Beef steak is a beloved dish worldwide, celebrated for its rich flavor and satisfying texture. Whether you’re grilling a ribeye, pan-searing a sirloin, or broiling a filet mignon, the right accompaniments can elevate your steak from a simple meal to a gourmet experience. Choosing What To Serve With Beef Steak can be just as important as the steak itself. This guide will explore a variety of delectable side dishes and sauces that perfectly complement beef steak, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Classic Side Dishes for Beef Steak
For many, steak night evokes images of classic pairings that have stood the test of time. These sides are popular for a reason – they balance the richness of the beef and provide familiar, comforting flavors.
1. Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a quintessential comfort food that surprisingly pairs wonderfully with a juicy steak. The creamy, cheesy sauce provides a delightful contrast to the savory, robust flavor of the beef. Opt for a high-quality mac and cheese recipe with sharp cheddar and a crunchy topping for the best experience.
Macaroni cheese in a white oven proof dish next to a plate with some of the macaroni cheese
Image alt text: Creamy macaroni and cheese in a white dish, a classic side dish for beef steak.
2. Roasted Tomatoes
Grilled or roasted tomatoes are a steakhouse staple, offering a burst of sweetness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the steak. Roasting tomatoes intensifies their natural sugars and creates a tender, flavorful side. A simple drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of herbs like thyme and garlic further enhances their taste.
Tray of roast tomatoes topped with garlic and herbs
Image alt text: Juicy roast tomatoes with garlic and herbs, a simple yet flavorful side dish to serve with steak.
3. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is an elegant and indulgent side dish that complements steak beautifully. The creamy, velvety texture of the spinach, enriched with cream and sometimes cheese, provides a luxurious counterpoint to the hearty steak. Its mild flavor also ensures it doesn’t overpower the main course.
Creamed spinachImage alt text: Rich and creamy spinach, a decadent green vegetable side that pairs well with beef steak.
4. Garlic Mushrooms
Mushrooms, especially when sautéed with garlic and herbs, are a classic steak accompaniment. Their earthy, umami flavor profile enhances the savory notes of the beef. You can choose from various mushroom preparations – deviled, roasted, creamy, or simply sautéed with garlic and butter – to suit your preference.
Image alt text: Sautéed garlic mushrooms garnished with fresh parsley, an earthy side dish to serve with steak.
5. Garden Salad
A fresh garden salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to a rich steak dinner. The crispness of the lettuce and vegetables, combined with a vinaigrette dressing, cleanses the palate and adds a welcome textural element to the meal. Consider a simple watercress salad or a wedge salad for a more substantial option.
Wedge salad with soy seeds & pickled dill cucumbers
Image alt text: Crisp wedge salad with soy seeds and pickled cucumbers, a refreshing side to balance a steak meal.
6. Onion Rings
For a more indulgent and crowd-pleasing side, onion rings are hard to beat. Their crispy, golden exterior and sweet, tender onion interior offer a satisfying crunch and flavor that complements steak, especially for a casual meal. Whether deep-fried or baked, onion rings are a fun and delicious addition.
Small bowl of onion ringsImage alt text: Golden and crispy onion rings in a small bowl, a popular and indulgent steak side dish.
Fresh and Zesty Sides
If you prefer sides that offer a lighter, more vibrant counterpoint to your beef steak, consider these fresh and zesty options. They provide a welcome brightness and acidity that can cut through the richness of the meat.
7. Spicy Slaw
A vibrant slaw adds a refreshing crunch and a zesty kick to your steak dinner. The combination of crisp cabbage, carrots, and a spicy dressing made with chili paste, sour cream, and mayo creates a flavorful and textural contrast to the steak. Experiment with different slaws, like fennel slaw or red cabbage slaw, for varied flavor profiles.
Plate of steak with coleslaw and cubed potatoes
Image alt text: Steak served with spicy coleslaw and Cajun potatoes, a flavorful and fresh side dish combination.
8. Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a summery and flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with steak, especially during barbecue season. The sweetness of the corn, enhanced by grilling and a herby butter, offers a delightful contrast to the savory steak. Charring the corn slightly adds a smoky depth that complements grilled steak perfectly.
Close up shot of chipotle bavette steak with lime corn and chunky salsa, served on a white dinner plateImage alt text: Chipotle bavette steak with lime corn and chunky salsa, a summer-inspired steak and side dish pairing.
9. Spiralized Vegetables
For a healthier and more modern take on steak sides, consider spiralized vegetables. Roasting spiralized vegetables like celeriac or zucchini creates a shoestring fry effect that’s both delicious and nutritious. Seasoning them with herbs like rosemary and serving them with garlic butter adds extra flavor and richness.
Plate of steak with spiralised celeriac and kale
Image alt text: Steak with spiralized celeriac fries and kale with garlic butter, a healthy and modern steak side dish option.
10. Refried Beans
For a Southwestern or Mexican-inspired steak meal, refried beans are an excellent choice. Homemade refried beans, seasoned with spices and served with toppings like avocado, sour cream, and paprika, offer a hearty and flavorful side that complements steak. They bring a creamy texture and earthy flavor that works well with grilled or pan-seared beef.
Plate of steak with refried beans, limes and red peppers
Image alt text: Mexican steak with homemade refried beans, served with limes and red peppers, a flavorful and hearty side.
Top Potato Side Dishes for Steak Lovers
Potatoes and steak are a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you prefer them fried, baked, mashed, or roasted, potatoes offer a satisfying and versatile side dish for beef steak. Here are ten potato preparations to consider:
1. Chunky Oven Chips
Oven-baked chunky chips are a healthier alternative to deep-fried fries, delivering a satisfyingly crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Their robust potato flavor stands up well to the richness of steak.
Chunky oven chips in a tray lined with a tea towel
Image alt text: Golden chunky oven chips in a baking tray, a healthier and classic potato side for steak.
2. Traditional Steak Fries
For a truly classic steakhouse experience, traditional deep-fried steak fries are essential. Their crispy exterior and soft, potatoey inside are the perfect vehicle for soaking up steak juices and sauces.
Chips on a plate next to steak and green salad
Image alt text: Traditional steak fries served with steak and a green salad, a quintessential steakhouse side dish.
3. Smashed Potatoes
Smashed potatoes offer a delightful combination of textures – crispy edges and creamy insides. Roasting new potatoes and then smashing them before further roasting creates a rustic and flavorful side that pairs wonderfully with steak.
Baking tray of smashed roasted new potatoes with a serving removed
Image alt text: Crispy smashed roasted new potatoes on a baking tray, a textured and flavorful potato side for steak.
4. Shoestring Fries
Thin and crispy shoestring fries add a touch of elegance and fun to your steak meal. Their delicate texture and addictive crunch make them a popular choice, reminiscent of burger restaurant-style fries.
Shoestring fries on a white plate with steak
Image alt text: Shoestring fries served with steak, a thin and crispy potato side dish option.
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a slightly sweeter and healthier alternative to regular fries. Their vibrant color and naturally sweet flavor profile provide a unique complement to savory steak.
Image alt text: Baked sweet potato fries on parchment paper, a slightly sweet and healthier potato side dish.
6. Potatoes Dauphinoise
Potatoes dauphinoise is a classic French layered potato bake that is rich, creamy, and incredibly indulgent. Thinly sliced potatoes baked in cream and garlic create a luxurious and comforting side dish perfect for a special steak dinner.
Domino dauphinoiseImage alt text: Domino dauphinoise potatoes, a visually appealing and rich layered potato side.
7. Potato Salad
Potato salad, whether creamy and classic or zesty and Mediterranean, offers a cool and refreshing contrast to a warm steak. Its versatility allows for various flavor profiles, making it a great side dish for warmer weather or casual steak meals.
Bowl of potato salad topped with herbs
Image alt text: Classic potato salad topped with fresh herbs, a versatile and cool side dish for steak.
8. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and versatile side that pairs exceptionally well with steak. Infuse them with garlic, mustard, or horseradish for added flavor complexity to complement the beef.
Oval dish of garlic mashed potatoes with a serving removed
Image alt text: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes in an oval dish, a comforting and classic side dish for steak.
9. Baked Skinny Fries
Baked skinny fries offer a lighter take on fries without sacrificing flavor. Coating them with paprika and garlic powder elevates their taste and makes them a satisfyingly crispy and less calorific side option.
Baked skinny friesImage alt text: Crispy baked skinny fries, a lighter and flavorful potato side dish option for steak.
10. Potato Wedges
Chunky potato wedges are rustic, easy to make, and perfect for soaking up steak juices and sauces. Their hearty texture and simple preparation make them a great accompaniment to any cut of steak.
Potato wedge with soured cream dip
Image alt text: Chunky potato wedge with sour cream dip, a rustic and sauce-friendly side for steak.
Top Flavorful Sauces to Elevate Your Steak
While a good steak can stand alone, the right sauce can elevate it to another level of flavor. From classic steakhouse sauces to more adventurous options, here are ten flavorful sauces to consider serving with your beef steak:
1. Peppercorn Sauce
Peppercorn sauce is a quintessential steak sauce, known for its creamy texture and bold, peppery flavor. Made with peppercorns, cream, and often brandy or wine, it’s a rich and classic accompaniment that enhances the savory notes of steak.
Image alt text: Steak topped with creamy peppercorn sauce, a classic and flavorful steak sauce.
2. Bearnaise Sauce
Bearnaise sauce, a classic French sauce, is a rich and buttery emulsion flavored with tarragon and shallots. Its slight vinegar tang and herbal notes provide a sophisticated and elegant pairing for steak, particularly filet mignon.
Bowl of Bearnaise sauceImage alt text: Bowl of classic Bearnaise sauce, a rich and elegant French sauce for steak.
3. Mushroom Sauce
Mushroom sauce, often made with wild mushrooms, white wine, and cream, offers an earthy and umami-rich flavor profile that beautifully complements steak. Its savory depth enhances the natural flavors of the beef, creating a comforting and sophisticated pairing.
Mushroom sauceImage alt text: Creamy mushroom sauce in a bowl, an earthy and umami-rich sauce for steak.
4. Shallot & Red Wine Reduction
A shallot and red wine reduction is a classic bistro-style sauce that adds a touch of French elegance to your steak. The rich, savory sauce, made by reducing red wine with shallots and beef broth, provides a deep and complex flavor that pairs especially well with ribeye or sirloin steak.
Steak topped with red wine and shallot reduction
Image alt text: Steak topped with red wine and shallot reduction, a rich and classic French-inspired sauce.
5. Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a vibrant South American sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, shallots, and chili flakes. Its herbaceous, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavor profile provides a refreshing and zesty contrast to rich steak, particularly grilled steak.
Plate of steak and chips topped with chimichurri sauce
Image alt text: Steak and chips topped with vibrant chimichurri sauce, a fresh and zesty South American sauce.
6. Barbecue Sauce
For a more casual and smoky flavor, barbecue sauce is a popular choice with steak. Homemade barbecue sauce, with its sweet, tangy, and smoky notes, adds a robust and crowd-pleasing flavor dimension to grilled or pan-seared steak.
Barbecue sauceImage alt text: Rich and smoky barbecue sauce, a popular and casual sauce for steak.
7. Hollandaise Sauce
Hollandaise sauce, a rich and buttery emulsion of egg yolks and butter, is a luxurious and classic sauce that pairs beautifully with steak. Adding fresh basil to hollandaise creates a basil hollandaise, offering a bright and herbaceous twist that elevates the dish.
Rib-eye steak with basil hollandaise on a white dinner plate with a glass of red wine in the backgroundImage alt text: Rib-eye steak with basil hollandaise sauce, a luxurious and herbaceous sauce pairing.
8. Pesto
While not a traditional steak sauce, pesto, particularly a watercress, hazelnut, and chili pesto, can offer a unique and flavorful pairing. Its herbaceous, nutty, and slightly spicy notes provide a vibrant and unconventional complement to grilled or pan-seared steak.
Plate of steak topped with pesto on top of a bed of mashed potatoes
Image alt text: Steak topped with watercress pesto served on mashed potatoes, an unconventional yet flavorful steak sauce.
9. Flavored Butter
Flavored butters, such as garlic and parsley butter, chili butter, or horseradish butter, are a simple yet impactful way to add flavor to steak. As the butter melts over the hot steak, it infuses the meat with rich, aromatic flavors.
Four cling-filmed wrapped sticks of butter
Image alt text: Assortment of flavored butters including garlic parsley, chili, and horseradish, simple and flavorful steak toppers.
10. Pizzaiola Sauce
Pizzaiola sauce, a tomato-based sauce with garlic, oregano, and sometimes olives and capers, brings an Italian twist to steak. Its bright, tangy, and herbaceous flavors provide a vibrant and Mediterranean-inspired pairing for sirloin steak.
Sirloin steaks with pizzaiola sauce
Image alt text: Sirloin steaks topped with pizzaiola sauce, an Italian-inspired and vibrant steak sauce.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect sides and sauces for your beef steak is a matter of personal preference and the overall dining experience you wish to create. Whether you opt for classic comfort foods, fresh and zesty salads, hearty potato dishes, or flavorful sauces, the goal is to find accompaniments that enhance the taste of the steak and create a balanced and satisfying meal. Experiment with these suggestions and discover your own favorite pairings to make every steak dinner a special occasion.
