What Are Good Sides for Steak?
When it comes to enjoying a perfectly cooked steak, the right sides for steak can transform a simple meal into a gourmet experience. Whether you’re grilling at home or preparing a special dinner, the sides for steak you choose will not only complement the steak but also balance the richness of the meat. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore an array of sides for steak that go well with steak, from the classic and comforting to the light and refreshing, ensuring that you have plenty of options for any occasion.
For more inspiration on pairing steak with the perfect sides for steak, check out these side dishes for steak.
Classic Potato Sides for Steak
Potatoes are arguably the most popular side dish for steak, thanks to their versatility and the hearty satisfaction they bring to the plate. Let’s explore some of the best ways to prepare potatoes as a steak side.
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a staple at steakhouses for a reason. The smooth, buttery texture of the potatoes complements the tenderness of a well-cooked steak. To elevate your mashed potatoes, try adding roasted garlic, which infuses the dish with a deep, savory flavor. Alternatively, create loaded mashed potatoes by mixing in sour cream, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chives.
Recipe Tip: Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the creamiest mashed potatoes, as they have a naturally buttery flavor. Mash the potatoes with warmed milk and melted butter for the best texture.
Au Gratin Potatoes
Au gratin potatoes bring a luxurious, creamy texture to your meal. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cream, butter, and cheese, then baked to golden perfection. The top layer becomes beautifully crispy, adding a delightful contrast to the creamy interior.
Recipe Tip: For a gourmet twist, add a sprinkle of fresh thyme and a hint of nutmeg to the cream mixture before baking. Gruyère cheese works particularly well in this dish for its nutty flavor.
Sweet Potato Fries
A popular alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries offer a sweet flavor that pairs exceptionally well with savory steak. They’re not only delicious but also a healthier option, as sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber.
Cooking Tip: For extra crispiness, toss the sweet potato fries in a mix of cornstarch and spices like paprika and garlic powder before baking or frying.
For even more ideas on how to serve steak with delicious side for steak, visit this guide to steak sides from BBC Good Food. You might also explore our potato recipes for more options.
Vegetable Sides for Steak
Vegetables bring a fresh, vibrant element to a steak dinner, providing a healthy balance to the richness of the meat. Whether roasted, sautéed, or grilled, vegetables can be prepared in numerous ways to complement your steak.
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a classic steakhouse sides for steak that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The natural sweetness of asparagus is enhanced by grilling, which also adds a slightly smoky taste. A squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of garlic can elevate this dish even further.
Cooking Tip: Snap off the woody ends of the asparagus before grilling, and brush the stalks with olive oil to prevent them from drying out on the grill.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a natural pairing for steak, bringing earthy flavors that complement the meat’s richness. Sautéed mushrooms in butter and garlic are a simple yet flavorful sides for steak. To add depth, you can deglaze the pan with red wine or beef broth, creating a rich sauce that enhances both the mushrooms and the steak.
Variety Suggestion: Consider using a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms for a more complex flavor profile.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a traditional steakhouse favorite that combines tender spinach leaves with a rich, creamy sauce. This indulgent sides for steak contrasts beautifully with the robust flavor of steak.
Cooking Tip: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for warmth.
Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts have become one of trendy sides for steak in recent years, especially when paired with ingredients like bacon, balsamic vinegar, or Parmesan cheese. The roasting process caramelizes the outer leaves, giving them a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with steak.
Cooking Tip: To achieve perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts, ensure they are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet, allowing them to roast evenly.
Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots bring a natural sweetness to the plate, especially when roasted with garlic and herbs. Honey-glazed roasted carrots are a great option if you prefer an even sweeter sides for steak.
Flavor Boost: Try adding a sprinkle of cumin or coriander for a subtle, earthy spice that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
You might also like this collection of vegetable sides that go well with any meal.
Salads as Sides For Steak
Salads bring a refreshing contrast to the richness of steak, with their crisp textures and bright flavors. They can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, offering a lighter side option that balances the meal.
Caesar Salad
The Caesar salad is a classic choice for a reason. Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese create a satisfying sides for steak that pairs perfectly with steak. For a twist, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more substantial.
Homemade Dressing Tip: Making your own Caesar dressing with fresh garlic, anchovies, and lemon juice can make a significant difference in flavor.
Arugula and Parmesan Salad
If you’re looking for something lighter, an arugula and Parmesan salad is an excellent option. The peppery arugula combined with the sharpness of Parmesan cheese and the brightness of a lemon vinaigrette creates a perfect balance.
Additions: Consider adding toasted pine nuts or sliced avocado to this salad for extra texture and flavor.
Wedge Salad
A wedge salad is both visually striking and delicious. A quartered head of iceberg lettuce is typically topped with blue cheese dressing, crumbled bacon, and tomatoes. It’s a hearty salad that stands up well to the richness of steak.
Variation: Swap out the blue cheese dressing for ranch if you prefer a milder flavor, or add pickled onions for a tangy kick.
Caprese Salad
The Caprese salad, with its fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic reduction, brings a burst of Italian flavors to your steak dinner. The acidity from the tomatoes and the sweetness of the balsamic reduction cut through the richness of the steak, making it a well-rounded meal.
Serving Tip: Use heirloom tomatoes for a more colorful and flavorful presentation, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added richness.
Check out salad recipes for more ideas to complement your steak dinner.
Grains and Pasta Sides For Steak
Grains and pasta provide a satisfying and hearty side to steak, adding both texture and substance to the meal.
Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing quite like mac and cheese when it comes to comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it’s one of sides for steak dish that everyone loves. You can stick to the classic recipe or add a twist by incorporating ingredients like truffle oil, lobster, or bacon.
Baking Tip: Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan for a rich, complex flavor. Topping the dish with breadcrumbs before baking adds a delightful crunch.
Risotto
Risotto is an elegant and creamy side dish that pairs wonderfully with steak. Whether you opt for a mushroom risotto, Parmesan risotto, or something more adventurous like a saffron risotto, this dish adds a touch of luxury to your meal.
Cooking Tip: Keep the risotto creamy and luscious by adding warm broth gradually while constantly stirring. This technique releases the starches from the rice, giving the risotto its signature texture.
Quinoa Salad
For a lighter, healthier option, a quinoa salad is a fantastic choice. Quinoa is high in protein and has a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with various vegetables, herbs, and dressings. You can serve it warm or cold, making it a versatile sides for steak.
Flavor Idea: Try a Mediterranean-style quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, olives, and a lemon-oregano dressing.
Explore our grains and pasta recipes for more satisfying sides for steak options.
Bread and Rolls
Bread is the unsung hero of steak dinners, perfect for soaking up all the delicious juices and adding a comforting element to the meal.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a must-have for any steak dinner. Whether you’re making a simple version with butter, garlic, and parsley or something more elaborate with cheese and herbs, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestion: For a more gourmet touch, brush the bread with garlic-infused olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt and freshly chopped parsley before baking.
Dinner Rolls
Soft and fluffy dinner rolls are a classic side that pairs well with any meal, especially steak. Whether you prefer them with a pat of butter or use them to mop up any leftover steak sauce, they’re always a hit.
Recipe Tip: For extra flavor, try brushing the rolls with melted herb butter as soon as they come out of the oven.
Cornbread
Sweet and savory cornbread is another excellent option, particularly if you’re serving a steak with a Southern or BBQ twist. The slightly crumbly texture and moistness of cornbread offer a delightful contrast to the steak.
Enhancement Tip: Add jalapeños or cheddar cheese to the cornbread batter for an extra kick of flavor.
Check out bread recipes for more inspiration.
Unique and Indulgent Sides For Steak
If you want to surprise your guests or try something new, these unique and indulgent sides for steak will add a special touch to your steak dinner.
Baked Beans
Rich, smoky baked beans are an ideal side for a BBQ-style steak. The deep, molasses-like sweetness of the beans complements the savory, charred flavors of the steak.
Slow Cooker Tip: For the best results, cook the beans slowly in a smoker or slow cooker to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, hearty texture.
Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches are a unique and flavorful side that adds a sweet and tangy element to your steak dinner. The caramelization from the grill intensifies the peach’s natural sugars, making it a delightful contrast to the savory steak.
Serving Suggestion: Drizzle the grilled peaches with a balsamic reduction or top them with crumbled blue cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Pan-Fried Okra
Pan-fried okra brings a Southern-inspired touch to your meal. The crispy coating and tender interior of the okra provide a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the juiciness of the steak.
Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture before frying for a bit of heat.
Light and Refreshing Sides For Steak
Sometimes, lighter sides for steak are the perfect complement to a rich and hearty steak, helping to balance the meal and refresh the palate.
Cucumber Salad
A cucumber salad is cool, crisp, and refreshing, providing a nice contrast to the richness of steak. The cucumbers are typically sliced thin and tossed in a vinegar-based dressing with dill, offering a tangy and aromatic flavor.
Quick Pickling Tip: For an added twist, try quick-pickling the cucumbers with red onion and a splash of rice vinegar.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is one of classic sides for steak dish that pairs well with almost any type of steak, particularly if you’re serving it with BBQ sauce. The crunchy cabbage and tangy dressing provide a refreshing counterbalance to the rich meat.
Variation Idea: Try making a spicy coleslaw by adding jalapeños and a sriracha-based dressing, or go for an Asian-inspired version with sesame oil and soy sauce.
Sauces and Condiments
No steak dinner is complete without the right sauces and condiments to enhance the flavors of both the steak and the sides.
Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a fresh and zesty Argentinean sauce made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. It adds a vibrant kick to steak, cutting through the richness with its acidity and herbaceous flavors.
Flavor Boost: Add a bit of red pepper flakes or swap out parsley for cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Béarnaise Sauce
Béarnaise sauce is a rich, buttery, and slightly tangy sauce made with egg yolks, butter, white wine vinegar, and herbs. It’s a classic accompaniment to steak, especially when paired with a tender filet mignon.
Cooking Tip: For a foolproof Béarnaise, use a double boiler to prevent the egg yolks from curdling, and whisk continuously while slowly adding the melted butter.
Garlic Butter
Simple yet incredibly flavorful, garlic butter is a must-have for steak lovers. It’s made by combining softened butter with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt. When melted over a hot steak, it creates a luscious sauce that enhances the meat’s natural juices.
Herb Variation: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives to create your own signature garlic butter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the most popular sides with steak?
Mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, and Caesar salad are among the most popular sides that consistently complement the flavors of steak.
What healthy sides pair well with steak?
Grilled asparagus, quinoa salad, and roasted Brussels sprouts are excellent healthy options that provide nutrition without compromising on taste.
What are good Sides for Steak dinner party?
For a steak dinner party, consider serving au gratin potatoes, creamed spinach, and garlic bread. These Sides for Steak are not only delicious but also easy to prepare in large quantities.
How can I make my Sides for Steak more interesting?
To make your steak sides more interesting, experiment with unique ingredients and cooking techniques. Try grilled peaches, pan-fried okra, or add a gourmet twist to classic dishes like truffle mac and cheese.
What sauces go well with steak and sides?
Chimichurri, béarnaise sauce, and garlic butter are all excellent choices that enhance the flavors of both the steak and the sides, making the meal more cohesive and flavorful.
Conclusion
Choosing the right side dishes to pair with your steak can truly elevate your dining experience. From the comfort of mashed potatoes and mac and cheese to the freshness of grilled asparagus and Caprese salad, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer classic sides or want to try something new and indulgent, there’s a side dish for every steak lover out there. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and textures to find the perfect combination that suits your taste. Enjoy your steak dinner with these delicious and complementary sides, and make every meal a memorable one!