Moving with your spouse can be a challenge, but moving with a chef-husband takes chaos to a whole new level. Amidst the madness of searching for missing sheet pans and debating the proper drawer for fish spatulas, Valentine’s Day quietly sneaks up on us. Normally, I would opt for a cozy restaurant, a great bottle of red wine, and zero dishes to wash. But for Luke, Texas Roadhouse is the first choice, much to my dismay. With half our belongings still in boxes and our cookware buried in the garage, staying in suddenly seemed like the more realistic—and surprisingly romantic—option.
So, I proposed the idea of grilling. Despite the freezing temperatures outside, grilling offered the simplicity we needed in the midst of moving chaos. Great food, as I’ve learned from being married to a chef, doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the most memorable meals come down to a beautiful piece of meat, a hot fire, and a little patience. Add some compound butter and a glass of wine, and suddenly, staying home felt like the best Valentine’s Day idea we’ve had in years.
If you want to try this at your place, here’s how my chef-husband prepares a steakhouse-worthy Valentine’s dinner right in our own backyard.
Forget elaborate marinades and rubs. Luke’s rule is beautifully minimal: room-temperature meat and a simple seasoning blend like the Brisket of Love barbecue rub he picked up. And for the compound butter, it’s just good butter, fresh herbs, garlic, and shallots. Simple ingredients with a steakhouse-level payoff.
Preparing the steak outside on our Big Green Egg grill, Luke emphasizes the importance of timing and proper seasoning. The key, according to him, is not to cook by the clock but to use your instincts and, when in doubt, a thermometer. And of course, letting the steak rest before adding the compound butter is crucial for a juicy, flavorful result.
For the compound butter, Luke blends shallots, garlic, parsley, chives, and sage with softened butter until smooth. Whether you shape it into a log or use it right away, the butter adds a final touch of richness and flavor to the perfectly grilled steak.
This Valentine’s Day, the cozy and intimate dinner we shared at home was truly special. The smoky char on the steak’s exterior, the seasoned crust, and the juicy center all came together for a memorable meal. Sometimes, the best dinners are about the simple things: a hot grill, good company, and a delicious meal made with love.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.