Ordering take-out can be fun and simple, but it gets boring after a while. When your creative juices are running low, it will be the perfect time to show off your cooking skills. These dishes are sure to impress and turn-up the heat for your romantic evening.
Who says dates at home have to be basic and unoriginal? With these fantastic recipes, your special night just became unforgettable.
1. Homemade Sushi from Fifteen Spatulas
Sushi looks complicated and impressive, but it’s quite simple to make at home using materials and ingredients you already own. This recipe calls for raw salmon and cream cheese, but you can easily substitute cooked ingredients or keep it vegetarian. Feel free to top with different sauces — like spicy mayo — to give it an elevated taste.
While it’s expensive to buy at a restaurant, you can prepare an entire platter at home for a fraction of the cost. A sharp knife will allow you to cut through most ingredients, but you will want to invest in an inexpensive bamboo mat to make rolling easier.
2. Cajun Butter Steak from i am a foodblog
Prepare yourself — the smell of this steak cooking is drool-worthy.
This recipe is both simplistic and complex, so when it comes time to eat, you’ll wow your partner and yourself. The dry rub, flavorful marinade and peppercorn butter sauce take this dish’s flavor profile to the max. Keep in mind that the article suggests you marinate the beef for two days before cooking, so you’ll want to begin prepping a few days before date night. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to guarantee you cook the meat to perfection.
3. Pan Roasted Halibut With Wild Mushrooms from Maine Lobster Now
Wild mushrooms and a cauliflower risotto elevate this pan-roasted halibut to create a savory and balanced meal. This recipe looks and tastes like restaurant quality. However, with easy-to-follow steps and pictures, even beginner chefs will feel comfortable making this thoughtful dish. Using a thermometer, you can test the fish’s internal to determine when it’s done cooking — thereby reducing your chances of cooking it for too long.
4. Cacio e Pepe from Gimme Some Oven
If you love macaroni and cheese, then this recipe is sure to be a delight. Cacio e pepe originated in Italy and is the ultimate date night comfort food. With only four ingredients, you can make this dish in less than 20 minutes. Pecorino cheese provides a depth of flavor while the ground pepper adds an extra punch. This recipe calls for butter, but you can easily omit and use starchy water instead.
The recipe makes enough for two to three people, but it’s so good you may want to make extra for a late-night snack.
5. Beet Salad With Arugula from Natasha's Kitchen
This salad is vegetarian-friendly and suitable for vegans if you omit the cheese. Using a pressure cooker will make cooking beets a breeze, and then you can assemble the salad itself in a matter of minutes. You’ll amaze your date when you tell them you made the balsamic vinaigrette yourself because it will taste better than what you can buy at a store.
With so many hearty ingredients, this salad is substantial enough to eat on its own or as a side dish. The cranberries give it a touch of sweet and sour flavor, while the pecans provide some much-needed crunch.
6. Grilled Lamb Chops from Real Food By Dad
If lamb isn’t regularly on your household menu, here’s an opportunity to try a new dish that is elevated enough to serve on date night. Using dry seasoning staples like paprika, cumin and chili pepper along with fresh herbs, you’ll make a robust mint sauce to top the grilled lamb.
You can make this meal year-round using a grill plate when it’s too cold outside to use the traditional grill.
7. Easy Ramen Bowls from So Fab Food
A savory ramen dish that you can make in only fifteen minutes sounds like a fantasy, but it’s possible with this recipe. It’s a straightforward meal that allows for a lot of customizations. If you want something heartier than a hard-boiled egg, you can add it. You can eat ramen year-round, but it’s especially nice for warming you up and filling your stomach on a chilly evening.
8. Squid Ink Risotto from delicious
For the truly daring — if you are looking for the wow factor, this is it! Squid ink risotto utilizes the natural ink found in cuttlefish to provide its unique flavor and color. While the final product may look shocking, the taste will be even better. The directions are straightforward, so beginner chefs should be able to recreate this meal without much difficulty.
9. Chipotle Cauliflower Nachos from Love and Lemons
These cheesy nachos are vegan — can you believe it? If you’re hoping for a relaxed date night, this recipe will create the perfect dish that’s suitable as an appetizer or a main course. The star of the show is the cauliflower and potato nacho cheese sauce. While the combinations might sound bizarre, it pairs well with the pineapple salsa and various toppings.
The chipotle pepper in adobo sauce will add a layer of smokiness and heat, so it’s OK to omit it — or add more — to suit your taste.
Share the Love With Food
Is there any better way to show someone your love and appreciation than with a homecooked meal? These nine creative recipes will bring excitement back to date night without causing you stress. In fact, you may want to stay in every night after discovering so many appetizing recipes!
