Valentine’s Day dinners have a reputation for being… a lot. Overpriced menus, awkward reservations, and food that looks better on Instagram than it tastes.
But cooking something special at home? That’s where the real romance lives — especially when it’s low-fuss, comforting, and actually enjoyable to make.
This One-Pan Steak with Garlic Butter Mushrooms & Greens for One (or Two) is part of the Plan4One Valentine’s Week series, created for anyone who wants a romantic dinner without spending the day stressed in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a partner, a date, or just treating yourself (which absolutely counts), this recipe keeps things simple, flavour-packed, and quietly impressive.
No white tablecloths. No complicated techniques. Just good food, good company — even if that company is you — and a reminder that love doesn’t need a booking confirmation.
Part of the Plan4One Valentine’s Week series — easy, no-fuss romantic dinners for one (or two).
💕 Why This Recipe Works for Date Night
- Steak always feels like a treat without needing fancy ingredients
- Everything cooks in one pan for minimal cleanup
- Garlic butter mushrooms bring serious restaurant vibes
- Quick cooking time means more time relaxing, less time stressing
It’s confident, classic, and quietly impressive — perfect for a relaxed dinner date.
🥘 One-Pan Steak with Garlic Butter Mushrooms & Greens
Serves
1 generous serve (or lighter dinner for two)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 steak (porterhouse, scotch fillet, or sirloin, about 200–250g)
- Salt and cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup greens (spinach, broccolini, or green beans)
- Optional: fresh parsley or thyme
- Optional: chilli flakes or squeeze of lemon to finish
Method
- Remove steak from fridge 10 minutes before cooking if possible. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook steak for 2–4 minutes per side depending on thickness and preferred doneness. Remove from pan and rest on a plate.
- In the same pan, add mushrooms and cook until browned and softened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add butter and garlic, stirring until fragrant and mushrooms become glossy.
- Add greens to the pan and cook until just tender.
- Return steak to the pan briefly or serve topped with garlic butter mushrooms.
- Finish with herbs, chilli flakes, or a squeeze of lemon if desired.
🍽️ What to Serve It With
- Simple mashed potatoes
- Crispy roast potatoes
- Fresh garden salad
- Or just extra greens for a lighter dinner
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon fits perfectly here.
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Steak is best eaten fresh but leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated.
- Slice leftover steak thinly for sandwiches, wraps, or salads the next day.
- Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
🔁 Easy Swaps
- Steak → Lamb cutlets or pork loin chop
- Mushrooms → Zucchini or capsicum slices
- Butter → Olive oil for lighter option
🕯️ Set the Mood (Optional but Recommended)
- Let the steak rest while you set the table properly
- Light a candle or dim kitchen lights
- Put the phone away and enjoy the moment
Sometimes simple food, cooked well, is all the romance you need.
❤️ Plan4One’s Valentine’s Week
Cooking something special doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs intention.
This recipe is part of Plan4One’s Valentine’s Week, where we’re sharing easy, no-fuss romantic dinners designed for real life. Whether you’re cooking for someone you love or treating yourself, there’s more to come.
💌 Bookmark the series, share it with someone who deserves a good meal, and come back tomorrow for the next Valentine’s dinner idea.
