Quick and easy Valentine's Day menu
Don't let the idea of a romantic meal stress you out – our Valentine's Day recipe ideas are quick, easy and stylish. Find starter, main course and dessert inspiration.
Think it takes too much fussing around to create a stylish Valentine's meal? It doesn't have to. Try these quick, easy dishes, and save your time and energy for the sweet talk.
For more inspiration, see our classic Valentine’s menu and the 10 most popular Valentine’s Day dishes.
Quick and easy Valentine's Day recipes
Starter: speedy seafood
Seafood like mussels, clams and squid take little time to cook. This extra special spiced lobster bisque is topped with flash-cooked garlic scallops and prawns. Your dining companion needn't know the cookery shortcut – the bisque comes out of a can.
Main course: marinated steak
James Martin's super-speedy marinated bavette steak has heaps of flavour and stays moist from the marinade that's made from a heady mix of soy, ginger, garlic, balsamic vinegar and honey. If you can't find bavette steak, try flank instead. To char your meat to perfection, read our expert guide to cooking the best ever steak.
Dessert: Simple one-pot pudding
Step away from the cooker! Our quick and easy tiramisu takes only 15 minutes to prepare and absoluely zero time cooking. Just stick the kettle on to make the coffee, then combine liqueur, mascarpone, condensed milk, sponge fingers and cocoa to create the definitive Italian dessert.
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Cocktail: Stirred not shaken
The mighty negroni cocktail requires minimum prep. Just pour your ingredients, stir and serve. A slice of orange will set it off a treat – try and find blood orange if it's still in season. But be warned, this gin, vermouth and Campari concoction certainly packs a boozy punch.
Valentine's Day recipe inspiration
More Valentine's Day starter ideas
Mussels with chorizo, beans & cavolo nero
Prawn & chorizo skewers with gremolata
DIY British beef crostini
Pea & broad bean hummus with goat’s cheese & sourdough
Warm mackerel & beetroot salad
More Valentine's Day mains ideas
Baked sea bass with lemon caper dressing
Salmon & broccoli cakes with watercress, avocado & tomato salad
Stuffed chicken with lemon, capers & chilli
Spaghetti with Spanish flavours
Steamed mussels with cider, spring onions & cream
More Valentine's Day desserts
Chocolate & coffee truffle pots
Almond & apricot trifles
Chocolate & berry mousse pots
Pineapple sorbet with fresh mango
Pink grapefruit, raspberry & mint jellies
For more top-rated romantic meals, see our Valentine's Day collection.