do the same, and you're looking for ways to make it special.

You'll discover recipes like Seared Scallops and Filet Mignon that can help you wow your love, but can you pull off a perfect evening?

1. Seared Scallops Recipe

Tender seared scallops with a hint of garlic and lemon.

Ingredients

• 12 large scallops
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 lemons, juiced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Rinse the scallops and pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Season the scallops with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side.
6. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
7. Add white wine to the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes.
8. Stir in lemon juice and cook for an additional minute.
9. Return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

2. Romantic Beef Bourguignon

Rich and flavorful French dish perfect for a romantic evening.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef stew meat
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
4. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
5. Add the red wine to the pot and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Add the beef broth, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves to the pot and bring to a boil.
7. Return the beef to the pot and reduce the heat to low.
8. Cover the pot and simmer for 2 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
9. Stir in the tomato paste and flour to thicken the sauce.
10. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the butter until melted.
11. Serve the beef and sauce hot, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.

3. Valentine Chicken Dinner

Tender chicken dish with a sweet and savory sauce for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mixed berries, such as raspberries and blueberries

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, and thyme.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat with the honey-mustard mixture.
4. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, then transfer to the preheated oven.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. While the chicken is baking, mix the berries in a small bowl.
8. Serve the chicken breasts with the mixed berries spooned over the top.

4. Pan Seared Duck

Pan-seared duck is a romantic dish with crispy skin and tender meat.

Ingredients

• 4 duck breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the duck breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the duck breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 10-12 minutes.
6. Remove the duck from the oven and brush with a mixture of honey and soy sauce.
7. Let the duck rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

5. Rack of Lamb Recipe

Tender and flavorful rack of lamb perfect for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 rack of lamb (6-8 bones)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the lamb rack with salt, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the lamb rack until browned on all sides.
4. Transfer the lamb to a roasting pan and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes per pound.
5. After 15 minutes of roasting, brush the lamb with a mixture of garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil.
6. Continue roasting until the lamb reaches the desired level of doneness.
7. Remove the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

6. Lobster Mac Cheese

Rich and decadent lobster mac cheese for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lobster meat
• 8 oz macaroni
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the flour and stir to combine, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking constantly.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens.
7. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.
8. Add the paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
9. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and lobster meat.
10. Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the mac cheese is heated through.
12. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

7. Garlic Shrimp Pasta

Indulge in a romantic garlic shrimp pasta with succulent shrimp and rich flavors.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 pound large shrimp
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and cooked through.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
5. In the same skillet, add the white wine and chicken broth, and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
6. Stir in the butter until melted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce.
8. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine with the pasta and sauce.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

8. Filet Mignon Recipe

Tender filet mignon cooked to perfection with a rich sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 filet mignon steaks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup mushroom gravy
• 1 cup red wine

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Season the filet mignon with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the filet mignon for 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 10-12 minutes.
5. Remove the filet mignon from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
6. Serve with mushroom gravy and red wine reduction.

9. Roasted Vegetable Dinner

Roasted vegetable dinner is a healthy and flavorful option for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large eggplant, sliced
• 1 large zucchini, sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss together eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add cherry tomatoes to the baking sheet and roast for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs, if desired.

10. Chocolate Lava Cake

Rich, gooey chocolate lava cake perfect for a romantic dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 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. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave or over a double boiler.
4. Whisk together the eggs and vanilla extract, then pour into the melted chocolate mixture.
5. Add the flour mixture to the chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into 2 (6-ounce) ramekins or small cups.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set, but the centers are still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the ramekins for 1 minute.
9. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert onto plates and serve immediately.

Conclusion

You've pulled out all the stops with these 10 dinner recipes, so now your love will surely tolerate you for another year. Impress them with Seared Scallops and Filet Mignon, but let's be real, it's the wine and chocolate lava cake that'll seal the deal, right? Presentation is everything, after all.