As they say, the way to the heart is through the stomach.
What better way to sweep your date off their feet than by preparing a lovely meal? Showing off your cooking chops won’t only be impressive; it will let them know there are many more delicious meals to come if they stick by your side.
If you’re wondering what to cook for your date, don’t worry, we got you covered. These planning tips and recipes for date night will surely please even the pickiest of palates.
Step 1: Choose Your Beef
For this special occasion, head straight to your favorite butcher shop. This will allow you to choose from a variety of unique cuts, many of which will be restaurant quality. Pick the butcher’s brain and ask what cut will be best for the occasion based on what recipe you choose below. Let them know you want a cut that’s perfect for a quiet dinner for two and won’t be too much work to prepare. They’ll have the best tips and advice; after, all, they’re the O.G. Beefitarians.
Step 2: Prep the Space
To ensure your night goes off without a hitch, make sure everything is prepped and ready to go. Clean the kitchen and table you’ll be dining at, set the table with some extra special touches, like candles, flowers, and cloth napkins, and iron your shirt! Dress as if you’d be going out to a fancy dinner—but the chef this time is you! Just don’t forget to throw an apron over that nice shirt while cooking so you don’t stain your outfit.
Step 3: Get Cookin’!
Now it’s time for the magic. Here are some tried-and-true recipes for date night that your companion is sure to love.
Reverse-Sear Strip Steak
You can start this meal the night before, as the steak will need to rest in the fridge for 12-18 hours after being seasoned. Once you’re ready to rock, pop them in the oven for 30-40 minutes and start making your accompanying mushroom sauce. Serve with a side of roasted potatoes and a vegetable medley.
Not Your Mother’s Pot Roast
This is a pretty easy option, as you’ll be able to let it cook in the slow cooker as you handle all your other pre-date tasks. After searing your rump roast or bottom round roast, place it in the slow cooker and let it cook on low for eight hours. This pot roast is best served with mashed potatoes and greens.
Soy-Glazed Flank Steak
This flank steak recipe calls for flank steak seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar and crushed red pepper. The syrupy glaze is the perfect pairing for this steak. Couple this dish with zoodles, sprinkle the plate with scallions, and serve with lime wedges.
Step 4: Keep Dessert Simple
After your delicious dinner, it’s likely you and/or your date may not have a ton of room for dessert, so keep it simple. Vanilla ice cream topped with fresh berries or out-of-the-box (we won’t judge), freshly baked brownies drizzled with caramel sauce are both great options.
Step 5: Plan an After-Dinner Activity
Plan a lighthearted after-dinner activity the two of you can enjoy while digesting your delicious meal. This can be as simple as going out into the backyard with a cocktail, watching a movie (bonus points for an outdoor projector movie night), or playing a card or board game. This will let your date know that you did, indeed, think of everything.
The Perfect Date-Night Meal
Trust us, armed with these recipes and date-night ideas, soon you’ll be cooking another delicious meal—this time for your in-laws.
Check out more beef facts, our cut library, and more recipes all on our website.
