Valentine’s Day is creeping up very soon. Are you planning to cook up something special for your loved ones? Here you’ll find 20 Valentine’s Day recipe ideas that will make the occasion extra special. There are fluffy pancakes for breakfast, classic Caesar salad for an appetizer, creamy mushroom pasta and elegant miso cod for dinner, and decadent chocolate soufflé for dessert. Plus, popover with strawberry cream for the kids! We even included different ideas on how to plan out your menu with the options of western and Japanese recipes. No time for complicated meals? We’ve got you covered too. Feel free to mix things up, of course. Whether your Valentine’s day involves your significant other, mom and dad, little ones, or just yourself, you won’t go wrong with good food. Hope your Valentine’s is filled with lots of love!
20 Valentine’s Day Recipes & Menu Ideas
Breakfast
1. French Toast
You can never go wrong with classic french toast for an indulgent breakfast. This amazing French toast recipe is from the chef’s at Asaya Hotel in Kinugawa Onsen. It’s fluffy and tender on the inside, and golden crisp on the outside. Breakfast or brunch? You decide! Cozy drink ideas: masala chai, matcha latte, or cold brew coffee.
2. Japanese Souffle Pancake
Surprise your special someone first thing in the morning with Japanese Souffle Pancake. Serve the fluffy pancake with fresh berries and a pot of freshly brewed coffee, you’ll have the ideal breakfast in bed! Who doesn’t want to wake up to this? If you want something unique, we have the Matcha Souffle version too.
Appetizers and Sides
3. Popover with Strawberry Butter
Who could resist warm fluffy popovers slathered with strawberry butter? These amazing buttery delights are inspired by the legendary Neiman Marcus Popovers recipe. Warning: your kids (or spouse) may request this as their Valentine’s Day Tradition.
4. Caesar Salad
Salad, soup, and steak – sometimes an occasion like Valentine’s Day summons just the classic things on the menu. This Homemade Caesar Salad is topped with garlic croutons and a very creamy dressing made with Japanese mayonnaise.
5. Spring Mix Salad with Sweet Miso Dressing
You can always do a combo of take-out and simple homemade dishes meal at home. As long as you make it interesting and fun, your loved one(s) will appreciate your effort. We suggest picking up some sushi platter from your favorite sushi place and making miso soup and a spring mix salad like this. Activities: Enjoy the dinner while cuddling up and watching one of the best Japanese movies or romantic Japanese dramas on Netflix.
6. Japanese Sake-Steamed Clams
We love the idea of bringing Izakaya-style (Japanese pub) recipes to Valentine’s dinner. Instead of the usual dinner, you could serve a few small plates of delicious & fun bites like this Japanese Sake-Steamed Clams. It takes only 10 minutes to make and requires just 5 ingredients! Other fun small bites to serve: gyoza, edamame, sushi rolls, and yakitori.
Mains
7. Hamburger Steak
Skip the steakhouse and make your special someone steak at home! Served with a red wine reduction sauce, this homemade Japanese hamburger steak recipe (Hambagu) is simple enough for anyone to tackle. The meat is juicy and literally melts in your mouth.
8. Honey Garlic Pork Chop
Juicy, sweet, with just a hint of garlic, these succulent oven-baked Honey Garlic Pork Chops make a lovely meal in an intimate setting. Cap off with a sweet dessert and a glass of sake or white.
9. Spicy Shoyu Ramen
If your loved one fancies something bold and lively, this Spicy Shoyu Ramen makes a fun option. Top with soft-boiled egg, fish cake, nori, and fall-apart tender chashu (or take a shortcut by using Trader Joe’s Pork Belly), this delicious bowl of spicy delight is sexy and romantic. You can start the dinner with edamame and a side of agedashi tofu or Japanese chilled tofu before you serve the ramen, and finish up with some sake for a Japanese-theme dinner.
10. Creamy Mushroom & Bacon Pasta
For something simple yet special enough for the occasion, this Creamy Mushroom & Bacon Pasta is ideal for a cozy night in. You can easily customize the ingredients too! For a vegetarian option, just leave out the bacon and use a mix of gourmet mushrooms.
11. Cioppino (Seafood Stew)
This Cioppino is a tomato-based seafood stew inspired by a local San Fransisco famous fish market recipe in Moss Landing. It’s warm, robust, and bursting with flavor! Enjoy with some crusty bread and a bottle of white wine.
12. Vegetarian Ramen
Ramen can be super romantic, especially a brightly flavored homemade bowl. This vegetarian ramen is not only easy to make but the super-rich & creamy broth is going to surprise your taste buds. Serve it with chilled rosé or green tea.
13. Black Cod with Miso
Seafood is an elegant choice for Valentine’s Day, especially if you’re serving Black Cod with Miso (or simply Miso Cod 銀だらの西京焼き). Instead of spending a fortune at Nobu, the acclaimed fine Japanese restaurant, you could easily pull off their famous seafood dish at home. The recipe works equally well for other fish like sea bass, halibut, or salmon too. Serve with a Homemade Miso Soup and Broccolini Gomaae.
Desserts & Sweets
14. Nama Chocolate
Rich and smooth homemade Nama Chocolate made with chocolate and fresh cream, this ROYCE’s copycat chocolate is a truly special treat. It’s one of the most popular gifts from Japan. Make a double batch and share it with all the people you care.
15. Basque Burnt Cheesecake
We’re crushing hard on Basque burnt cheesecake, especially on special occasions. With the eye-catching top and lip-smacking creaminess, it is bound to win hearts.
16. Chocolate Souffle
No one can say no to a warm chocolate souffle, especially when it’s topped with ice cream. Try the Matcha Souffle for a Japanese flavor.
17. Strawberry Daifuku
Bring the flavor of Japan to your Valentine’s Day by sharing Strawberry Mochi (Ichigo Daifuku) with your loved ones! Soft and chewy mochi stuffed with fresh juicy strawberry and sweet red bean paste, make the most unforgettable treat.
18. Japanese Cheesecake
Looking for a dreamy dessert to feed a crowd? This Japanese Cheesecake will be a sweet surprise. It’s a melt-in-your-mouth combination of creamy cheesecake and airy soufflé. A second (or more) serving is a guarantee!
19. No-Bake Cream Caramel (Japanes Purin)
Silky, creamy, and rich in flavors, this chilled Japanese pudding makes a perfectly sweet ending to your Valentine’s dinner.
20. Matcha Mille Crepe Cake
Made of thin layers of green tea crepes stacked together with fresh whipped cream in-between, this elegant and decadent Matcha Mille cake Crepe Cake will wow your loved one(s) when they see the rich green layers! It’s totally acceptable if you decide to serve the crepe cake for breakfast too. It’s Valentine’s Day after all. Editor’s Note: The post was originally published on February 10, 2016. The contents have been updated with new recipes in February 2021.
