For many couples, great food is an integral part of the Valentine’s Day ritual. Nothing is more romantic than having a perfect meal delivered for two that will be remembered for years to come. If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day recipe, any of the following options will always amaze.
Oysters Rockefeller
Invented in 1889 by a New Orleans restaurateur, Oysters Rockefeller can act as either an hors d’oeuvre or a full entrée. It consists of broiled oysters smothered in a rich butter sauce topped with spinach, onion, cheese, and bread crumbs. Pair it with a great Sauvignon blanc to bring out the unique seafood flavor.
Shrimp Pesto Pasta
It’s virtually impossible to produce lousy shrimp pesto pasta if you use high-quality ingredients. Typically, it consists of linguine or fettuccine tossed with basil pesto, parmesan cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, and peeled medium shrimp sauteed in olive oil. As with Oysters Rockefeller, shrimp pesto pasta pairs exceptionally well with Sauvignon blanc.
Chicken Florentine
For a meal that can be made in under 30 minutes, Chicken Florentine packs a serious punch in the flavor department. This dish consists of pan-seared chicken breasts ensconced in a garlicky cream sauce augmented with white wine served over spinach. It goes well with any crisp white wine like Pinot blanc.
Pad Thai on Rice Noodles
If you’re looking for a zesty meal that always delivers, Pad Thai is a fantastic option that’s fit for kings and queens. Pad Thai boasts rice noodles, shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, onions, bell peppers, cilantro, and roasted peanuts in a soy-based sauce. It pairs well with a light lager or sake.
Cuban-Style Flautas
Yet another light meal that’s perfect for romantic Valentine’s Day dinners: Cuban flautas. These are scrumptious and definitely easy to concoct. Chicken, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salsa verde, Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, sour cream, and tortillas are all that are required to create this meal. A well-made mojito or daiquiri will complement this dish nicely.
Jambalasta
A spicy, pasta-based alternative to jambalaya, jambalasta is a perfect representation of nouveau Cajun cuisine. A standard-issue jambalasta includes a bed of linguine topped with chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage. That concoction is seasoned with paprika, cajun spice, oregano, and garlic. A decent lager like Red Stripe goes well with a dish like jambalasta.
Surf and Turf
Fresh lobster meat and a quality cut of beef is a match made in heaven if you get the portions right. Boiling a lobster to perfection is easy if you avoid leaving it in the pot for too long. A medium-rare porterhouse big enough for two is an excellent way to complete the pairing.
Serving Up the Best Valentine’s Meal Without Undue Hassle
If you want to deliver a perfect Valentine’s Day dinner, hiring a personal chef in New Jersey to do the dirty work is a smart choice. A good meal delivery service nearby will save you money and time if an unforgettable meal is your goal.