The month of love has circled back around again, with many couples (and singles) preparing for the 14th of February – Valentine’s Day! This occasion is a perfect moment for restaurants, caterers, and event organisers to redefine romantic dining experiences with the charm of barbecuing. Whether you’re catering for an intimate couple’s dinner, a grand Valentine’s event, or simply want to treat yourself at home, this blog contains some delicious Valentine’s Day recipes that you are bound to adore.
Valentine’s Recipes
Grilled Fish Kebabs
Begin your Valentine’s Day dinner with a light yet flavourful entrée – grilled fish kebabs/skewers. The charm of kebabs is their versatility. Choose from a variety of fish to suit your taste, from familiar favourites like cod, salmon, and seabass, to more distinctive options such as monkfish and swordfish. Complement these with a selection of vegetables, including bell peppers, courgettes, and cherry tomatoes, to create a dish to your heart’s desire. To prepare your kebabs for the BBQ, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the fish and vegetables with a light coating of oil to prevent them from sticking. Grill for about 2-4 minutes on each side, ensuring the fish is cooked all the way through.
This recipe by Martha Stewart offers a refreshing blend of flavours and textures, combining swordfish with shaved courgette. Grilled fish is an ideal choice for a starter as it satisfies the taste buds without leaving you overly full, ensuring your guests can fully enjoy the richer main courses that follow.
Steak au Poivre
For many, a Valentine’s Day meal is synonymous with a classic, sumptuously prepared steak, and Steak au Poivre is an exquisite choice. Embodying the essence of a timeless romantic dinner, this dish combines the robust flavours of quality steak with the aromatic spice of pepper. To cook the steak perfectly, season it first with a rub of salt and pepper. For medium to rare steaks, sear the meat on both sides for 4-5 minutes on a high-heated grill. If your guests prefer a more well-done cook, simply keep the steaks on the grill for longer, making sure to keep an eye on them. Remember to let them rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure they remain juicy.
For a detailed guide on preparing steak au poivre, Food52 provides a comprehensive walkthrough. The tenderness of the meat, coupled with the bold and creamy pepper sauce, makes it an ideal course for a love-filled evening. Serve with chips or seasoned potatoes and a selection of veg for a fine dining experience.
Spaghetti with Grilled Meatballs
Recreate an iconic romantic scene with a unique twist on a classic dish – spaghetti meatballs. Evoking the charming moment from ‘Lady and the Tramp’, this dish is perfect for a whimsical, yet deeply rooted Valentine’s Day dinner. The combination of al dente spaghetti and succulent grilled meatballs is not just a treat for the palate but also a playful nod to one of cinema’s most endearing romantic scenes. You will want to BBQ your meatballs on medium to high heat to ensure they brown evenly, making sure to oil the grill beforehand to ensure they don’t stick.
For chefs looking to make their Valentine’s menu both delicious and memorable, check out this recipe by Epicurious.
Smoked Crème Brûlée
Conclude your Valentine’s Day event by trying a smoked crème brûlée, a show-stopping finale to your romantic dinner that will leave a lasting impression on both taste and creativity. The smokiness infused into the creamy rich custard provides a delightful contrast to the traditional caramelised sugar topping. For this recipe, you will need to set up your BBQ for indirect cooking and maintain a low heat.
For those adventurous enough to experiment, this recipe by Hey Grill Hey provides a delicious, salted caramel version.
Trusted Manufacturer of Professional Barbecue Equipment
At Cinders, we take pride in producing professional grills that are not only reliable but also trustworthy, making them the perfect companion for your Valentine’s feast. Plus, if you’re in need of a grill just for your event, worry not – our convenient local search for a barbecue rental service is available to help you find the best barbecue for your needs.