Date-Night Steak with Roasted Fingerlings, Brussels Sprouts & Cherry Balsamic Glaze

A cozy, intimate dinner that feels restaurant-level without leaving your kitchen.

If you want to cook for a date and serve something that says elegant, intentional, and unbelievably delicious, this is the meal. Juicy cast iron–seared steak, caramelized Brussels sprouts, crispy herb-roasted fingerling potatoes, and a glossy cherry balsamic glaze that tastes like it came from a chef’s kitchen. It looks dramatic on the plate, smells incredible, and most importantly, it’s simple, unfussy, and guaranteed to impress.

This is the kind of dish that invites a glass of red wine, soft music, warm lighting, and the feeling that you planned a night worth remembering.

Ingredients

For the Steak

  • 1 large sirloin, NY strip, or ribeye (or 2 small steaks)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • Salt & black pepper

  • 1 clove garlic, smashed

  • 1 sprig thyme or rosemary (optional but amazing)

For the Cherry Balsamic Glaze

  • ½ cup pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • Pinch of salt

For the Potatoes

  • 1 lb fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise

  • 1½ tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • Salt & pepper

For the Brussels Sprouts

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & pepper

  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

How to Make This Date-Night Dinner

1️⃣ Roast the Potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Toss fingerlings with olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a sheet pan and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crisp.

2️⃣ Crisp the Brussels Sprouts

Heat olive oil in your cast iron skillet.
Add Brussels sprouts cut-side down and let them sear until browned.
Toss, add sliced red onion, and cook until caramelized and tender.
Transfer to a plate.

3️⃣ Sear the Steak (Date-Night Step!)

Add a little more oil and butter to the skillet.
Season steak generously with salt and pepper.
Sear 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Add garlic + thyme and baste with the melted butter.
Let rest 5 minutes, resting = juicy steak.

4️⃣ Make the Cherry Balsamic Glaze

In the same skillet, add cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt.
Simmer 4–6 minutes until thickened and glossy.
Finish with butter for that silky shine.

5️⃣ Plate to Impress

Slice the steak against the grain.
Arrange roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and steak in your cast iron skillet or on a dark dinner plate.
Spoon the cherry glaze over the steak.
Pour two glasses of wine, it’s time to enjoy.

Date-Night Tips

  • Warm your plates, it’s a small touch that feels luxurious.

  • Put on soft music to set the tone.

  • Light a candle and dim the lights (food looks better, too).

  • Serve wine that pairs well with steak, like cabernet or malbec.

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Date Night Seared Scallop Pasta (Elegant, Bright & Ready in 20 Minutes)

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Romantic Cast Iron Steak Dinner with Garlic Rice & Charred Asparagu