Steak is a favorite meal for many people. It’s tasty and filling on its own, but adding side dishes can make it even better.
The right sides can turn a simple steak into a full, balanced dinner.
You have many options for sides to serve with steak. From veggies to potatoes to salads, there are lots of choices.
This article will look at some of the best side dishes to pair with your next steak dinner. You’ll find ideas that are easy to make and will please your taste buds.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect side for steak. They’re creamy, flavorful, and easy to make.
To prepare them, boil peeled potatoes until tender.
Mash them with butter, milk, and roasted garlic cloves.
For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
You can make these ahead of time and reheat them when your steak is ready. This saves you time and effort when cooking a big meal.
Garlic mashed potatoes complement the rich taste of steak and soak up its juices nicely.
2. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with steak. You’ll love the crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. The salad’s garlicky flavor complements the rich taste of steak.
Crunchy croutons add texture, while Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick. For extra protein, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
Caesar salad offers a light, refreshing contrast to the heaviness of steak. It’s easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking.
Try it as a side for your next steak dinner.
3. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a tasty and easy side dish for steak. You can cook it on the same grill as your meat for added convenience.
To prepare, simply toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill them for 5-7 minutes, turning once, until tender and lightly charred.
The smoky flavor from grilling pairs well with steak. Asparagus also adds a nice crunch and freshness to balance the rich meat.
For extra flavor, try squeezing lemon juice over the grilled asparagus or sprinkling it with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
4. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side dish that adds richness to your meal. This velvety mixture of fresh spinach and cream creates a luxurious texture.
You can easily make creamed spinach at home. Sauté fresh spinach with garlic and onions, then stir in heavy cream and cheese. The result is a silky, indulgent vegetable dish.
Creamed spinach pairs well with many steak cuts. Try it with a juicy ribeye or tender filet mignon. The creamy greens balance out the bold flavors of the meat.
This side dish also works great for holiday dinners or special occasions. It’s sure to impress your guests and elevate your steak dinner.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for steak. They add a nice crunch and earthy flavor to your meal.
To prepare them, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
The high heat brings out their natural sweetness. It also creates crispy, caramelized edges. This balances well with the rich taste of steak.
For extra flavor, you can add garlic, balsamic vinegar, or Parmesan cheese before roasting. The roasted sprouts offer a healthy veggie option to round out your steak dinner.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes make a great side for steak. They’re easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Just wash the sweet potatoes, poke them with a fork, and bake until tender.
You can top your baked sweet potatoes with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar for a sweet taste. Or try a savory version with sour cream, chives, and bacon bits.
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber. They add a nice contrast to the rich steak. The soft, creamy texture also balances out the meat’s chewiness.
7. Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding is a perfect side for steak. This light, crispy pastry complements the rich meat beautifully.
You can make Yorkshire pudding at home with just flour, eggs, and milk. Pour the batter into hot oil in muffin tins and bake until puffy and golden.
Serve your Yorkshire puddings warm alongside your steak. They’re great for soaking up juices and gravy from the plate.
For a twist, try filling them with garlic mashed potatoes or creamy spinach. This adds extra flavor and turns them into mini veggie vessels.
8. Onion Rings
Onion rings are a tasty side dish that goes great with steak. They add a nice crunch to your meal. You can make them at home or order them at a restaurant.
The rings are made by coating sliced onions in batter and frying them until golden brown. They come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Onion rings have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the rich taste of steak. You can dip them in ketchup, ranch dressing, or your favorite sauce.
Try making your own onion rings for a special treat. Or pick some up from your local diner to enjoy with your steak dinner.
9. Garlic Herb Mushrooms
Garlic herb mushrooms make a tasty side dish for steak. They’re easy to prepare and full of flavor.
To make them, sauté sliced mushrooms in butter with minced garlic and fresh herbs. Parsley, thyme, and rosemary work well.
The mushrooms become tender and absorb the garlic and herb flavors. Their earthy taste complements the richness of steak nicely.
You can serve the mushrooms on top of your steak or as a side. They also pair well with other meats like pork chops or chicken.
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar while cooking the mushrooms. This creates a delicious sauce.
10. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs wonderfully with steak. This Italian classic combines fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves.
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for extra flavor. The creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes provide a nice contrast to the rich steak.
You can assemble the salad on a platter or serve individual portions. For a twist, try using cherry tomatoes or colorful heirloom varieties.
Caprese salad adds a pop of color to your plate and brings a taste of summer to any steak dinner. It’s quick to prepare and requires no cooking, making it an easy addition to your meal.
11. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that pairs well with steak. You can easily make it at home or find it at most steakhouses.
For the best flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese in your mac and cheese. This gives it a tangy taste that complements steak nicely.
To make your mac and cheese extra special, add some crispy bacon bits on top. You can also sprinkle breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
If you want to try something fancier, look for truffle mac and cheese. The earthy truffle flavor goes great with a juicy steak.
12. Sautéed Green Beans
Sautéed green beans are a tasty and easy side dish for your steak dinner. You can whip them up quickly while your steak rests.
To make them, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add trimmed green beans and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring often.
For extra flavor, toss in minced garlic near the end of cooking. You can also add a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and maybe some lemon juice.
These crisp-tender beans pair well with most steak cuts. Their fresh taste balances the rich meat nicely.
13. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a tasty side dish that pairs well with steak. Its crisp texture and tangy flavor balance the rich meat.
You can make classic coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots. Mix in a creamy dressing for added flavor. Some recipes include vinegar for extra tang.
Try adding different vegetables to your coleslaw for variety. Apple, fennel, or red onion can give it a unique twist. You can also experiment with different dressings to find your favorite combination.
Coleslaw is easy to prepare ahead of time. This makes it convenient for busy meals or cookouts. Serve it chilled alongside your juicy steak for a refreshing contrast.
14. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with steak. You can grill it for a smoky flavor or boil it for a quick and easy option.
Brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with salt for a simple, tasty treat. For extra flavor, try adding herbs like parsley or chives.
Corn on the cob adds a sweet, crunchy element to your steak dinner. It’s also fun to eat and brings a casual, summery vibe to your meal.
You can serve corn on the cob whole or cut it into smaller pieces for easier eating. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit with your steak dinner.
15. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a tasty French vegetable dish that pairs well with steak. It’s a mix of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and peppers cooked in olive oil.
The veggies in ratatouille add color and flavor to your plate. Their light taste balances out the rich steak.
You can serve ratatouille hot or cold. Hot ratatouille goes great next to a warm steak. Cold ratatouille works as a refreshing side for steak in summer.
Making ratatouille takes some time, but you can cook it ahead. This lets you focus on grilling your steak when it’s time to eat.
16. Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri sauce makes a zesty topping for steak. This bright green sauce comes from Argentina and Uruguay. It’s made with fresh herbs, garlic, oil, and vinegar.
You can easily make chimichurri at home. Chop parsley, oregano, and garlic. Mix with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Let the flavors blend for 30 minutes before serving.
Spoon the sauce over your cooked steak just before eating. The tangy, herbal notes cut through the rich meat. Chimichurri also works well as a marinade before cooking.
Pairing Sides with Steak
Picking the right sides can make your steak dinner even better. The best sides go well with steak’s rich taste and texture.
Understanding Flavor Profiles
Steak has a strong, meaty flavor. You want sides that don’t overpower it.
Roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts work well. Their slightly bitter taste balances the steak’s richness.
Creamy sauces or buttery mashed potatoes add more richness. This can make the meal feel more luxurious.
Garlic bread or herb-roasted potatoes bring extra flavor that goes well with steak.
Acidic sides can cut through the fat. Try a tomato salad or grilled lemon wedges. These bright flavors refresh your taste buds between bites of steak.
Balancing Textures
Texture is key when picking steak sides.
Crispy onion rings or fries give a nice crunch. This contrasts with the tender meat.
Soft, creamy sides like mashed potatoes or creamed spinach feel good with steak too. They soak up the meat’s juices and add smoothness.
For a mix of textures, try a crisp salad with soft cheese. Or serve roasted veggies with both soft and crispy parts. This variety keeps each bite interesting.
Remember to think about how the sides look on the plate too. Different colors and shapes make the meal more appealing.
Nutritional Considerations
Pairing your steak with the right sides can boost the meal’s nutritional value. Smart choices help balance your plate and provide key nutrients.
Incorporating Vegetables
Veggies add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to your steak dinner.
Try a mixed green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers for a fresh crunch. Roasted broccoli or asparagus offer vitamins C and K.
Grilled zucchini or bell peppers bring color and antioxidants. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower “rice” or mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes.
Leafy greens like spinach or kale pack in iron and calcium. These nutrients support the iron you get from steak.
Managing Portion Sizes
Watch your portions to keep the meal balanced.
Fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with steak, and a quarter with a whole grain or starchy veggie.
Stick to a 3-4 ounce serving of steak, about the size of a deck of cards. This gives you protein without too much saturated fat.
Choose smaller sides to keep calories in check.
Try a half-cup of quinoa or a small baked sweet potato for healthy carbs.
Opt for lighter dressings and sauces.
Use herbs and spices to add flavor without extra calories.