The perfect steak needs the perfect accompaniment – something that enhances the flavor and complements it; something to make the meal complete.
Whether you’re looking for a side, a sauce, or a dessert to pair with your piece of steak, we have you covered. Here’s a list of some excellent steak pairings that are sure to upgrade your meal:
It goes without saying that vegetables go well with almost any type of meat. Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli florets, potatoes au gratin, and grilled zucchini are a few examples of vegetables that make great pairings with steak and will add nutrition and flavor, along with a few other – more hearty – sides.
Here’s a breakdown of the best (and easiest to make) side dishes for steak:
Roasted asparagus makes a great side dish for steak because it perfectly complements the flavor and texture of steak. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and earthiness of asparagus and its crunchy texture complements the rich taste and texture of steak.
Asparagus is also high in Vitamins A, C, E and K, making it a nutritious addition to any meal. Plus, cooking it takes so little effort — you can either throw it in the pan, boil it, or roast it in the oven with a little salt, and pepper (optionally, with some diced garlic or grated parm on top).
The texture of cooked broccoli complements the texture of grilled steak nicely, making it an ideal pairing. However, that’s not the only reason to combine the two.
Broccoli is a good side dish for steak because it is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Additionally, broccoli is low in calories yet packed with dietary fiber which can help to promote healthy digestion — making it the perfect addition to your steak dinner, as it will help you digest your food faster and avoid bloating or constipation.
And if you’re not sure how to cook it before serving, simply steam the broccoli florets for a few minutes. The mild flavor and soft bite will complement your steak perfectly.
Potatoes au gratin is just the fancy French term for decadent thinly sliced potatoes topped with butter, cream, and cheese, then baked in the oven until golden brown.
The dish is often served as a side to main courses on special occasions and can be made with different types of cheese for added flavor, making it a perfect side for steak.
Grilled zucchini is a light, healthy option that pairs perfectly with the rich flavor of cooked steak.
The smoky, charred flavor from the grill also complements the juicy steak quite nicely. Plus, zucchini is incredibly easy to prepare and can be cooked in just minutes on the grill or stovetop. It’s a delicious, nutritious option that will help to round out any steak dinner!
One of the best side dish with steak — with minimal effort to prepare — is buttered corn on the cobb.
Its sweet and slightly buttery taste provides a contrast to the rich flavor of steak and can be easily prepared by grilling or steaming. Additionally, corn on the cob adds texture to a dish as well as a splash of color.
It also pairs well with other accompaniments such as potatoes or roasted vegetables, allowing diners to fully customize their plate according to their individual tastes.
Green beans are high in fiber, which can help to keep you full after eating steak, and they are also a good source of vitamins C and A. They also contain minerals like potassium and magnesium, which can help to ensure that your body functions properly overall.
But despite their many health benefits, one of the main reasons we turn to green beans as a regular side for steak is because they’re soooo easy to prepare!
Grilled mushrooms are some of the best side dishes for steak because they provide an ideal flavor pairing. Steaks tend to have a strong, beefy flavor, and the earthiness of grilled mushrooms helps to balance this out. Additionally, mushrooms are high in B-vitamins and other essential nutrients, providing a beneficial aspect as well.
Grilled mushrooms also have a great texture that contrasts with the juiciness of steak — when cooked properly, shiitake or button mushrooms become deliciously crunchy on the outside and tender inside. This adds complexity to the meal and can elevate it from a regular steak into something more memorable.
Furthermore, grilled mushrooms are incredibly versatile, as they can be seasoned with various spice mixes or other condiments to customize their flavor profiles. As such side dishes go, grilled mushrooms make an excellent accompaniment to steak that not only adds pleasure to the taste buds but also provides nutritive value too.
This won’t come as any news, but mashed potatoes are some of the best side dishes for steak because they provide a creamy, savory contrast to the charred and juicy steak.
The combination of both is the ultimate comfort-food experience that can satisfy any craving or please any palate. Mashed potatoes’ soft and creamy texture also helps to counteract the chewy texture of some steaks, making for an enjoyable and memorable meal.
Additionally, mashed potatoes’ versatility allows you to easily add your own flavor combinations—such as Parmesan cheese, chives, garlic, onion, and more—making them adaptable enough to pair with a wide range of steak meals.
Finally, mashed potatoes are a great choice as they cook quickly and require little effort to prepare, making them an easy and convenient option when looking for a side dish that won’t take away from other preparation tasks.
Potato wedges can provide a crunchy contrast to the tenderness of a steak, and can be seasoned to taste as desired. They are simple to prepare and bake in the oven with little effort, which makes them an ideal accompaniment to any steak dinner.
Additionally, unlike some other sides like french fries or mashed potatoes which may have more complex flavor profiles, potato wedges let you keep the focus on the main steak experience while still providing some extra deliciousness.
Balsamic roasted carrots are a great side dish to pair with steak because they bring a sweet and tangy flavor that helps balance the richness of the steak.
The balsamic vinegar helps to caramelize the carrots in the oven instead of deep-frying them, making them a healthier alternative. The carrots can also be seasoned with herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary which intensify the flavor of both dishes. Plus, balsamic roasted carrots require minimal prep time and can easily be cooked alongside the steak for an easy and delicious meal.
Coleslaw is a great side dish for steak because it offers both a flavorful and contrasting texture to that of the meat. The crunchy, vinegary taste of the coleslaw helps to cut through the heavy flavors in steak while still complementing them, creating an overall delicious experience.
It is also very versatile, as it can be dressed up with additional fresh herbs or different types of dressings to vary its flavor profile even more. Coleslaw goes particularly well with seared steaks served with a sauce, as it absorbs some of the sauce’s flavor as well.
Adding some sauce is one of the best ways to add more flavor and really impress your guests. Choose from hollandaise sauce for a classic look or try chutney for something a bit different. A rich mushroom gravy is always welcome on top of steak along with another beloved favorite – chimichurri sauce! In fact, here’s a quick breakdown of the best sauces to serve with steak:
Béarnaise Sauce – a classic French sauce made with butter, shallots and tarragon that pairs perfectly with steak.
Classic Peppercorn Sauce – a savory creamy sauce made of heavy cream, crushed peppercorns, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce which complements the richness of the steak.
Mushroom Sauce – a creamy mushroom sauce made using sautéed mushrooms in butter and seasonings such as garlic and fresh herbs that pairs beautifully with steak.
Blue Cheese Sauce – a tangy-savory combination made of crumbled blue cheese and cream or stock which is delicious on any steak.
Horseradish Cream Sauce – a tasty blend of mayonnaise and horseradish for an added kick to your favorite cut of beef!
Garlic-Butter Sauce – a simple yet mouthwatering combination of melted butter, garlic, and herbs that will transform any ordinary piece of steak into something extraordinary!
Red Wine Jus – reduce red wine in combination with stock or broth until thickened to create this hearty jus which is perfect paired with steak.
Chimichurri Sauce – a vibrant Argentinian dry marinade featuring parsley, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes and minced garlic gives steak plenty of flavor and fragrance when used as topping or dipping sauce!
If you’re looking for lighter fare to accompany your meal, salads can do the trick. A hearty green salad made with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onions and bell peppers would be an excellent choice as would a Caesar salad topped off with shaved parmesan cheese.
You could also mix up your greens by opting for an arugula salad dressed lightly in olive oil.
You know what else goes good with steak? A freshly baked break to soak up all the juices!
If you need some extra carbs on your plate then choose wisely – fresh rustic breads like sourdough or focaccia go well paired with steak but so do rice dishes such as wild rice pilaf or couscous. If you want something even heartier then risotto is sure to fill you up while still providing a pleasant contrast to the richness of the beef.
After such a delicious main course why not finish things off right? Topping steaks off with desserts such as chocolate lava cake or peach cobbler will give customers an unforgettable experience — not to mention that these treats also work perfectly alongside any leftovers!