Five of my best romantic dinner recipes ~ these casually elegant seafood recipes are a smart choice for a cozy dinner for two, a special date night in, or a Valentine’s Day splurge.
Sure, you could make boring old steak for the love of your life, but I’ve got a better idea. Seafood is easy to cook, healthy, and so chic! Some say seafood is a natural aphrodisiac, and can boost the dopamine and norepinephrine in our brains. Those are some nice perks, but I love it just because it’s delicious.
Instant Pot Lobster Risotto ~
Want to impress, but short on time? I love making risotto in the Instant Pot because it takes just 6 minutes of pressure cooking. Browned butter makes this dish extra voluptuous.
Tip: There’s no need to wrestle with the whole crustacean, check out the seafood counter at the best supermarket in your area, they’ll often stock easy to cook lobster tails around Valentine’s Day and other special occasions.
Dessert pairing for Instant Pot Lobster Risotto ~ for a light yet seductive finish to your meal, try my Milk Chocolate Mousse.
Shrimp Scampi Fra Diavlo ~
Turn up the heat with this delicious shrimp scampi, it’ll only takes minutes for a spicy dinner for two. It’s your favorite pasta, dressed up for date night.
Tip: If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen can be just as good if not better. Look for wild caught, or sustainably raised. In the shell is best.
Dessert pairing for Shrimp Scampi Fra Diavolo ~ keep the spicy theme going with my Hot Chili Pepper Truffles.
Fish with Blood Orange and Thyme in Parchment ~
This dish is elegant, seasonal, and simple to make. Cooking fish in parchment paper allows for delicate steaming and also makes for a pretty presentation. It proves that healthy doesn’t have to be boring.
Tip: If you can’t find blood oranges, use lemons. Meyer lemons would be especially nice.
Dessert pairing for Fish with Blood Orange ~ for a winter citrus treat that complements this fish, try my Meyer Lemon Pudding.
Creamy Lemon and Dill Salmon ~
The creamy lemon sauce makes this skillet salmon extra luxurious ~ you can’t go wrong with the classic flavors of lemon, dill, and fresh cream. Pair it with a simple salad, pasta, or a vegetable side like sautéed spinach or kale.
Tip: This dish is best made with heavy cream, if you try to use milk or half and half, the sauce can curdle from the lemon juice. Trust me, it’s worth the splurge.
Dessert pairing for Creamy Lemon and Dill Salmon ~ Ina Garten’s Chocolate Cake is the ultimate ending to this meal (or any meal!)
Shrimp in Romesco Sauce ~
With a deep, on-theme crimson hue, this Romesco sauce is bold in flavor and color. It’s a great, unexpected way to cook shrimp and comes together quickly and easily. Just add some fresh crusty bread and you’ve got a cozy shareable dinner.
Tip: Leave the tails on your shrimp, they make it easy to eat, no utensils needed. What could be sexier?
Dessert pairing for Shrimp in Romesco Sauce ~ my Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart can hold its own against this bold shrimp.
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