# Simple Valentine’s Day Dinner Ideas
Valentine’s Day is nearing, and numerous individuals are seeking straightforward yet romantic dinner options. While going out to eat is a favored choice, crafting a meal at home can be equally special and personal. Below are some uncomplicated recipes that are sure to wow your partner without putting you under pressure in the kitchen.
## The Importance of an Easy Valentine’s Day Dinner
Valentine’s Day should focus on spending quality time with your significant other, not fretting over intricate recipes. By selecting straightforward dishes, you can concentrate on cultivating a romantic environment and relishing each other’s presence, all while enjoying a delectable meal.
### Spaghetti with Red Wine
If there’s any moment to treat yourself to a pasta dish made with a full bottle of red wine, it’s on Valentine’s Day! This luxurious and creamy spaghetti, often referred to as drunken spaghetti, is ideal for a snug date night.
#### Ingredients:
– 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more for finishing)
– 6 cloves garlic (minced finely)
– 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more if preferred)
– 4 tbsp butter
– 8 oz spaghetti
– 1.5 cups red wine
– 2 tsp soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (finely grated)
#### Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Cook until the garlic softens, about 3 minutes.
2. Pour in the wine and raise the heat to medium-high, allowing it to reach a rolling simmer until it begins to reduce.
3. Prepare the pasta until it’s 3 minutes short of al dente. Move the spaghetti straight from the boiling water to the wine sauce.
4. Stir in the remaining butter and soy sauce, letting it simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta well.
5. Take off the heat, mix in cheese, and toss until melted evenly. Serve garnished with freshly cracked pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
### Kimbap and Tteokbokki
For fans of K-dramas, crafting kimbap and tteokbokki is a delightful way to observe Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a snug evening in with your favorite series while savoring these tasty Korean dishes.
#### Kimbap Ingredients:
– 4 cups cooked rice (preferably short grain)
– 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
– 4 tsp toasted sesame oil
– 1/2 lb steak (sliced thin)
– 2 tsp soy sauce
– 2 tsp sugar
– 8 oz spinach (preferably baby spinach)
– 1 large carrot (cut into thin matchsticks)
– 4-8 strips danmuji
– 4 sheets seaweed
#### Kimbap Instructions:
1. Combine warm rice with salt and sesame oil. Allow it to cool.
2. Soak the steak in soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
3. Blanch the spinach and mix it with salt and sesame oil.
4. Sauté the carrots until they become slightly tender.
5. Cook the beef until fully done.
6. Create the kimbap by laying rice and fillings on the seaweed, rolling tightly, and slicing into bite-sized sections.
#### Tteokbokki Ingredients:
– 1 lb tteokbokki tteok
– 3 tbsp gochujang
– 1 tbsp gochugaru
– 1 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp sugar
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 3 cups anchovy stock
#### Tteokbokki Instructions:
1. In a pan, mix tteok, gochujang, gochugaru, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and stock.
2. Simmer until the tteok becomes tender and the sauce thickens.
### Noodles with Brown Butter
For a straightforward yet luxurious dish, try noodles with brown butter. This recipe is excellent for the noodle enthusiast in your life.
#### Ingredients:
– 6 oz pasta of your choice
– 5 tbsp butter (divided)
– 4 cloves garlic (crushed or minced)
– 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
#### Instructions:
1. Prepare the pasta in salted water until it is 2 minutes shy of al dente. Save 3/4 cup pasta water and drain.
2. In a pan, melt 4 tbsp butter, add garlic, and cook until aromatic.
3. Incorporate 1/2 cup pasta water into the pan, bring to a boil, and emulsify.
4. Add the pasta, introducing more water as necessary. Stir in cheese and season with salt and pepper.
### Lobster Pasta with Garlic
For an elegant touch, garlic lobster pasta is an excellent pick. It’s impressive yet simple to make.
#### Ingredients: