Steak is a celebrated main course, revered for its rich flavor and satisfying texture. But to truly elevate your steak dinner, the side dishes and sauces you choose are crucial. This guide explores a variety of delicious accompaniments that will complement your steak and create a memorable meal.
Top Side Dishes to Serve with Steak
Beyond the steak itself, the sides you select play a vital role in creating a balanced and flavorful dining experience. These side dishes offer a range of tastes and textures that enhance the richness of steak.
1. Classic Macaroni Cheese
Creamy macaroni and cheese in a baking dish
Macaroni and cheese offers a comforting, creamy counterpoint to the robust flavor of steak. Its rich, cheesy sauce and tender pasta provide a delightful textural contrast. For an elevated experience, try our best ever macaroni cheese recipe which features a savory sauce and a satisfyingly crunchy topping.
2. Simple Roast Tomatoes
Garlic and herb roast tomatoes on a baking tray
Grilled or roasted tomatoes are a steakhouse staple for good reason. The slight acidity and sweetness of tomatoes cut through the richness of the steak, while their soft texture provides a pleasant contrast. Our simple roast tomatoes recipe enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes with garlic and herbs, creating a flavorful and easy side.
3. Fresh and Spicy Slaw
Plate of steak served with spicy coleslaw and Cajun potatoes
A vibrant slaw brings freshness and a welcome crunch to your steak meal. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing offer a counterpoint to the savory steak. Explore different flavor profiles with options like our smoky steak with Cajun potatoes & spicy slaw, Teriyaki steak with fennel slaw, or red cabbage & pickled chilli slaw to find your perfect slaw pairing.
4. Hearty Refried Beans
Steak with refried beans, lime wedges and red bell peppers on a plate
Refried beans add a hearty and flavorful element to your steak dinner. Their creamy texture and savory, slightly earthy taste complement the richness of the steak beautifully. Our steak with homemade refried beans recipe provides a robust flavor reminiscent of chilli con carne, perfect for a satisfying and substantial meal.
5. Light Spiralized Vegetables
Steak with spiralized celeriac fries and kale on a plate
For a lighter take on classic steak and fries, consider spiralized and roasted vegetables. Celeriac, zucchini, or sweet potatoes can be transformed into shoestring fries, offering a healthier and equally delicious side. Our steak with rosemary celeriac fries, kale & garlic butter recipe offers a modern twist on a traditional pairing, adding flavorful kale and garlic butter for extra depth.
6. Sweet Corn on the Cob
Close up of chipotle bavette steak with lime corn and salsa on a plate
Grilled corn on the cob brings a touch of summer sweetness to your steak dinner. The slightly charred kernels and buttery flavor are a crowd-pleasing side. Elevate your corn with herb butter, spices, or chili for added complexity. Our chipotle bavette steak with lime corn and chunky salsa recipe pairs corn with a vibrant salsa and flavorful chipotle steak for a summery and exciting meal.
7. Indulgent Creamed Spinach
Bowl of creamy spinach
Creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side dish, offering a rich and velvety texture that complements the steak. The creamy sauce coats the spinach, creating an indulgent and flavorful side. For a lighter green option, consider stir-fried curly kale with chilli & garlic or simple buttery peas. Our creamed spinach recipe provides a perfectly balanced and decadent side.
8. Savory Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a versatile and earthy side dish that pairs wonderfully with steak. Whether devilled, roasted, creamed, or simply sautéed with garlic, mushrooms bring a savory depth to the meal. Our roasted herby mushrooms recipe enhances the natural umami of mushrooms with garlic, parsley, and balsamic vinegar, creating a rich and flavorful side.
9. Fresh Garden Salad
Wedge salad with soy seeds and pickled cucumbers
A crisp garden salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of steak. The variety of greens and dressings available means you can customize your salad to perfectly complement your steak. Explore our green salad recipes for inspiration, from a simple watercress salad to a flavorful Asian-inspired wedge salad.
10. Crispy Onion Rings
Small bowl of golden onion rings
Onion rings bring a satisfying crunch and savory-sweet flavor to your steak meal. While perhaps not the most refined choice, they are undeniably delicious and a popular accompaniment. Try our video guide to deep-frying onion rings for perfectly crispy rings, or opt for baked onion rings for a slightly lighter version.
Top Steak Sauce Recipes
For many, steak isn’t complete without a flavorful sauce to enhance its taste and texture. These sauce recipes offer a diverse range of flavors to elevate your steak dinner.
1. Classic Peppercorn Sauce
Peppercorn sauce is a timeless classic for steak, offering a creamy and peppery kick that complements the beef perfectly. Skip store-bought versions and make your own quick and flavorful sauce with our peppercorn sauce recipe. For a complete meal, try our fillet steak, chips & quick pepper sauce.
2. Elegant Bearnaise Sauce
Bowl of creamy Bearnaise sauce
Bearnaise sauce, a classic French emulsion, adds a touch of sophistication to your steak. Its slight vinegar tang and fresh tarragon notes create a bright and flavorful sauce that is perfect for steak purists. Try our steak haché with pommes frites & cheat’s Béarnaise sauce for a French-inspired meal at home.
3. Vibrant Pesto Sauce
Steak topped with pesto on mashed potatoes
Pesto offers a fresh and herbaceous alternative to traditional steak sauces. While basil pesto is common, consider a steak-friendly blend of watercress, chilli, and hazelnuts for a unique flavor profile. Our griddled rump steak with watercress, hazelnut & red chilli pesto recipe provides a satisfying and flavorful meal for two.
4. Smoky Barbecue Sauce
Bowl of rich barbecue sauce
Barbecue sauce brings a smoky sweetness to steak, perfect for those who enjoy a bolder flavor. Homemade barbecue sauce elevates this classic condiment, offering a richer and more complex taste than store-bought versions. Try our steak with barbecue sauce recipe for a simple and crowd-pleasing meal.
5. Earthy Mushroom Sauce
Bowl of creamy mushroom sauce
Mushroom sauce offers an earthy and umami-rich complement to steak. The combination of wild mushrooms, white wine, and herbs creates a sophisticated and flavorful sauce. Our bavette steak with chips, tarragon & mushroom sauce & watercress salad recipe provides a comforting and budget-friendly meal. For a quick option, try our rump steak with quick mushroom and red wine sauce.
6. Flavorful Butter
Assortment of flavored butters wrapped in cling film
Flavored butters are a simple yet impactful way to enhance the flavor of steak. Garlic & parsley butter, chilli butter, or horseradish & chive butter add a burst of flavor as they melt over the hot steak. Our top steak & chips recipe uses a garlic and parsley butter, while our rib-eye steaks with chilli butter and horseradish butter steaks offer spicy and zesty variations.
7. Zesty Chimichurri Sauce
Steak and chips topped with chimichurri sauce on a plate
Chimichurri is a vibrant South American sauce made with parsley, garlic, shallots, and chilli. Its fresh and herbaceous flavors cut through the richness of steak, providing a zesty and refreshing contrast. Pair it with a glass of Malbec for a true South American experience. Once you try our steak with chimichurri sauce, it might become your new favorite steak topping.
8. Buttery Hollandaise Sauce
Rib-eye steak with basil hollandaise and red wine
Hollandaise sauce, a classic buttery French sauce, can be elevated with fresh basil to create a bright and flavorful accompaniment to steak. Its richness and slight tang complement the steak beautifully. Treat yourself to our rib-eye steak with basil hollandaise for a truly indulgent meal.
9. Rich Shallot & Red Wine Reduction
Steak topped with red wine and shallot reduction
Shallot and red wine reduction is a classic bistro sauce that adds depth and sophistication to steak. Deglazing the pan with red wine creates a rich and savory sauce that is ideal for rib-eye or sirloin cuts. Our steaks in red wine sauce recipe provides a simple way to add a final flourish to your steak dinner.
10. Italian Pizzaiola Sauce
Sirloin steaks with pizzaiola sauce on a plate
Pizzaiola sauce, a pizza-inspired tomato sauce, brings an Italian twist to your steak meal. This flavorful sauce, typically made with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, adds a bright and zesty element to steak. Our sirloin steaks with pizzaiola sauce recipe offers a fun and flavorful take on a classic steak dish.
Top Potato Side Dishes for Steak
Potatoes are a quintessential side dish for steak, offering a comforting and versatile accompaniment. From classic chips to creamy mashed potatoes, here are some top potato options.
1. Chunky Oven Chips
Chunky oven chips in a baking tray
Chunky oven chips offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried chips without sacrificing flavor or texture. These thick-cut chips are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, perfect for pairing with steak. Bypass the deep fryer and enjoy our chunky oven chips for a satisfying side.
2. Traditional Steak Chips
Plate of steak with traditional chips and green salad
For the classic steakhouse experience, traditional deep-fried chips are a must. Crispy and golden, these chips are the perfect vehicle for soaking up steak juices and sauces. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even use the same oil to make onion rings. Enjoy the timeless pairing of steak and traditional chips.
3. Flavorful Smashed Potatoes
Baking tray of smashed roasted new potatoes
Smashed potatoes are a culinary trend that offers a delightful combination of textures. Crispy edges and fluffy insides make them incredibly satisfying. Enjoy them simply seasoned alongside your steak, or elevate them with additions like olives, capers, herbs, or garlic. Discover the magic of smashed roasted new potatoes.
4. Elegant Shoestring Fries
Shoestring fries served with steak on a plate
Shoestring fries, reminiscent of burger restaurant fries, add a touch of elegance to your steak meal. Their thin and crispy texture provides a delightful contrast to the steak. Indulge in our chimichurri-style steak sarnies & cheat’s spicy fries to experience the elevated flavors of shoestring fries with steak.
5. Sweet and Savory Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a slightly healthier and sweeter alternative to regular fries. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make them an appealing side dish. Enjoy a balanced meal with our steaks with goulash sauce & sweet potato fries for a flavorful and satisfying combination.
6. Classic Potatoes Dauphinoise
Domino dauphinoise potatoes
Potatoes dauphinoise is a rich and creamy layered potato bake that adds a touch of luxury to your steak dinner. While it requires more time to prepare, the result is a decadent and impressive side dish. For an eye-catching presentation, try our domino dauphinoise or the ultra-indulgent next level dauphinoise potatoes.
7. Versatile Potato Salad
Bowl of classic potato salad topped with herbs
Potato salad is a wonderfully adaptable side dish that can be customized to complement any steak. For a classic creamy version, try our classic potato salad. Alternatively, explore a Mediterranean twist with fresh vegetables and herbs for a lighter and brighter option.
8. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Oval dish of garlic mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a comforting and versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with steak. Creamy and smooth, they provide a classic textural contrast. Enhance your mash with flavors like garlic, mustard, or horseradish for added depth. Mashed sweet potatoes or celeriac also offer delicious variations.
9. Light Baked Skinny Fries
Baked skinny fries on a baking tray
If you’re looking for a lighter potato option, baked skinny fries are a great choice. These fries are baked instead of fried, reducing the calorie content without compromising on crispiness. Our baked skinny fries recipe adds paprika and garlic powder for extra flavor.
10. Simple Potato Wedges
Potato wedges with sour cream dip
Potato wedges are a chunky and satisfying side dish that are perfect for mopping up steak juices and sauces. Their simple preparation and robust potato flavor make them a crowd-pleasing option. Serve these simple wedges with your favorite cut of steak, or try our balsamic steaks with peppercorn wedges for a flavorful combination.
Looking for more steak inspiration? Explore these recipe collections:
Video: healthy steak with goulash sauce
Steak salad recipes
Fillet steak recipes
Sirloin steak recipes
What are your favorite dishes to serve with steak? Share your ideas in the comments below! And be sure to check out our full collection of steak recipes for more delicious meal ideas.
