Level Up Your Valentine’s Day Dinner
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, some of us haven’t even started planning for our loved ones. With a full-blown pandemic still moving about, the safest place may very well be your home. If you or your significant other will be missing the dine-out experience, feel free to level up your V-Day dinner with these methods.
Dress It Up
Dress as if you were actually going out. This will lend to the aesthetic. It is also likely that your partner will feel a little extra special knowing that you got “all done up” for them.
Chef It Up
Yes, most of us have meal delivery apps but the goal here is to make your partner feel special. Cooking requires thought, time, and effort. It’s the perfect way to show your appreciation. Here is my favorite steak and potato recipe.
Iya’s Favorite Steak and Potatoes
INGREDIENTS
For the steak:
2 (1-inch-thick) rib-eye or New York Strip steaks (approx. 12 ounces each)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more as needed
For the potatoes:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound medium Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch wedges
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
PREPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Cook the potatoes: Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat until shimmering. Add the potatoes cut-side down, sprinkle with the seasonings, and cook undisturbed until golden-brown and the potatoes release easily from the pan, about 10 minutes. Using tongs, flip each wedge to another cut side and cook until browned and the potatoes are tender, 10 to 15 minutes more.
Meanwhile, dry the steaks with paper towels. Season all over with 1 teaspoon salt and set aside. When the potatoes are ready, transfer them to a serving platter.
Cook the steaks: Wipe out the skillet with paper towels and return to high heat until the pan starts to smoke just a bit. Carefully place the steaks in the hot pan and cook on the first side until enough of a crust has developed that the steaks no longer stick to the pan, about 1 minute. Flip and cook on the other side for 1 minute. Continue cooking and flipping for a total of 4 minutes.
Carefully add the butter to the pan. Flip the steaks once more. Tilt the pan so the butter pools on one side and add the garlic to the pool. Use a large spoon to baste the butter over the steaks. Flip again and repeat with basting. Continue cooking and begin checking the internal temperature of the steaks at 6 minutes total cook time for your preferred doneness. Remove the pan from the heat.
Transfer the steaks to a clean cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the parsley and lemon juice into the juices in the pan. Let cool for a few minutes, then taste and season with more salt and lemon juice as needed.
Cut the steaks across the grain into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place on top of the potatoes and drizzle with the garlic butter pan sauce. Top with flaky salt, it adds a nice touch.
Plate It Up
You went all out completing the last two steps, you can’t just serve this work of art on any old plate. Here is the twist on the Blue Plate Special, red plates! Here are some that I’m loving .
Bring It Home
Lastly, set the table. You can make it extra special with some DIY elements from Michael’s and/or Oriental Trading. You can also purchase some ready made items if you’re short on time or ideas. Either way, its a perfect way to bring it all together.
With the world being where it is, now is the perfect time to execute these Valentine’s Day dinner ideas. Keeping you and your loved ones safe while putting in a little elbow grease is a surefire way to let your significant other know you care. If you have any additional tips, ideas, and/or resources feel free to drop us a line.
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