Looking to make a great impression on your upcoming date night? Forget spending time and money at a fancy restaurant when you can make the perfect romantic dinner recipe at home. Here are ten gourmet date night dinner ideas you can make that are sure to set the night on fire.
1. Blue Cheese Pasta
Combine the rich and creamy taste of blue cheese sauce with thick and juicy pasta for a truly gourmet dinner experience. Mix in nuts, spinach and mushrooms for extra flavour and serve with a leafy salad and a glass of white wine. Take a look at this recipe and see if the flavour is to your liking.
2. Lemon Dijon Chicken
This blend of lemon, Dijon mustard and succulent roasted chicken will tantalise the taste buds of even the most discriminating palate. Simply season boneless chicken breasts with garlic, herbs, salt and pepper, sear them until golden brown, then cook them in a sauce comprised of Dijon mustard, butter and lemon juice. A truly creamy and delicious gourmet dinner recipe.
3. Pan Seared Steak
If your date enjoys their meat lean and tender, then this pan-seared steak recipe is the perfect choice for dinner. For extra flavour, season the steak with salt and sear it in a pan for a couple of minutes on each side. Add butter, garlic and thyme and cook further to your liking. Serve with fried mushrooms and mashed potatoes.
4. Baked Lobster Tails
Not only are baked lobster tails a rich and flavoursome gourmet recipe, but they are also incredibly quick and easy to prepare. Simply prepare the lobster tails on a baking tray, baste them with a sauce made with butter, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic, parsley and lemon juice, then bake them in an oven until soft and succulent.
5. French Onion Soup
Whether served as an entrée or as a main course, this classic French onion soup recipe is sure to warm up the evening. Caramelise your onions by cooking them in butter and oil, adding salt and thyme for extra flavour. Once your onions are ready, add garlic, red wine, flour and broth and cook to create a deliciously thick French onion soup worthy of a Parisian bistro.
6. Avocado and Mango Zoodles
With fresh zucchini as a base instead of egg and flour, zoodles are the perfect vegetarian alternative to gourmet noodles and pasta. This recipe includes a delicious avocado and mango sauce that is both tangy and deliciously creamy. Give this recipe a try for a flavoursome and meat-free gourmet dinner.
7. Pan Seared Scallops
Sea scallops are a popular ingredient in many gourmet restaurant meals, and this recipe offers the perfect way to prepare them at home. Sear your scallops in a mixture of butter and olive oil until golden brown. Try this recipe that combines pan-seared scallops with delicious al dente pasta cooked in a pesto and spinach sauce.
8. Breaded Chicken Tenders
Crunchy and tasty chicken tenders are another restaurant favourite you can easily make at home. Simply coat your boneless chicken pieces in a marinade made from mustard, garlic and mayonnaise, then coat in Panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and parmesan cheese. Cook in an oven or air fryer and serve with sauce and chips.
9. Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Pork chops are always a popular choice for home-cooked meals, and this recipe will give that extra gourmet touch. Mix up a sauce of melted butter, garlic and thyme, pour it over the chops, then bake until juicy and tender. Serve with a side salad or vegetables and potatoes on those more chilly nights.
10. Cherries Jubilee
After you and your date have finished your dinner, why not top the night off with a rich and creamy dessert? Simply add cherry juice, corn starch and sugar to a saucepan, then boil the sauce while adding cherries and brandy. Add a scoop of ice cream or frozen yoghurt to a bowl and pour the cherry sauce on top for a delectable gourmet treat.