5 Easy Valentine’s Day Dinners You Can Make with Pasture-Raised Meat

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to create a romantic and memorable meal for your significant other. Instead of going out to a crowded restaurant, why not impress your loved one with a home-cooked meal made from high-quality, pasture-raised meat? Not only does pasture-raised meat offer superior flavor and texture, but it’s also ethically sourced and packed with nutrients.

To help you plan the perfect evening, we’ve put together five easy yet elegant recipes that showcase the best of pasture-raised beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. These recipes are designed to be simple enough for home cooks while still being impressive enough to make Valentine’s Day extra special.

1. Seared Ribeye with Garlic Butter and Rosemary

Nothing says love like a perfectly cooked steak. A pasture-raised ribeye, with its rich marbling and bold flavor, is the ultimate treat for steak lovers.

Ingredients:

• 2 pasture-raised ribeye steaks (about 1-inch thick)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Remove the ribeye steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
2. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add avocado oil.
4. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden crust forms.
5. Reduce heat to medium, add butter, garlic, and rosemary to the pan.
6. Baste the steaks with melted butter for another minute.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Serve with roasted potatoes and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

2. Garlic Butter Lamb Chops with Mint Pesto

Lamb is a luxurious and flavorful protein that makes for an excellent Valentine’s Day dinner. This dish pairs succulent pasture-raised lamb chops with a refreshing mint pesto.

Ingredients:

• 4 pasture-raised lamb chops
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mint Pesto:

• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup almonds or pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup avocado oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the lamb chops with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the lamb chops for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Reduce heat, add butter and garlic, and baste the chops for an additional minute.
5. Let the lamb chops rest while preparing the mint pesto.
6. In a food processor, blend all mint pesto ingredients until smooth.
7. Serve the lamb chops drizzled with mint pesto and a side of roasted vegetables.

3. Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Tenderloin

For a dish that balances sweet and savory flavors, try this honey garlic glazed pork tenderloin. The natural sweetness of the glaze complements the richness of pasture-raised pork beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 pasture-raised pork tenderloin
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
3. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
4. Heat avocado oil in an oven-safe skillet and sear the pork for 2 minutes on each side.
5. Brush with the honey garlic glaze and transfer the skillet to the oven.
6. Roast for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
8. Serve with mashed sweet potatoes and steamed green beans.

4. Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chicken lovers will adore this creamy, flavorful dish featuring pasture-raised chicken breasts in a rich Tuscan-style sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.

Ingredients:

• 2 pasture-raised chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add butter, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing to a simmer.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts.
7. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes.
8. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread.

5. Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon with Red Wine Reduction

A filet mignon wrapped in crispy pasture-raised bacon is a show-stopping dish that will make your Valentine’s Day meal unforgettable.

Ingredients:

• 2 pasture-raised filet mignon steaks
• 2 slices pasture-raised bacon
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each filet mignon with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Heat avocado oil in a cast-iron skillet and sear the steaks for 2 minutes per side.
4. Transfer to the oven and roast for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare.
5. Remove steaks and let rest.
6. In the same skillet, add red wine and beef broth, simmering until reduced by half.
7. Stir in butter and rosemary for a rich sauce.
8. Drizzle the sauce over the steaks and serve with roasted asparagus.

With these five easy yet impressive Valentine’s Day dinners, you can treat your loved one to a meal that is both romantic and delicious. By using pasture-raised meat, you’re ensuring the highest quality and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Whether you prefer beef, lamb, pork, or chicken, these recipes offer something for every taste. This Valentine’s Day, ditch the restaurant reservations and create a memorable meal at home with Twisted V Market’s premium meats!