Dad’s Dream Dinner: How to Create the Restaurant Experience at Home This Father’s Day

Posted by Team Stevie on June 10, 2020

Following the recent announcements about the reopening of shops and schools, many of us are excitedly anticipating the moment when we can step foot back in our favourite restaurants. As Father’s Day (Sunday the 21st of June) approaches, we’re missing meals out with the family more than ever and, although there has been a suggestion of some restaurants reopening as early as July, that still leaves us with a big question: how can else we treat our dads on Father’s Day?

One thing’s for sure, it’s going to take a bit of creativity, and a certain dash of culinary skill. Or, if that sounds intimidating, simply follow our easy-to-achieve Father’s Day recipes! Below, we’ve curated some tantalising meal ideas that your dad is sure to love. Whether he’s missing his favourite pizza joint or craving a perfectly cooked steak, we’ve got something delicious on the menu.

An Authentic Italian Pizza

Who’s dad doesn’t love a pizza? It’s the way to everyone’s heart after all! This Father’s Day, take it the extra mile and create a mouth-watering luxury pizza, completely from scratch. This is a great recipe if you want the whole family to get involved with stretching the dough and picking their toppings. It might get a bit messy — but it will certainly be worth it! Pair it with your dad’s favourite wine and recreate a classic Italian restaurant for the true authentic feel.

What will you need?

1kg of white flour, 700ml of slightly warm water, 14gr of dry yeast, eight spoons of extra virgin olive oil, one spoon of salt, and one spoon of sugar, mushrooms, ripe tomatoes, Italian sausage, mozzarella, rocket, and black truffles.

How to do it

Melt the yeast in warm water and sugar.
Put the flour on a pastry board in a large bowl and add the dissolved yeast to the centre of the flour.
Dissolve the salt into warm water and add to the flour mix.
Gradually add additional flour and water until you arrive at the desired consistency of the dough, which should be soft and supple. Continue to work it well and place in a large bowl and leave to sit.
Once the dough has doubled in size (approximately 90 minutes later), draw up the dough for the pizza.
Now for the toppings! Use ripe tomatoes for your base and add the other ingredients to the pizza base.
Pop it in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, on the maximum temperature until it becomes a golden colour. Pour on mozzarella slices and stick it back in the oven for a couple of minutes before serving.

Bring a Banging Barby to Your Back Yard

If we’re lucky enough to enjoy some sunshine on the 21st of June, what better way to spend Father’s Day than with beers and a BBQ? It’s a classic for a reason, and there’s nothing your dad will love more than a refreshing drink in the sun while the sausages sizzle away on the grill. He may not be able to resist getting involved with the cooking himself but tell him that you’re the chef today, and it’s his turn to sit back and relax.

If he’s particularly missing the nation’s favourite, Nando’s, why not give the traditional BBQ a spicy Nando’s twist and make your own peri peri chicken skewers?

What will you need?

500g boneless chicken thigh, ½ cup of peri peri sauce, pepper, garlic, lemon, basil, and oregano.

How to do it

This requires some preparation the night before. To start, combine the pepper, garlic, lemon, basil, and oregano for the sauce.
Cut the chicken thighs into thin strips and transfer into a bowl along with the sauce and leave it to marinate overnight. If you prefer to do it the same day, leave it for at least 30 minutes.
Thread the chicken onto bamboo skewers and grill until nicely browned on both sides, using oil during the grilling.
Tuck in and devour this spicy delicacy.

There’s Nothing Quite Like a Sizzling Steak

A perfectly cooked steak is undeniably one of the things people are really missing right now. The phrase, “how long to cook a sirloin steak” has seen a whopping search increase of 60 per cent recently. There’s no other way to make your dad feel special like re-creating that ideal steak dinner at home.

You might not be able to take advantage of any Manchester Restaurant Deals during lockdown, but if steak is your go-to for a meal out, why not try your hand at cooking a meaty rib-eye steak? This recipe is inspired by Toro’s in Manchester. Here’s how it’s done:

How to do it

Use paper towels to pat both sides of the steak dry and season generously with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper.
Heat a medium cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes and add canola oil
Put the steak into the skillet and cook, turning every 2-3 minutes until a dark crust forms on both sides, usually 12-14 minutes.
Move steak to the side of the skillet and add butter, garlic, thyme and rosemary to the other side. Tilt the skillet towards the butter and cook for around one minute until the butter is foaming.
Spoon the butter over the steak for 1-2 minutes, turning over once until it reaches an internal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit for a medium-rare finish.
Allow cooking for longer depending on how you like your steak cooked and then leave for 15 minutes before slicing.
Serve with potatoes or salad, whichever takes your fancy.

It may not be the Father’s Day your family was imagining, but if there’s one thing we’ve learnt from lockdown, it’s the importance of family and valuing those closest to us. Your dad is sure to appreciate the effort you’ve put into whichever recipe you choose. He’ll enjoy spending some quality time with you while tucking into some delicious restaurant-standard food!