6 Romantic Seafood Recipes: Elegant Dishes for Two

I don’t think there is any other place better than a dinner table to celebrate love. If you love cooking for your partner but fancy meals aren’t your thing, you need to try out these amazing romantic seafood recipes. A bouquet, candles, and some great dishes on the table = a perfect date idea for your loved one. But there are so many recipes; which ones should you try out? Don’t worry, I am going to list some of my topic picks so you can set up a cozy and perfect dinner for the love of your life.

Shrimp Scampi Fra Diavolo

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So, if you love a little spice in your life, this Shrimp Scampi Fra Diavolo is the perfect romantic seafood dinner idea. It’s a zesty twist on the classic shrimp scampi, with a fiery kick that will have both you and your partner reaching for more.

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine pasta
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Quick Recipe

1. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes and white wine; bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Crab Pasta Two Ways

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This dish is a two-in-one delight! You get the freshness of crab in two different ways: one with a light, summery linguine, and the other with a rich and buttery tagliatelle. It’s the kind of romantic seafood dinner idea that’s perfect for any intimate evening.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (linguine or tagliatelle)
• 1/2 lb fresh crabmeat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup fish stock
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Quick Recipe

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and chili flakes; sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add crabmeat to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes.
4. For the linguine version: Add white wine and cook until reduced by half. Toss in the pasta and mix well.
5. For the tagliatelle version: Add fish stock and butter; bring to a simmer. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Shrimp in Romesco Sauce

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This one is a Spanish-inspired recipe that’s packed with bold flavors. We can say that the shrimp cooked in romesco sauce is an absolute showstopper. It’s rich, smoky, and perfect for a cozy, intimate dinner. This dish is one of the best seafood recipes for entertaining guests or your loved ones. Also, if you want to know how to create shrimp masala, you can visit our article on Shrimp Masala.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup almonds, toasted
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Quick Recipe

1. In a blender, combine onion, garlic, red bell pepper, almonds, diced tomatoes, and smoked paprika. Blend until smooth.
2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add the romesco sauce and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes per side.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Seared Scallops with Green Curry & Spinach

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Believe me, seared scallops are luxurious on their own, but when paired with a creamy green curry sauce and wilted spinach, they become even more special. This dish is simple but feels like a fine dining fish dish. It’s one of those romantic seafood dinner recipes that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 8 large sea scallops
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon green curry paste
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste

Quick Recipe

1. Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add green curry paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
4. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
5. Return scallops to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Lobster with Artichokes & Curry

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Now, lobster is always a good idea for a romantic dinner. Add in artichokes and a flavorful curry sauce, and you’ve got yourself a sophisticated, elegant meal. This is definitely one of the best fine dining fish dishes and a great choice for romantic seafood dinner ideas for two at home.

Ingredients

• 2 lobster tails
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Quick Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place lobster tails on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the meat is opaque.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add artichokes and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle curry powder over artichokes and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the lobster tails with the artichoke curry sauce.

Corn, Crab & Shrimp Chowder

Credit: foodandwine.com

A rich and creamy chowder with sweet corn, tender crab, and shrimp, this dish is the perfect cozy seafood recipe for a relaxing evening with your loved one. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a romantic seafood dinner that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb crabmeat
• 2 cups heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Quick Recipe

1. In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
2. Add corn kernels and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.
5. Stir in crabmeat and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Tips for a Perfect Romantic Seafood Dinner

• Set the Mood: Light some candles, dim the lights, and play some soft music to create a cozy, romantic atmosphere.
• Pair with Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with seafood.
• Presentation is key: Garnish your dishes with fresh herbs and serve them on elegant dinnerware for an extra touch of elegance.
• Keep it Simple: Focus on quality, not quantity. A few well-made seafood meals for two will always outshine an overcomplicated spread.
• Enjoy the Process: Don’t rush! Take your time preparing the dishes, and enjoy the time spent together in the kitchen.

Final Remarks

In a nutshell, these six romantic seafood recipes are simple to prepare but feel elegant and indulgent—just the kind of meal that makes any night special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s clear up confusion about these romantic seafood recipes.

Can I use other seafood in these recipes?

Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp, crab, or lobster with scallops, mussels, or any other seafood you like.

How do I make these dishes spicier?

Add fresh chilies, extra chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to kick up the heat!

Can I make these dishes ahead of time?

Some components, like sauces or chowder, can be made ahead and reheated before serving. Just be careful not to overcook the seafood.

What should I serve with these seafood dishes?

A simple side salad, garlic bread, or some steamed vegetables would complement these dishes beautifully.

Are these recipes easy for beginners?

Yes! They’re all simple to follow and perfect for anyone looking to cook a romantic seafood dinner without too much hassle.

Enjoy your romantic evening, and happy cooking!