Valentines Day Recipe Ideas

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to treat your loved one to a homemade meal that’s just as special as dining out. Whether you’re planning a cosy night in or an impressive feast, these recipes are guaranteed to bring restaurant-quality flavours to your table. From succulent steaks to indulgent desserts, here are five mouthwatering dishes to make this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.

1. Pan-Seared Welsh Beef Steak with Garlic Butter

A classic Valentine’s dinner, perfectly cooked steak is always a winner. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for an elegant meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 Welsh beef sirloin or fillet steaks

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• Mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables (to serve)

Method:

1. Season steaks generously with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear steaks for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust to preference).

3. Reduce heat, add butter, garlic, and herbs. Baste the steak with the butter for another minute.

4. Remove from heat and let the steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5. Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables.

2. Garlic & Herb Welsh Lamb Steaks with Red Wine Sauce

Juicy and tender lamb steaks, served with a rich red wine sauce, make for a sophisticated Valentine’s dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 Welsh lamb steaks

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 150ml red wine

• 100ml beef stock

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp butter

Method:

1. Season the lamb steaks with salt, pepper, and rosemary.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the steaks for 3 minutes per side.

3. Remove steaks from the pan and let them rest.

4. In the same pan, add garlic, red wine, stock, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer until reduced by half.

5. Stir in butter for a glossy finish and pour over the lamb steaks before serving.

3. Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon & Dill

For a lighter, yet equally delicious Valentine’s dinner, try this delicate salmon dish bursting with fresh flavours.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lemon (sliced)

• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper

• 1 tbsp butter

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

2. Place salmon fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

3. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh dill.

4. Place lemon slices on top and add a small pat of butter on each fillet.

5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.

6. Serve with steamed asparagus or roasted new potatoes.

4. Pork Chops with Apple & Cider Glaze

A perfect balance of sweet and savoury, these succulent pork chops are glazed with a caramelised apple and cider reduction. Paired with garlic butter greens and crispy roasted potatoes, this dish is a comforting yet elegant option for a romantic meal.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

For the Pork Chops:

• 2 bone-in Welsh pork chops

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, finely sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 apple (Braeburn or Granny Smith), thinly sliced

• 150ml dry cider

• 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

• 1 tbsp hone

For the Roasted Potatoes:

• 400g baby potatoes, halved

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

For the Garlic Butter Greens:

• 200g tenderstem broccoli or green beans

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 garlic clove, minced

Method:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread onto a baking tray and roast for 30–35 minutes until crispy.

2. Cook the Pork Chops: Season the pork chops with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Glaze: In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion until soft. Add the garlic and apple slices, cooking for 2–3 minutes. Pour in the cider, mustard, and honey. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Return the pork chops to the pan and coat them in the glaze. Cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Prepare the Greens: While the pork finishes cooking, steam or blanch the greens for 2–3 minutes. Toss with butter and minced garlic.

5. Serve:  Plate the pork chops with roasted potatoes and garlic butter greens. Drizzle the remaining cider glaze over the pork. Enjoy!

5. Chocolate Lava Cakes with Fresh Berries

End the evening with a rich and indulgent chocolate lava cake, the ultimate romantic dessert.

Ingredients:

• 100g dark chocolate, chopped

• 100g unsalted butter

• 2 eggs

• 2 egg yolks

• 75g caster sugar

• 50g plain flour

• Butter and cocoa powder (for greasing)

• Fresh berries and vanilla ice cream (to serve)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Grease ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder.

2. Melt chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar until pale and fluffy.

4. Fold in melted chocolate mixture and flour until combined.

5. Divide between ramekins and bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but the centre is gooey.

6. Serve immediately with fresh berries and vanilla ice cream.

 

6. Steak & Cheese Sharing Platter

A luxurious yet easy-to-assemble sharing board featuring sliced Welsh steak, mature Welsh cheeses, charcuterie, chutneys, and fresh bread. Perfect for a relaxed but indulgent Valentine’s feast.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

• 1 large Welsh sirloin or ribeye steak

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 1 sprig of fresh thyme

For the Cheese & Charcuterie Board:

• 100g mature Welsh cheddar, sliced

• 100g blue Welsh cheese (e.g., Perl Las)

• 100g soft Welsh cheese (e.g., Caerffili)

• 100g cured meats (e.g., prosciutto, chorizo, salami)

• 1 small jar of caramelised onion chutney

• 1 small jar of fig or apple chutney

• 1 baguette or rustic sourdough, sliced

• 1 handful of grapes

• 1 handful of walnuts or pecans

• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary for garnish

Final Thoughts

Cooking at home for Valentine’s Day is a wonderful way to make the occasion extra special. Whether you’re opting for a juicy steak, succulent lamb, or a perfectly cooked salmon dish, these recipes will impress your loved one and create a memorable meal. Finish the evening with a decadent chocolate dessert and you have the perfect Valentine’s dinner.

Which of these recipes will you be trying? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to shop for premium-quality meats from Butchery Bocs to make your Valentine’s dinner truly exceptional.