Luxury Valentines Meal Idea
Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience, and what better way to celebrate love than with a sumptuous seafood feast? Fish and seafood bring an air of sophistication to any meal, offering delicate flavours, a touch of luxury, and endless opportunities for creativity. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two at home or looking for inspiration for your restaurant’s Valentine’s menu, here is a delicious menu that is sure to impress.
Starter
Oysters:
- Crushed ice (for serving)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Chill the Serving Platter:
- Arrange crushed ice or a bed of rock salt on a large platter. This will hold the oysters in place and keep them chilled.
Arrange the Oysters:
- Place the shucked oysters on the platter. Ensure they are sitting level to retain their natural juices (known as the "liquor").
Add Simple Garnishes:
- Arrange lemon wedges around the platter for a fresh citrus squeeze.
Main
Pan-Seared Halibut with Mushroom, White Wine & Garlic Sauce Recipe – Made Easy!
Ingredients:
2 halibut fillets (approximately 170–200g each)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons plain flour (for coating)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Allow the halibut fillets to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the fillets evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Lightly coat each fillet with the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until the butter has melted and begins to sizzle.
- Reduce the heat to medium and carefully place the halibut fillets in the pan. Cook the first side for 3–4 minutes or until it turns a golden brown colour.
- Flip the fillets gently with a spatula and cook the second side for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on thickness.
- Remove the fillets from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Sauce
Heat your Mushroom White Wine & Garlic Sauce as per the pack instructions and pour generously over the cooked Halibut.
Suggested Side dishes:
- Roasted Baby Potatoes: Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, and sea salt, then roast until crispy.
- Glazed Carrots: Cook carrots with a honey and butter glaze for a touch of sweetness.
- Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender. A squeeze of lemon enhances the flavour.
Add a dessert of your choice to make this a truly memorable meal.
With a little creativity and attention to detail, your Valentine’s dinner can transform into a truly magical experience that lingers in the heart and taste buds long after the evening ends. Here’s to a Valentine’s Day filled with love, laughter, and exquisite dining.
If you'd rather start with Fresh Mussels with a White Wine sauce followed by a gorgeous Lobster Thermiodor or a full Seafood Platter, click any of these links for a step-by-step recipe guide.