1988
My valentine and Valentine’s Day are on my mind. Sure do love my valentine. We go way back. I mean waaaaaaaay back, like all the way back to pay phones. (!) Practically grew up together.
We’ve celebrated a lot of Valentine’s Days, and by far the most memorable ones have been those we stayed in, didn’t fight the crowds or hire a sitter. Just a special evening at home, a good menu, great company, maybe a good flick.
So here’s a THLG Valentine Dinner In menu, thought you might like to join in on the fun with friends, family or your sweetheart. Since Valentine’s Day is on Saturday this year, you may have a little extra weekend time to pull things together. The menu is simple, colorful and delectable!
Today I’m sharing the recipe for Sesame Beef & Red Peppers w/Roasted Asparagus. Tomorrow I’ll post the recipe for a gorgeous and elegant dessert, perfect for Valentine’s Day: a stunning Chocolate Raspberry Tart.
I chose this particular Valentine Dinner In menu because it tastes great and you can make it in stages. Make the Chocolate Raspberry Tart a day or two ahead, then brush with raspberry jam and top with fresh raspberries before serving. Work ahead on the Sesame Beef & Red Peppers w/Roasted Asparagus: brown the meat, make the marinade, cook the rice and slice the peppers. I love to make a meal in stages: it lessens the cooking time on special occasions, letting me spend more relaxed time with the people I love.
Sesame Beef & Red Peppers w/Roasted Asparagus over brown rice with Oven Roasted Asparagus
And this stunning Chocolate Raspberry Tart for dessert!
I’d love to hear about your Valentine’s Day celebration plans and traditions, and do let me know how you like the menu!
Sesame Beef and Red Peppers
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon corn starch
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 3/4 pound boneless New York strip steak thinly sliced
- 2 red bell peppers ribs and seeds removed, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds toasted
- cooked brown rice for serving
- optional: thinly sliced scallion greens for serving
Instructions
- Separately, cook brown rice, according to pkg. directions.
- In a small bowl combine soy sauce, sherry, sugar, vinegar, red-pepper flakes and cornstarch.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat.
- In two batches, cook meat, undisturbed, until browned on only one side, about 2 minutes per batch.
- Transfer to a plate.
- Add 1 teaspoon oil and bell peppers to skillet and cook, stirring, until peppers are crisp-tender, 2 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds.
- Whisk soy sauce mixture and add to skillet, along with steak.
- Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens, 1 minute.
- Stir in toasted sesame seeds.
- To serve: spoon beef mixture over rice and top with scallion greens if desired.
Oven Roasted Asparagus:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Wash, dry and trim asparagus.
Place asparagus on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
Roast on top oven rack for 10-15 minutes, turning once.
Bresca says
Love the picture! And the meal looks great. We love all your good ideas!
Jennifer says
Yum!!!
Jen says
I’m hungry!!!!! Looks delicious!!
Barbara Child says
Looks delicious and so color appropriate!
Judy says
With more s-n-o-w expected Thursday and over the weekend, we may HAVE to stay in….and won’t it be fun?! Thanks for a great menu! And love the picture of you and your Valentine — I remember those days! XOXO
Linda says
They say people are always on their phones today. Looks like you guys were setting the trend all the way “back then”. Cute picture and the food looks delicious.
Allie Taylor says
Oh yeah…we’re real trend setters. Giggle.:)
Tracy says
You are such a phenomenal cook! This recipe looks so delicious. I will have to try it. Made the beef stew last night and it was a hit! I am loving this site! Thanks again Allie. Oh…. Love that pic of you and Jon. You two were so cute!!!!
aunt pinkie says
What a beautiful and colorful dinner! I miss my valentine!
Denise says
This looks delicious! Soon to be renamed at our house to Allie’s Beef and Red Peppers.
Susie says
You and Jon are so adorable–absolutely love that picture of you two. =)
Maggie says
Love that pic of you & Jon:).
Diana says
Wow, what time is dinner served?? I can’t wait to try your recipe !!! It looks delicious!!!!
Barbara B. says
I love seeing the pictures when you and Jon were younger (What a cute photo – you both look like teeny boppers) having a great time!!! The meal looks super, love teriyaki strips with red peppers and brown rice (just had that this week at great new Chinese restaurant! Not as talented to prepare my own – but now have your recipe, may try it!!!xoxoxo
Marye says
That picture is fantastic! I love this menu — all of it.
Sheryl @Lady Behind the Curtain says
Looks like a delicious dinner!
Cute pic 🙂