What to Cook for Valentine’s Day Dinner

Valentine's Day is a time to celebrate love and indulge in delicious food with your special someone. While candlelit dinners and fancy restaurants often take center stage, there's something inherently romantic about cooking outside for or with your significant other, the smoky aroma and sizzle of a barbecue grill. In this guide, we'll explore three delectable Valentine's Day dinner ideas featuring BBQ and smoked meats, perfect for creating special memories with your partner and loved ones. 

Valentine's Day Dinner Ideas

Valentine's Day dinner should be a celebration of love and togetherness, and what better way to honor the occasion than with a homemade meal? Whether you prefer a classic steak dinner, indulgent seafood feast, or hearty family dishes, we've curated a collection of mouthwatering ideas to suit every taste and dietary preference. From appetizers to desserts, these recipes are designed to ignite passion and create unforgettable memories.

A Romantic BBQ Feast

For couples who share a love for bold flavors and outdoor cooking, a BBQ-inspired Valentine's dinner is the way to go. Picture a candlelit backyard setting, with the grill sizzling away as you and your partner prepare a feast together. Embrace the spirit of teamwork as you grill, baste, and flip your way to a memorable Valentine's Day meal. 

BBQ Dinner Ideas:

• Smoked Ribs: Indulge in tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs that are bursting with flavor. The slow smoking process infuses the meat with a rich, smoky taste, perfect for a romantic evening under the stars.
• Grilled Scallops: Impress your partner with delicious scallops grilled to perfection. The sweet, delicate flavor of the scallops pairs beautifully with the smokiness of the grill, creating a truly luxurious dining experience.
• Chicken Kabobs: For a lighter option, skewer up some juicy chicken pieces marinated in your favorite Worchestershire sauce, paired with homemade Boom Boom sauce. The caramelized char from the grill adds a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more. 

Why It's Perfect for Valentine's Day:

A BBQ-inspired Valentine's dinner offers a unique and interactive dining experience that brings you closer together. Whether you're grilling together or simply enjoying the fruits of your labor, the aroma of BBQ and smoked meats creates an intimate atmosphere that's perfect for romance.

Sizzling Steak Delights

Few things are as romantic as a perfectly grilled steak. This Valentine's Day, treat your special someone to a sizzling steak dinner that's sure to impress. Whether you prefer a juicy ribeye, tender filet mignon, or flavorful strip steak, we've got you covered with a selection of mouthwatering steak recipes.From classic preparations to innovative flavor combinations, these recipes will elevate your steak game and leave your taste buds craving more.

Romantic Steak Dinner Ideas:

• Porterhouse Steak: There’s nothing more romantic than sharing a huge steak together. Season a 1-3 lb porterhouse steak with our Garlic Jalapeño Butter Rub and pair it with some delicious grilled veggies.
• Grilled Ribeye: Fire up the grill and cook up some ribeye steaks seasoned with our Garlic Jalapeño Butter Rub The sizzle of the grill and the aroma of garlic are hard to resist, making it the perfect choice for a romantic dinner.
• Denver-Cut Steak: Impress your partner with this unique and juicy Denver cut. The bold flavors of the steak pairs well with roasted asparagus and baked potatoes that's sure to set the mood for a romantic evening.

Why It's Perfect for Valentine's Day:

Steak is often the go-to for romantic dinners, making it the ideal (and classic) choice for a special occasion like Valentine's Day. Grilling the perfect steak together creates a memorable bonding experience, while the decadent flavors elevate the dining experience to new heights of romance.

Family-Friendly Valentine's Day Dinner

Valentine's Day isn't just for couples—it's a time to celebrate love in all its forms, including family love. If you're spending the holiday with your loved ones, why not plan a family-friendly Valentine's Day dinner that everyone can enjoy? From grilled chicken skewers to BBQ pizza, these recipes are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with the ones you love most. Gather around the table and bond over delicious food, laughter, and cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Dinner Ideas for the Family:

• Grilled Wings: Get the whole family involved in picking their own wing sauces. Let everyone choose their favorite and watch as they cook to perfection on the grill. It's a fun and delicious way to celebrate love and togetherness.
• Grilled Veggies: For a slightly healthier option, grill up an array of vegetables such as green beans, and for an extra kick you can wrap them in bacon. The smoky flavor of the grill enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making them irresistible even to the pickiest eaters.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders: Whip up a batch of tender pulled pork and serve it on slider buns with your favorite BBQ sauce. The mini sandwiches are perfect for little hands, and the sweet and savory flavors are sure to be a hit with the whole family. 

Why It's Perfect for Valentine's Day:

Valentine's Day is all about celebrating love, and what better way to do that than by sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love most? These family-friendly BBQ dishes are easy to prepare and perfect for creating cherished memories together.

BBQ and smoked meats offer a unique and flavorful twist on traditional Valentine's Day dining. Whether you're cooking for two or sharing the love with family and friends, Heath Riles’ Valentine's Day dinner ideas are sure to make the occasion unforgettable.