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

  • 1 ribeye or sirloin steak (1–1½ inches thick)

  • Salt & freshly cracked black pepper

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 1 clove garlic, smashed

  • 1 sprig rosemary or thyme

For the Asparagus

  • 8–10 asparagus spears, trimmed

  • 1 tsp olive oil or butter

  • Salt to taste

For the Baked Potato

  • 1 large russet potato

  • Olive oil & salt

  • 2 tbsp sour cream or butter (optional)

  • 2 tbsp crispy bacon bits

  • 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 1 tbsp flour

  • ¾ cup whole milk

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (for topping)

For the Crab Meat

  • ½ cup cooked lump crab meat

  • 1 tsp melted butter

  • Squeeze of lemon juice

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

🔪 Instructions

1. Bake the Potato

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Rub the potato with olive oil and salt.

  3. Bake for 50–60 minutes until tender.

  4. Slice open and top with sour cream or butter, bacon bits, and parsley.

2. Cook the Mac and Cheese

  1. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain.

  2. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.

  3. Slowly pour in milk, stirring until thickened.

  4. Stir in cheddar cheese until smooth.

  5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with Parmesan, and broil until golden and bubbly.

3. Prepare the Steak

  1. Bring steak to room temperature and season generously with salt and pepper.

  2. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side (for medium-rare).

  3. Add butter, smashed garlic, and rosemary or thyme.

  4. Baste the steak with the pan juices.

  5. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

4. Steam the Asparagus

  1. Steam or blanch asparagus for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

  2. Toss with olive oil or butter and season with salt.

5. Warm the Crab Meat

  1. Gently warm crab in melted butter with a squeeze of lemon juice.

  2. Season with salt and pepper.

  3. Garnish with fresh herbs.

🍽️ Plating the Dish

  1. Use a dark matte plate for contrast and elegance.

  2. Place the steak slightly off-center as the focal point.

  3. Fan out the asparagus alongside the steak.

  4. Nestle the baked potato on one side, topped with garnishes.

  5. Spoon the mac and cheese into a small ramekin or form a neat mound.

  6. Mound the crab meat gently near the steak.

  7. 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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