Red wine isn’t just for sipping—it’s also an excellent ingredient to enhance the flavor of your dishes. Whether you’re making a savory sauce, a tender braised meat dish, or a decadent dessert, these 19 red wine recipes will inspire you to incorporate this versatile ingredient into your cooking.
1. Beef Bourguignon
A classic French dish where beef is slowly simmered in red wine with onions, carrots, mushrooms, and herbs. The result is a rich, tender, and flavorful stew.
2. Red Wine Reduction Sauce
Perfect as a finishing touch for steaks or lamb chops, this simple sauce made with red wine, shallots, and butter will elevate any meat dish.
3. Coq au Vin
Another French staple, this dish combines chicken, red wine, garlic, and mushrooms, all slow-cooked to perfection.
4. Spaghetti with Red Wine Sauce
A twist on classic spaghetti, where the pasta is cooked in red wine, giving it a vibrant color and deep, earthy flavor.
5. Red Wine Braised Short Ribs
Tender short ribs are cooked low and slow in red wine with aromatics, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth dish.
6. Red Wine Risotto
A creamy risotto where red wine replaces some of the broth, giving it a rich flavor and a beautiful purple hue.
7. Red Wine Marinated Steak
Marinate your steak in red wine, garlic, rosemary, and olive oil for a juicy, flavorful result.
8. Red Wine Chocolate Cake
A moist and decadent chocolate cake made even better with a hint of red wine in the batter.
9. Mulled Wine Poached Pears
Pears poached in spiced red wine create a simple yet elegant dessert.
10. Red Wine Mushroom Sauce
Sautéed mushrooms in a red wine reduction are the perfect side dish for steaks or roasted chicken.
11. Red Wine Bolognese
This hearty meat sauce gets its depth of flavor from a generous splash of red wine.
12. Red Wine and Garlic Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms infused with red wine and garlic make a quick and flavorful appetizer or side dish.
13. Sangria-Glazed Chicken Wings
A creative twist on chicken wings, coated with a sticky glaze made from red wine, orange juice, and honey.
14. Red Wine Lamb Shanks
Slow-cooked lamb shanks in a rich red wine sauce with garlic and rosemary—perfect for special occasions.
15. Red Wine Beef Stroganoff
Upgrade your classic beef stroganoff by adding a splash of red wine to the creamy sauce.
16. Red Wine Roast Vegetables
Toss root vegetables with red wine and olive oil before roasting for an added depth of flavor.
17. Red Wine Sorbet
A refreshing dessert made by combining red wine with sugar and citrus juice, then freezing it into a sorbet.
18. Red Wine BBQ Sauce
A sweet and tangy BBQ sauce with a touch of red wine to complement your grilled meats.
19. Red Wine Butter
Infuse butter with red wine, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful topping for bread or steak.
Pro Tips for Cooking with Red Wine:
- Use Good Quality Wine: Always cook with wine you’d enjoy drinking.
- Balance Flavors: Red wine adds acidity and depth; balance it with sweet or creamy ingredients if needed.
- Don’t Overuse: A little goes a long way—start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Whether you’re looking to create a gourmet meal or add a unique twist to everyday dishes, these recipes are sure to impress.