I strongly believe nothing expresses affection quite like enjoying fine dining with some wine, yet there are evenings when I prefer staying in rather than dressing up and going out to eat with my partner. A date night at home is a relaxed and charming alternative to a traditional night out, requiring only candles, the perfect dinner recipes, and delicious wine pairings to create the ideal atmosphere.
So, if good food and exquisite wine are the way to your heart, you’re in the right place. Below, we have compiled 16 dinner recipes that will make your home date night dreams come true. Keep reading to discover how to bring these recipes to life and which wines to pair with them for your next date night.
1. Pork Belly Sliders with “Hoi-Zin” BBQ Sauce
Offering a twist on the classic bánh mì sandwich, these pork belly sliders are perfect for your next date night. Brined in sweet tea before cooking to enhance juiciness and flavor, the pork belly combines with a homemade roll or store-bought bun. Elevate the sliders with a blend of barbecue and hoisin sauce with a touch of Zinfandel, topping them with quick-pickled cucumbers for an extra kick.
2. Honey-Glazed Salmon
For a healthy and flavorful date night meal, try this easy 20-minute honey-glazed salmon recipe. Create a glaze by simmering salted butter, honey, garlic, and soy sauce, then coat the salmon in it and bake. Serve the salmon with vegetables, rice, and a crisp white wine for a delightful dining experience.
3. Maki Sushi Rolls
Make dinner a romantic activity by trying your hand at making sushi at home. These vegan-friendly and gluten-free maki rolls combine roasted shiitake mushrooms, avocado, cucumber, and red cabbage. Grab a bamboo mat to roll your sushi, and enjoy the final product with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
4. Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka
Indulge in the essence of date night with this spicy vodka pasta dish that is quick and easy to prepare. The addition of pesto to the vodka sauce gives it an extra depth of flavor. Serve with bread, olive oil, garlic, black pepper, and olives for a delightful Italian experience.
5. Beef Lo Mein
Creating this dish from scratch adds a touch of romance to your evening. In just 30 minutes, prepare this beef lo mein with sirloin, noodles, vegetables, soy sauce, ginger, and various seasonings. Enhance the flavors by serving it with a bottle of red wine.
6. Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables
This meatless baked ziti swaps ground beef for roasted veggies, offering a creamy and cheesy dish perfect for a date night. Pair it with a robust red wine for an evening of gastronomic delight.
7. Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
These shrimp tacos, served with tomatillo salsa, broccoli slaw, and avocado crema, are a mouthwatering and nutritious option for your date night. It’s a dish that pairs perfectly with a chilled white wine.
8. Crockpot Crispy Pork Ramen
Excite your taste buds with this flavorsome crockpot crispy pork ramen recipe, packed with white miso, chili paste, and Chinese five spice. Start it in the morning and enjoy a cozy meal with your partner in the evening, accompanied by a delightful glass of pinot noir.
9. Pan-Fried Garlic Butter Steak with Crispy Potatoes and Asparagus
Steak, cooked to perfection and served with crispy potatoes and tender asparagus, is a classic choice for a romantic dinner. This pan-fried steak recipe is juicy, flavorful, and can be prepared in about 40 minutes.
10. Vegan Chicken Parmesan
Experience all the delicious flavors of chicken parm without the meat with this vegan chicken parmesan recipe. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, this dish can be made ahead of time for a stress-free date night. Serve with a glass of red wine for a perfect pairing.
11. BBQ Asian Pork Lettuce Wraps
These BBQ Asian pork lettuce wraps are an effortless yet decadent option for your date night. Ready in just 35 minutes, they offer a sweet, tangy, and low-carb dish that pairs beautifully with white or red wine.
12. Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Save time with this stuffed pepper casserole, ready in just five minutes of preparation. Combining rice, ground meat, tomato, and cheese, this one-pot meal is a simple and flavorful option. Pair it with a light red wine for an excellent dining experience.
13. Antipasto Salad with Italian Vinaigrette
Enjoy a savory Italian meal with this low-carb antipasto salad, tossed in homemade Italian vinaigrette. Pair it with a pinot grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a truly delightful dining experience.
14. Balsamic Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Grilled chicken is a classic choice for a romantic evening, and these balsamic grilled chicken kabobs are perfect for a couple’s cooking session. Prepare the balsamic marinade, marinate the chicken, and grill with vegetables for a delectable meal, best enjoyed with a chilled white wine.
15. Mexican Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing
Stay satisfied all night long with this hearty Mexican salad, packed with nutritious ingredients and a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. Pair this salad with a light red wine for a wholesome and filling meal.
16. Creamy One-Pot Shrimp Orzo
Elevate your evening with this creamy one-pot shrimp orzo dish. Combining shrimp, orzo pasta, basil, tomatoes, and citrus flavors, this meal is light, fresh, and bursting with taste. Serve with a chilled white wine or rosé for a romantic dining experience.
