Flank steak is a flavorful and versatile cut of beef that’s perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling. Its robust taste and satisfying texture make it a popular choice for a main course. However, to create a truly memorable meal, pairing flank steak with the right side dishes is essential. Knowing What To Serve With Flank Steak can elevate your dinner from simple to spectacular.
Whether you’re aiming for a light summer supper or a hearty winter feast, the sides you choose can complement and enhance the steak’s inherent qualities. This guide explores a variety of side dishes that perfectly match flank steak, ensuring a balanced and delicious dining experience.
Sliced flank steak with corn salsa showing the perfectly cooked interior, creating a deliciously complimentary meal.
Vibrant Salads to Brighten Your Plate
A fresh salad can provide a wonderful contrast to the richness of flank steak. Salads offer lightness, acidity, and often a refreshing crunch that cuts through the savory flavors of the beef.
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Corn and Avocado Salsa: Inspired by the original recipe, a corn and avocado salsa is a fantastic choice. The sweetness of grilled corn, the creaminess of avocado, and the zing of lime create a vibrant topping that doubles as a side. The original recipe’s Flank Steak with Corn Salsa provides a perfect example of this flavorful combination. This salsa not only adds a burst of freshness but also introduces different textures and temperatures to the meal.
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Citrus Salad: A salad with citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits, combined with greens and a light vinaigrette, can offer a palate-cleansing counterpoint to the steak. Consider adding elements like fennel or red onion for a bit of bite, and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. A Mandarin Orange Salad, similar to the suggested Mandarin Orange Salad in the original article, can be an excellent choice, especially if you want to echo some of the sweetness from the corn salsa but in a lighter format.
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: For a heartier salad option, a Mediterranean quinoa salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and herbs like parsley and mint is a great choice. The quinoa provides substance, while the fresh vegetables and salty cheese offer a delightful Mediterranean twist. A lemon-herb dressing will tie all the flavors together and complement the steak beautifully.
Grilled and Roasted Vegetables for a Summery Feast
Since flank steak is often grilled, extending the grilling to your side dishes can create a cohesive summer meal. Roasting vegetables also brings out their natural sweetness and provides a satisfyingly tender texture.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Following the lead from the corn salsa, grilled corn on the cob is a natural and delicious side for flank steak. Grilling corn enhances its sweetness and adds a smoky char that pairs wonderfully with grilled steak. You can simply season it with butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with herb butters or chili lime seasonings.
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Grilled Asparagus or Zucchini: Asparagus and zucchini are quick-cooking vegetables that grill beautifully alongside flank steak. A simple toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling is all they need. The slight bitterness of asparagus or the mildness of zucchini offers a nice contrast to the richness of the steak.
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Roasted Root Vegetables: For cooler weather, roasted root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes are hearty and flavorful sides. Their natural sweetness caramelizes in the oven, creating a comforting and satisfying accompaniment. Toss them with olive oil, herbs like rosemary or thyme, and salt and pepper for a simple yet elegant side.
Starchy Sides for a Heartier Meal
If you’re looking to create a more substantial meal, starchy sides are the way to go. They provide energy and soak up the delicious juices from the flank steak.
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Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes are a classic side dish for steak, and adding garlic and herbs elevates them to another level. Toss baby potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper, then roast until golden and crispy. Their creamy interior and crispy exterior are a perfect match for flank steak.
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Creamy Polenta: Creamy polenta offers a smooth and comforting contrast to the texture of flank steak. Its mild flavor allows the steak to remain the star, while its richness adds a luxurious element to the meal. You can enhance polenta with cheese, herbs, or roasted vegetables for added flavor.
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Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf, cooked with broth, onions, and herbs, is a versatile side dish that pairs well with flank steak. Consider adding toasted nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor complexity. Wild rice pilaf or a pilaf with saffron can be particularly elegant choices.
Flavorful Sauces to Enhance the Steak
While flank steak is flavorful on its own, a well-chosen sauce can elevate it even further, adding moisture and complexity.
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Chimichurri Sauce: Originating from Argentina, chimichurri is a vibrant and herbaceous sauce made with parsley, cilantro, garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Its bright, tangy flavors cut through the richness of the steak and add a fresh, zesty element.
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Mushroom Sauce: A creamy mushroom sauce is a classic pairing for steak. Sautéed mushrooms in butter and garlic, deglazed with red wine or beef broth and finished with cream, create a rich and savory sauce that complements the beef beautifully.
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Red Wine Reduction: For a more sophisticated sauce, a red wine reduction is an excellent choice. Simmering red wine with shallots, beef broth, and herbs until it thickens creates a concentrated and flavorful sauce that adds depth and elegance to the flank steak.
Grilled corn being cut from the cob, adding all salsa ingredients to a bowl, mixing together, seasoning to taste, and serving salsa over steak.
Conclusion
Choosing what to serve with flank steak is about creating balance and enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you opt for a fresh and vibrant salad, hearty roasted vegetables, comforting starchy sides, or a flavorful sauce, the key is to select dishes that complement the steak’s robust flavor and texture. By considering these options, you can transform a simple flank steak into a memorable and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flank steak pairing and impress your family and friends with your culinary expertise.
