Valentine’s Day is all about romance, and what better way to set the mood than with a delicious, home-cooked meal? This valentines dinner recipe features perfectly grilled ribeye steaks paired with a luscious red wine sauce that will have you swooning. Imagine the savory aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this mouthwatering dish together, creating an intimate atmosphere right at home. It’s quick, it’s easy, and trust me, your partner will think you spent hours in the kitchen! Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s not only impressive but also truly delicious. So, let’s dive into the world of flavors and romance with this unforgettable steak dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can have this romantic dinner on the table in just 30 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy each other’s company.
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of juicy ribeye steaks and a rich red wine sauce creates an explosion of flavors that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
- Romantic Atmosphere: The sizzling steaks and the aroma of garlic and rosemary fill your home with warmth, perfect for setting the mood on Valentine’s Day.
- Intimate Cooking Experience: Cooking together can be a fun and bonding activity that brings you closer while creating something special.
- Customizable Sides: Pair this dish with your favorite sides like a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal and cater to your tastes.
Ingredients List
- 2 ribeye steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon butter
How to Prepare Instructions
Prepping the Steaks
Let’s start by getting those ribeye steaks ready for their delicious transformation! First, pat them dry with paper towels; this helps them sear beautifully. Next, rub each steak generously with olive oil, making sure every inch is coated. Then, sprinkle the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper over both sides. I like to really massage the seasoning into the meat – it helps to lock in those amazing flavors. Let the steaks sit for about 10 minutes to absorb all that goodness while you get the grill fired up!
Grilling the Steaks
Heat your grill to medium-high; you want it nice and hot to get that perfect sear! Once it’s ready, carefully place the steaks on the grill grates and close the lid. For medium-rare, grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Pro tip: resist the urge to poke or move them around too much; let them develop that beautiful crust. If you prefer your steaks cooked a bit more, add a minute or two per side. After grilling, transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time is crucial – it allows the juices to redistribute, making your steak super juicy and tender!
Making the Red Wine Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that luscious red wine sauce to accompany your steaks! In a medium saucepan, pour in the red wine and bring it to a low boil over medium heat. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half – this usually takes about 10 minutes. The sauce will thicken and concentrate in flavor, which is exactly what you want! Once reduced, lower the heat and whisk in the butter until it melts and creates a silky finish. Voilà! You’ve got a rich sauce to drizzle over your beautifully grilled steaks!
Tips for Success
To make this valentines dinner truly unforgettable, keep a few key tips in mind that can elevate your dish to restaurant-quality perfection!
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ribeye steaks – the marbling makes all the difference in flavor and tenderness. And don’t skimp on the red wine; a good bottle will enhance your sauce and the overall dining experience.
- Let the Steaks Come to Room Temperature: Before grilling, take the steaks out of the fridge about 30 minutes in advance. This helps them cook evenly and achieve that perfect sear.
- Keep an Eye on the Grill Temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated properly. If it’s too hot, you risk burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Medium-high heat is your best friend here!
- Don’t Skip the Resting Period: I can’t stress this enough! Letting your steaks rest after grilling is essential. It allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Enhance the Sauce with Fresh Herbs: If you want to add a personal touch, consider stirring in some fresh herbs like thyme or parsley right before serving. It adds a fresh pop of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
These simple yet effective tips will help you create a memorable meal that’s bound to impress your loved one this Valentine’s Day!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying this valentines dinner, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 35g
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Sugar: 1g
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this delicious dinner guilt-free!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your valentines dinner experience, consider pairing your delicious ribeye steaks with some delightful sides that complement the meal beautifully. Here are a few suggestions that will impress your loved one:
- Fresh Side Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the steak. You can toss in some avocado or feta for an extra special touch!
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness. Drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before roasting for a tasty side that pairs perfectly with the steak.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic can never go wrong! They’re the ultimate comfort food and will soak up that luscious red wine sauce beautifully.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, throw some corn on the grill while cooking the steaks. The smoky flavor will add a fun twist to your dinner.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or artisanal bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. You can even serve it with a little garlic butter for an extra indulgence!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions based on your preferences. The goal is to create a cozy, romantic dining experience that you both will treasure on this special occasion!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers from your valentines dinner, don’t worry! You can easily store them for another romantic meal. First, let the steaks cool to room temperature, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the steaks on a baking sheet and cover with foil to retain moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat the red wine sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until warmed. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
FAQ Section
Q1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this valentines dinner?
Absolutely! While ribeye steaks are my favorite for their rich flavor and tenderness, you can definitely substitute with other cuts like filet mignon or sirloin. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the steak.
Q2. What type of red wine should I use for the sauce?
For this valentines dinner, I recommend using a good quality dry red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. They both add depth and richness to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Q3. How can I ensure my steaks are cooked to the right doneness?
The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, or 150°F (65°C) for medium-well. If you don’t have a thermometer, the touch test can also help gauge doneness—medium-rare should feel like the fleshy part of your palm when you make an “OK” sign.
Q4. Can I make the red wine sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the red wine sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving. This can help save time on the day of your romantic dinner!
Q5. What should I do if I have leftovers from this valentines dinner?
Leftovers can be a delightful treat! Store your grilled steaks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently to preserve their juiciness. The red wine sauce can also be stored and reheated to enjoy later, so you can relive the romance!
valentines dinner: 5 Romantic Steps to Savor Together
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A romantic dinner for Valentine’s Day.
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Rub the steaks with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
- Remove the steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, add red wine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until reduced by half.
- Whisk in butter until melted and smooth.
- Serve the steaks with the red wine sauce.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time for desired doneness.
- Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
- Choose a good quality red wine for the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: valentines dinner, romantic dinner, steak dinner
