Want to keep the spark alive this Valentine's day? Plan a romantic dinner for two featuring one of these elegant fish and venison recipes and a bottle of wine. To really set the mood, choose a red wine. Any type of red wine will do: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, or a red wine blend. (flashkin / Shutterstock photo)
February 14, 2022
By Game & Fish Online Staff
Print Recipe
Don't be a stupid cupid this Valentine's Day and spend hundreds of dollars on dinner out. It's much more rewarding and intimate to cook up a fancy feast made with love in the comfort of your own home.
We've compiled a list of tasty dinners that will swoon your significant other on this special day. Whether you're feeling a hearty venison dish like Blue Cheese-Herb Stuffed Elk Venison Tenderloin, or in the mood for a seafood staple such as Steamed Salmon Steaks with Chardonnay Butter Sauce, you can't go wrong.
Juniper, Balsamic and Wine Venison Steaks Recipe For tender venison steaks, age them and then marinate the meat in this juniper, balsamic and wine marinade recipe. (Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley photo) Use this aromatic and fruity marinade recipe to flavor and tenderize venison steaks from older deer.
Ingredients:
Advertisement
1 cup chopped carrots 1 pound of 1-inch-thick venison steaks 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 small or 1 large shallot, minced 20 juniper berries, crushed 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 4 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons dry, fruity red wine 1 teaspoon dried rosemary Kosher salt Freshly cracked pepper 2 teaspoons olive oil Get the Recipe: Juniper, Balsamic and Wine Venison Steaks Recipe
Steamed Salmon Steaks with Chardonnay Butter Sauce Recipe Enjoy a glass of full-bodied white wine with this elegant salmon steaks recipe. (Photo courtesy of Doug Stange) This salmon steak recipe can either be baked or steamed and is best served with a vegetable side, such as asparagus or broccoli.
Ingredients:
Advertisement
1 cup chopped carrots 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped onions Sprigs tarragon, parsley or dill 1 gallon of water 4 (5-ounce) salmon steaks 1 cup Chardonnay wine 1 cup white wine vinegar ½ cup chopped shallots ½-inch vanilla bean (at most) Salt and white pepper 8 ounces butter Get the Recipe: Steamed Salmon Steaks with Chardonnay Butter Sauce Recipe
Venison Steak Diane Recipe The sauce poured over the venison brings together all of the ingredients to create a unique flavor for an awesome dish. (Tiphani St. Romain photo) This Venison Steak Diane Recipe utilizes the pan juices to create a thick and flavorful sauce.
Ingredients:
½ pound venison backstrap (can substitute boned lamb loin or beef filet mignon) Salt to taste 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 shallot, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced ¼ cup brandy ½ cup beef stock or demi glaze 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon mustard 1 tablespoon tomato paste ¼ cup heavy cream Minced herbs for garnish (basil, parsley, chives, etc.) Get the Recipe: Venison Steak Diane Recipe
Walleye over Tomato-Olive Angel Hair Pasta This walleye is served over angel hair pasta with cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. (Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley photo) This walleye pasta recipe is easy to make and a great way to use up leftover tomatoes.
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped carrots 2-4 walleye fillets, skinless and boneless 2 servings dry angel hair pasta Olive oil, to taste 4 anchovies packed in oil 8 cloves garlic, minced 10 ½ ounces cherry tomatoes, halved Dry herbs: oregano, basil 2 sprigs fresh thyme Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish Halved, pitted Kalamata olives, to taste Juice of a quarter of a lemon Salt and pepper, to taste Get the Recipe: Walleye over Tomato-Olive Angel Hair Pasta
Blue Cheese-Herb Stuffed Elk Venison Tenderloin Recipe Serve this Blue Cheese-Herb Stuffed Elk Venison Tenderloin Recipe with a side of sautéd mushrooms. (Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley photo) Filled with blue cheese and herbs such as shallot, garlic, chives and rosemary, this stuffed elk venison tenderloin recipe will make your house smell wonderful.
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped carrots 1 pound elk tenderloin or venison loin Kosher salt, to taste Freshly cracked pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons of butter, softened 2 ounces blue cheese, crumbled 1 shallot, minced 1 to 2 teaspoons chopped fresh chives 3 cloves garlic, minced ¾ teaspoon dried rosemary 1 tablespoon olive oil Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese-Herb Stuffed Elk Venison Tenderloin Recipe
Crappie With French Herb Butter Recipe This recipe is best paired with a sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, dry Riesling or chardonnay. (Jenny Nguyen-Wheatley photo) Simple and quick to make – this Crappie With French Herb Butter Recipe is an easy way to get dinner on the table.
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped carrots 8 boneless crappie fillets 1 stick salted butter, softened 2 teaspoons chopped chives 1 teaspoon dried tarragon 1 teaspoon dried marjoram Freshly cracked pepper Salt, to taste Juice of one lemon Get the Recipe: Crappie With French Herb Butter Recipe
Braised Venison Shanks With Garlic Recipe Serve this Braised Venison Shanks With Garlic Recipe with a side of mashed potatoes or polenta. (Holly A. Heyser photo) Braising the venison shanks for over two hours ensures that the meat is flavorful and tender.
Ingredients:
1 cup chopped carrots 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 4 venison shanks 4 heads of garlic, peeled Salt ¾ cup white wine ½ cup chicken stock Lemon zest 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, plus more for garnish Get the Recipe: Braised Venison Shanks With Garlic Recipe
Atlantic Smoked Salmon with Scallion Potato Rosti Recipe The scallion potato rosti is the perfect complement for this entrée. (Robert Olinger photo) No need to go out and spend money at an expensive seafood restaurant when you can make a 5-star smoked salmon in the comfort of your own home!
Ingredients:
10 ounces of high quality fresh smoked salmon, sliced thinly (or make your own!) ½ cup crème fraiche 4 sprigs of fresh dill 2 large Yukon gold potatoes 4 scallions (green onions), chopped 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped 3 tablespoons butter, melted Sea salt and crushed black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large red onion, sliced ¼ cup of sugar 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar ¼ cup water 1 piece star anise 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons grainy Dijon mustard ¼ cup maple syrup Get the Recipe: Atlantic Smoked Salmon with Scallion Potato Rosti Recipe
