Recipes for Valentine’s Day On Your Smoker or Grill

Our best recipes for Valentine’s Day. Avoid the restaurants this year and dine in. Here are our top 21 Recipes for Valentines Day you can cook on your Smoker or Grill. 

We even highlight a 3-course meal you can create in one post!

I used to be one of the many Valentine’s Day haters. You know the ones. Those who harp on the day for being an overly corporate holiday. Hater’s gonna hate.

But since having kids I’ve realized that it doesn’t have to be about the Hallmark-ness of the holiday, or buying lots of chocolate (though there will likely be lots of chocolate consumed in my house), but instead teaching my kids to recognize and appreciate love. You can read this post I wrote a couple years ago about this realization (and yes, I am now ok if Sean brings me occasional flowers).

I also get that kids shouldn’t show their love just one day a year, but be taught to show it everyday (we all should, and we’ve all been guilty of being terrible examples of this). But we need to start somewhere, right? This is a good day to help them recognize the love in their lives, in all of its forms, and to celebrate it.

And that’s what we’re going to do in our house. Make the food we love, make some cheesy-ass cards for each other, drink our favorite drinks, and indulge in the desserts we love the most (chocolate for me, vanilla for Sean, anything with sugar will please the kids).

One thing is certain, we won’t be going out to a restaurant to eat this year. 

Instead we will be cooking something fun and festive that night, at home.

If you’re looking for some inspiration you can cook on your smoker or grill for this heart-shaped holiday, whether for a party of 2, or family of 6, here are a few of our favorite recipes for Valentine’s Day.

Smoked Beef Short Rib Stew

Once upon a time I was a vegetarian. True story. This was THE cut of meat that taught me to appreciate and enjoy meat — my first beef short rib. It was life changing. While this recipe for Smoked Beef Short Rib Stew may or may not change your life, it will certainly please your palate. Pair this with a Rhone Style red. One of our favorite recipes for Valentine’s Day. Find the magic here.

Maple Chipotle Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon

This recipe has both the “wow” factor of its presentation, and also the elegance you want at a special dinner. My whole family LOVES this recipe! Try this with a semi-sweet Riesling or a New World Pinot Noir. Find it here.

Grilled Oysters

The perfect aphrodisiac to get your romantic dinner started! Grilled Oysters are insanely delicious, and are easy to make. Get dinner started off right here.

Smoked Salmon Dip

Speaking of salmon, this dip is sure to impress as an appetizer for your fancy dinner. It’s one of our all time favorite appetizers, and for good reason. Find the salmon goodness here. 

Smoked Salmon and Dungeness Crab Cakes

Another elegant starter for your romantic evening and a great reason to splurge on some true Dungeness crab. You guys, these are da bomb! Pair this with your favorite Chardonnay (I recommend one from Oregon! Yassss!). Crab cake love awaits you here.

Reverse Seared Smoked Rib Eyes

If there was one dish that would woo my husband over without fail, it’s these Reverse Seared Smoked Rib Eyes. He could eat this every day of the week if his cardiologist would approve (don’t get any ideas, Sean!). Show me the steak love. 

Grilled Garlic Chardonnay Shrimp

If you wanted to combine those Rib Eyes from above and do a little Surf and Turf action try these easy Grilled Garlic Chardonnay Shrimp. This is another good one for Chardonnay, especially if you use it for the garlic wine sauce. Doooooo it. 

Grilled Lobster Tails

Or if you wanted something a little more show-stopping for a Surf and Turf option, you can’t go wrong with Grilled Lobster Tails! Get the recipe here.

Grilled Filet Mignon

Pair that Lobster with a Filet Mignon and you’ve got the ultimate romantic dinner for two this Valentine’s Day! This one is topped with a decadent mushroom brown butter sauce that’s to die for. Show me the Filet Mignon now!!!

Smoked Coq au Vin

This classic French dish is a close second to winning my heart after the short rib stew. True love for this one! We take a classic dish and bump it up a few dozen notches. I’d stick with a red Burgundy (French Pinot Noir) for this, or go big with a Chateauneuf-du-Pape, from the Rhone Valley. Cook this NOW!

Red Wine Marinated Smoked Tri Tip

This is a great one if you’re looking for something quick and easy. And as recipes for Valentine’s Day goes, this is all about easy. This Red Wine Marinated Smoked Tri Tip with Chimichurri Sauce is a fantastic option, and is incredibly flavorful. Between you and me I could eat this every day of the week! Make it happen! 

Smoke Beef Short Ribs with a Red Wine Braise

Why yes, of course I put two short ribs on this list because to me, short ribs = true love. This one skips the stew and makes the short ribs the star of the meal. Vegetarians beware, this could turn you to the dark side. Find out how to turn to the dark side too! 

Smoked Lamb Chops

If you want something romantic and not into the beef or seafood, Lamb Chops are one of my all time favs! So full of incredible flavor. Pair this one with your favorite Pinot Noir! Find Mary’s little lamb recipe here.

Smoked Pot De Crème

Finish your night with these ridiculously tasty Smoked Pot de Crème. These can easily be made in advance the night before and they’ll be ready for you to eat on the day of your dinner. Everyone will love these. The ultimate chocolate dessert for smoked food lovers. You can thank me later. 

3-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner at Home

This post highlights a great multi course meal. Make yo-self a full-on elegant 3- course dinner for two! 

Side Dishes for Valentine’s Day

These side dishes would be great alongside most of these recipes.

• Perfect Roasted Potatoes
• Grilled Broccolini
• Grilled Beet Salad with Rosé Infused Cranberries and Smoked Bacon
• Smoked Sausage and Mushroom Risotto
• Grilled Acorn Squash Salad
• Grilled Brussels Sprouts

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Wine

I’m all about the bubbles for Valentine’s Day.

It doesn’t have to be Champagne (though I never resist a glass of Champagne). This year I’m seeking out some DOCG Prosecco. This high quality designation for Prosecco is elegant, crisp, and much more affordable than Champagne. Otherwise look to each post for pairing ideas for a specific recipe.

Whether you celebrate or not, let us know if you try any of these recipes and feel free to rate them or tag us in your Instagram posts with the hashtag #vindulge. 

Cheers