A luxurious dinner for two featuring seared steak, buttery crab, creamy mac and cheese, roasted potato, and fresh asparagus—all plated beautifully to impress.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Steak
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1 ribeye or sirloin steak (1–1½ inches thick)
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Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp butter
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1 clove garlic, smashed
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1 sprig rosemary or thyme
For the Asparagus
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8–10 asparagus spears, trimmed
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1 tsp olive oil or butter
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Salt to taste
For the Baked Potato
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1 large russet potato
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Olive oil & salt
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2 tbsp sour cream or butter (optional)
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2 tbsp crispy bacon bits
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1 tsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Mac and Cheese
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1 cup elbow macaroni
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1 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp flour
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¾ cup whole milk
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
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2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (for topping)
For the Crab Meat
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½ cup cooked lump crab meat
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1 tsp melted butter
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Squeeze of lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
🔪 Instructions
1. Bake the Potato
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Rub the potato with olive oil and salt.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes until tender.
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Slice open and top with sour cream or butter, bacon bits, and parsley.
2. Cook the Mac and Cheese
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Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain.
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In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.
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Slowly pour in milk, stirring until thickened.
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Stir in cheddar cheese until smooth.
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Transfer to a baking dish, top with Parmesan, and broil until golden and bubbly.
3. Prepare the Steak
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Bring steak to room temperature and season generously with salt and pepper.
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Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare).
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Add butter, smashed garlic, and rosemary or thyme.
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Baste the steak with the pan juices.
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Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Steam the Asparagus
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Steam or blanch asparagus for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
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Toss with olive oil or butter and season with salt.
5. Warm the Crab Meat
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Gently warm crab in melted butter with a squeeze of lemon juice.
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Garnish with fresh herbs.
🍽️ Plating the Dish
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Use a dark matte plate for contrast and elegance.
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Place the steak slightly off-center as the focal point.
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Fan out the asparagus alongside the steak.
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Nestle the baked potato on one side, topped with garnishes.
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Spoon the mac and cheese into a small ramekin or form a neat mound.
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Mound the crab meat gently near the steak.
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Garnish the plate with fresh herbs and, optionally, scatter a few rose petals for a romantic touch.
❤️ Perfect for Date Night
This plate combines flavor, texture, and visual appeal into one unforgettable meal. Pour a glass of wine, light a candle, and enjoy a gourmet evening at home.
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