Everyone loves a good home-cooked meal, and there’s something especially romantic about preparing a candlelit meal for two where you can relax and enjoy each other’s company with good food. This year, if you want to take it up a notch, why not try something unique for a Valentine's Day dinner? For the most romantic day of the year, we think it's best to plan to cook at home, but we did a little thinking outside the box to come up with some ways that you can create a memorable Valentine's dinner.
5 Unique Dinner Ideas to Impress Your Valentine
For valentines who want to be unique and make new memories, we have creative Valentine’s Day dinner ideas to help you start planning something special.
1. Grill in the Snow
Don’t let the winter weather stop you from firing up the grill! A snowy Valentine’s Day dinner can be incredibly romantic and memorable. But if you're new to grilling, you might want to review our Winter Grilling Tips, just in case. Shop our selection of premium seafood and meats to ensure you’re grilling with the best ingredients. Enjoy tender lobster tails, shrimp skewers, or a juicy ribeye steak makes for a delicious meal.
Recipe Suggestion: Grilled Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter
Brush the lobster tails with garlic butter, grill until the meat is opaque, and serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
2. Seafood Fondue for Two
Elevate your dinner with a seafood twist on fondue. Melt a creamy cheese blend in a fondue pot and serve with dippable items like cooked shrimp, scallops, or chunks of crab meat. Pair this with crusty bread and fresh vegetables for a decadent, shareable meal. Shop Wholey’s shrimp, scallops, and crab meat to find the perfect options.
Recipe Suggestion: Cheesy Seafood Fondue
Melt the cheese mixture with wine and garlic in a fondue pot. Serve with skewered seafood for dipping.
3. Sous Vide Surf and Turf
Combine the elegance of steak and seafood with a sous vide twist. This cooking method ensures perfect results, so your filet mignon and lobster tail come out tender and flavorful every time. Serve with a rich herb butter sauce and a side of mashed potatoes. Shop our Surf 'n' Turf Dinner or order lobtser tails and filet mignon steaks separately to get what you need delivered directly to your door.
Recipe Suggestion: Sous Vide Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail
Sous vide the steak and lobster separately, then quickly sear the steak and broil the lobster before serving. Find more sous vide steak recipes and recommendations to elevate your turf options.
4. Romantic Seafood Paella
Transport your Valentine’s Day dinner to Spain with a fragrant and colorful seafood paella. Start with a blend of Arborio rice with warm flavors from saffron, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. This dish is perfect for sharing and features a mix of mussels, shrimp, and calamari over the saffron-infused rice. Shop mussels, shrimp, and calamari from Wholey's and pair fresh seafood with fresh ingredients for a truly inspired dinner for two.
Recipe Suggestion: Seafood Paella
Cook the rice with saffron and broth, then add the seafood to steam on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
5. Hand-Rolled Sushi Night
Get creative and roll your own sushi at home. Create a DIY sushi station with rice, nori, avocado, cucumber, and soy sauce. This interactive dinner idea is fun and allows you to customize homemade sushi to your liking. Use fresh salmon, tuna, and crab meat from Wholey’s for a top-quality roll.
Recipe Suggestion: Homemade Sushi
Lay out a rolling mat or just start with clear plastic wrap. Spread the rice down, stack your preferred ingredients, and roll your sushi together tightly. Don’t forget a side of wasabi and pickled ginger!
Final Touches to Complete Your Valentine’s Day Dinner
• Wine Pairings: Choose wines that complement your meal. A crisp white wine pairs well with seafood, while a bold red wine complements steak.
• Dessert: End the evening with something sweet like chocolate-dipped strawberries or a creamy panna cotta.
• Gifts: Surprise your Valentine with a thoughtful gift from Wholey’s, such as a gourmet seafood box or a specialty seasoning set.
With these unique Valentine’s Day dinner ideas, you can create a memorable, romantic evening at home. Explore Wholey’s premium selection of Valentine's Day seafood and meats to make your meal truly special.
Happy Valentine’s Day!