Valentine’s Day may be long gone, but that’s no reason to let the romance in your relationship slip. You don’t have to spend hours preparing the perfect romantic evening for you and your partner, either. I’ve found plenty of recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, but still show that someone special just how much you love them. Here’s one of my favourite romantic meals for two that takes less than 30 minutes to cook and is a delicious classic – steak and chips.
Ingredients
For this dish you’ll need 2 x 200g/8oz of sirloin steak, sunflower oil (for frying), chips, rocket and parmesan (for the salad), and for the butter sauce 50g of softened butter, a small handful of chopped parsley leaves, 1 small garlic glove (minced) a squeeze of lemon juice and cracked black pepper.
Preparation
First mash the butter sauce ingredients together, wrap in cling film, pat until flat and put in the fridge to harden. Flattening the butter will help it to chill faster. While the butter is chilling, heat the sunflower oil in a griddle pan. Season the steaks with salt and pepper and rub some of the oil into them.
Cooking a steak to perfection is the tricky part, and this puts a lot of people off attempting steak. As a general rule a steak that’s two inches thick should be cooked for two minutes on each side for rare, with one minute added for each stage of doneness.
The method I use to check if a steak is done is to prod it with my fingers. If rare it will feel soft to touch, if medium-rare it will feel slightly bouncy, while a well-done steak will be firm. Just before you take the steaks off the griddle pan place half the butter on each. To save some time, serve the steaks with frozen chips such as McCain Triple Cooked Chips. These triple cooked chips are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside and will add a bit more indulgence to your meal. Add the rocket and sprinkle with grated parmesan.
Don’t forget to pick up a nice red wine to drink with your steak dinner, either. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz/Syrah go particularly well with steak.
Setting the mood
I don’t know about you, but personally I’m not going to feel terribly romantic if I’m eating my dinner off a tray on the sofa, so remember to be mindful of the ‘romance’ part when preparing your meal. Motel El Parador has some great suggestions for creating a romantic atmosphere, including dimming and softening the lights, using candles and putting on some romantic music. Also make sure you set your dining table appropriately – dress it with a simple white table cloth. Add a bouquet of flowers or a sprinkling of rose petals, and use your best china and silverware. If you don’t have a dining table, use the floor and have a romantic indoor picnic instead. Finally, remember to dress for the occasion!
And that’s it – everything you need to have the perfect romantic evening with the one you love. Do you have any tips for hosting a night in for two?
Hannah Anderson says
That steak is cooked to perfection! My favourite x
Becca Talbot says
This looks like the perfect date night meal for your loved one 🙂 I’m currently single, but I reckon I could still cook and eat this by myself haha! x
Victoria Hatton says
This looks delicious and it is ages since we have had steak. Definitely a meal for this weekend I think x
Siobhan McLoughlin says
My partner and I are definately overdue a date night! This looks like a great meal, and so delicious! x
Waren Jean says
Wow! Great idea. I’ve been looking for romantic ideas without breaking the bank and this surely is the best!
Ophelia Tang says
This is such a delicious meal. I would love to make this meal. Thanks for sharing.
Jordanne Lee says
This meal sounds so delicious. Perfect for a home cooked meal for two, it’s fab it’s under 30 mins!!
Jordanne
Wanda Lopez says
What a delicious looking dish. Love dishes that comes together in no time.
jennifuchs says
That looks like a really great meal! Can’t believe it too you less than 30 minutes, that’s amazing.
All About A Mummy says
I love steak and this sounds like a delicious meal. You are completely right about setting the ambiance for a romantic meal.
Dana Brillante-Peller says
Good timing on this! We’re celebrating our 15th Anniversary this weekend and will be doing dinner indoors without the boys and I needed a quick dinner idea.
TColeman says
This meal looks so incredible! It is so true that you don’t have to slave over a stove for hours to be able to make a romantic meal.
Sarah Bailey says
My other half loves a good streak, in fact I think the way to his heart is very a nice one! It is awesome they can be cooked so quickly as well.
Talya Stone says
You can’t beat steak for a romantic meal…it can be tricky but the secret is to not over cook it and looks like you nailed this one perfectly!
Adaleta Avdic says
Totally needed this. Meals 30 mins or less are my fav because I don’t have time to be cooking forever haha.
Helen Jacob-Lloyd says
I love it when my husband takes the time to cook a delicious meal for us – the perfect way to spend the evening after a hard parenting day 🙂
Sim @ Sim's Life says
This looks stunning! Do love a good steak and it is the perfect date meal 🙂 Sim x
Morrison Clan says
Steak and chips yum! The prefect combo and I love the sound of the garlicy butter sauce too. Mandi
MaLee Crouch says
This is such a great post! I’m pretty good with romantic gestures but they are very time consuming. This sounds much more efficient!
-Joan Cajic says
It’s been a while since I made a meal only for two since I’m all about family meals but this is great and fast which is a bonus.
Jessica Taylor says
I love anything super quick, and I am far from being the family chef. If I served something like this my family would be super impressed!
Terri Ramsey Beavers says
I love quick and easy meals especially the ones that make it look like I’ve spent hours in the kitchen. I’m going to save yours because it sure does fall into that category. Everything looks simply delicious.
LEWAL says
This meal looks like something my S.O. would love!!
Amber says
Thank you for this! I might have to surprise my husband. Normally I make easy things like tacos and spaghetti. If I had steak, he’d be shocked!