Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to skip the crowded restaurants and create something truly special at home. This year, impress your date with an intimate wagyu steak dinner that rivals any steakhouse—without the stress. With the right ingredients, a few pro tips, and a simple timeline, you'll serve up restaurant-quality romance.
Why Wagyu is Perfect for Date Night
Japanese A5 Wagyu is the ultimate indulgence—buttery, melt-in-your-mouth beef with marbling so intense it almost doesn't need seasoning. It's luxurious, memorable, and surprisingly easy to cook at home. For a special occasion like Valentine's Day, it shows you put thought and care into the meal.
Plus, cooking together (or for your partner) is intimate. The sizzle of steak hitting the pan, the aroma filling the kitchen, the candlelit plating—it's an experience, not just dinner.
The Perfect Wagyu for Two
For date night, we recommend:
- Japanese A5 Wagyu Ribeye or Strip – 6-8 oz per person is plenty due to richness. Shop Japanese A5 Wagyu
- Australian Wagyu – If A5 feels too rich, Australian Wagyu offers incredible flavor with slightly less fat. Shop Australian Wagyu
Pro tip: Let the steak come to room temperature 30-45 minutes before cooking for even searing.
How to Cook Japanese A5 Wagyu at Home
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 2 Japanese A5 Wagyu steaks (6-8 oz each)
- Flaky sea salt (Maldon or Jacobsen)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (optional—A5 renders plenty of fat)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, smashed (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the steak: Remove from fridge 30-45 minutes before cooking. Pat completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat your pan: Use a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat. For A5, you don't need much oil—the fat will render quickly.
- Sear: Place the steak in the hot pan. Cook 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 125-130°F). A5 is best enjoyed rare to medium-rare to appreciate the marbling.
- Rest: Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes. The residual heat will continue cooking it slightly.
- Slice and serve: Slice against the grain into thick strips. Finish with flaky salt.
Don't overthink it: A5 is so flavorful that less is more. Salt, pepper, and proper heat are all you need.
Wine Pairing Recommendations
Wagyu's rich, buttery texture calls for wines with structure and elegance:
Red Wine Pairings
- Red Burgundy (Pinot Noir) – Earthy, silky, with bright acidity to cut through the fat. Try a Gevrey-Chambertin or Volnay.
- Barolo or Barbaresco – Italian nebbiolo with tannins that complement wagyu's richness without overpowering.
- Côte-Rôtie – Northern Rhône syrah with peppery notes and refined tannins.
Sparkling Option
- Champagne – A bold choice, but it works beautifully. The acidity and bubbles cleanse the palate between bites. Go for a Blanc de Noirs or vintage rosé Champagne.
Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters on date night. Here's how to make it look restaurant-worthy:
- Use white plates – They make the food pop.
- Slice the steak – Fan it out on the plate for visual appeal.
- Add height – Stack or lean components against each other (steak against greens, for example).
- Garnish minimally – A sprig of fresh thyme, microgreens, or a sprinkle of flaky salt adds elegance without clutter.
- Drizzle, don't drown – If using sauce, drizzle artfully on the plate or alongside the steak.
- Candlelight – Dim the overhead lights and use candles. It hides imperfections and sets the mood.
Surf & Turf: Wagyu + Salmon
Want to go all-out? Pair your wagyu with premium salmon for a luxurious surf & turf.
Recommended Pairing
- Wagyu ribeye or strip (6 oz per person)
- Scottish or Faroe Island salmon (4-5 oz per person) Shop Premium Salmon & Seafood
How to Cook Both
- Start with the salmon: Pan-sear skin-side down in a hot pan with oil, 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook 2 minutes more. Remove and keep warm.
- Cook the wagyu: Follow the method above. The steak will be ready just as the salmon finishes resting.
Serve both on the same plate with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple arugula salad.
Timing Guide: Stress-Free Date Night Cooking
The key to a romantic dinner is not being frazzled when it's time to eat. Here's a timeline to keep you calm and collected:
2 Hours Before Dinner
- Remove steak from fridge to come to room temperature
- Prep sides: wash greens, chop vegetables, make mashed potatoes or rice
- Set the table: plates, silverware, wine glasses, candles
- Open the wine (if red) to let it breathe
30 Minutes Before
- Season the steak with salt and pepper
- Start any sides that need oven time (roasted vegetables, potatoes)
- Preheat your pan
15 Minutes Before
- Cook the steak (10 minutes total including rest time)
- If doing surf & turf, cook salmon first, then steak
- Plate sides while steak rests
Show Time
- Slice and plate the steak
- Light the candles
- Pour the wine
- Enjoy!
Pro tip: Do as much prep as possible before your date arrives. You want to be present, not stuck in the kitchen.
Sides That Complement Wagyu
Keep sides simple so they don't compete with the star of the show:
- Roasted asparagus – Tossed with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest
- Garlic mashed potatoes – Creamy and comforting
- Arugula salad – Peppery greens with shaved parmesan, lemon, and olive oil
- Sautéed mushrooms – Earthy and rich
- Truffle fries – Indulgent and crowd-pleasing
Dessert Ideas
After a rich dinner, keep dessert light and elegant:
- Dark chocolate mousse – Rich but airy
- Panna cotta with berry compote – Silky and refreshing
- Champagne sorbet – A palate cleanser that feels fancy
- Cheese plate – If you're skipping sweets, a small cheese plate with honeycomb and nuts pairs beautifully with leftover wine
Final Tips for a Perfect Wagyu Date Night
- Don't overcomplicate it – Wagyu speaks for itself. Simple preparation is best.
- Use a meat thermometer – Takes the guesswork out and prevents overcooking.
- Prep ahead – Do the grunt work early so you can relax and enjoy the evening.
- Set the mood – Music, candles, and a clean kitchen go a long way.
- Cook together – If your date is game, cooking together can be part of the fun.
Ready to Create the Perfect Valentine's Day Dinner?
This Valentine's Day, skip the overpriced prix fixe menus and create something unforgettable at home. With world-class wagyu, the right wine, and a little planning, you'll serve up a date night that's as delicious as it is romantic.
Shop the ingredients:
Cheers to love, luxury, and the perfect steak. 🥩❤️
