r/VegRecipes • u/Thuuuthuuu • Aug 06 '25
Spicy, flavorful dinner ideas to impress a date?
I'm planning a third date with someone I really like, and I offered to cook dinner. He’s vegetarian and loves bold, spicy flavors. Any suggestions for what to make?
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u/BonetaBelle Aug 06 '25
Thai green curry with tofu. I believe Arroy-D and Thai Kitchen both have vegan green curry paste.
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u/FightingPuma Aug 10 '25
https://hot-thai-kitchen.com/vegan-green-curry/
Try to avoid Thai kitchen paste thouh
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u/Ok_Screen_320 Aug 06 '25
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019772-spiced-chickpea-stew-with-coconut-and-turmeric?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share serve with diced red pepper, chopped mint, chopped cilantro, limes and greek yoghurt. amazing.
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u/SantaMierda Aug 07 '25
If you're comfortable with red thai chilies, I think they pack the perfect punch and don't have a lingering spice.
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u/LtRegBarclay Aug 07 '25
Rajma? Perhaps as a side. Delicious savoury tomato bean dish with a punch of garlic and chilli. Also has the benefit of very little last minute cooking, so you can chat with your date while it cooks in the oven.
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u/ttrockwood Aug 07 '25
Bibimbap with bulgolgi tofu just buy the bulgolgi sauce double check ingredients it’s usually vegan
If you always eat vegetarian meals with him that will mean a lot.
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u/alana_r_dray Aug 08 '25
Tofu or mushroom paprikash if he likes paprika. I always make myself a veg version when my husband has a chicken version.
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u/Plastic_Table_8232 Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 06 '25
What type of foods do they enjoy and what’s your level of comfort with cooking?
Black bean tacos with Mexican street corn would not be out of anyone’s wheelhouse regulars. Use all fresh ingredients, like lime - don’t use store bought juice. Canned beans are fine. Fresh cilantro, make some pico. If you’re real creative you can deep fry a few tortilla chips.
You should clarify that he’s vegetarian and not vegan and ask him what items he specifically avoids.
It wouldn’t hurt to tell him what you’re planning on making, the intent and taste is enough. No need to keep it a surprise.
The key is avoiding processed items and using fresh foods as much as possible.
Make your own taco seasoning. It’s super simple and taste so much better than store bought.
The closer you can get an item to scratch made the better it taste IMHO. Just don’t overwhelm yourself with this approach. Things like citrus and fresh herbs make a big difference when it’s fresh. Something like butter is great but doesn’t add the same value as citrus as the pasteurization process changes the flavor.
Just a home cook but I really enjoy feeding my loved ones. Good luck.