Looking for easy and quick sides for steaks! Forget the wimpy lettuce and sad tomato!
When it comes to cooking a delicious steak, choosing the right side dish can elevate the meal. If you prefer a classic steakhouse-style side or something a bit more unique, there are plenty of options to choose from.
One classic side dish that pairs perfectly with a juicy steak is a loaded baked potato. Top a baked potato with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon for a rich and satisfying side. Another classic option is creamed spinach, which adds a touch of elegance to any steak dinner. For a lighter option, try a simple salad of mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
The key is finding sides that play well with the rich and savory notes of the steak. Think of creamy sauces, earthy mushrooms, or the zing of a chimichurri.
In this article, I’ll be sharing my top 15 favorite side dishes to serve with steaks.
Great Flavor Pairings for Steak
Steak is a deliciously decadent cut of meat that’s usually grilled or seared. It has a rich, savory flavor, which you can further enhance with seasoning and herbs.
- Umami flavors: Steak is rich in glutamates, making it naturally packed with umami. You can enhance this flavor with other naturally umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, soy sauce, and cheese.
- Creamy flavors: Steak’s savory flavor is robust enough to withstand rich, creamy additions like mashed potatoes or a blue cheese sauce. Even a simple knob of butter works well with steak.
- Bitter flavors: Bitter elements help offset the richness of your steak. You can try pairing it with veggies like Brussels sprouts or arugula. A bitter cocktail on the side like Negroni also works.
17 Easy Sides That Pair Perfectly with Steak
Classic Potato Sides For Steaks
When it comes to steak, classic potato sides are always a hit. Here are three of my favorite potato side dishes that pair perfectly with steak:
1- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic for a reason. They’re creamy, garlicky, and oh-so-delicious. To make them, simply boil some potatoes until they’re tender, then mash them with butter, milk, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re good to go.
For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix.
2- Herb Roasted Potatoes
If you’re looking for something a little more savory, herb-roasted potatoes are a great option. Simply toss some cubed potatoes with olive oil, fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and parsley), and salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.
3- Potato Au Gratin (Dauphinoise)
For a more indulgent potato side dish, try making potato au gratin. This dish is made by layering thinly sliced potatoes with cream, cheese, and seasonings, then baking until bubbly and golden brown.
It’s rich, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Serve it alongside your favorite cut of steak for a meal that’s sure to impress.
4- Potato Raita
Aloo Raita (Potato Raita, Aloo Ka Raita) is a refreshing Indian accompaniment made with fresh yogurt, potatoes, and a few Indian spices. Serve it with any Indian-style meal (vegetarian, gluten-free).
5- Roasted Baby Red Potatoes
Vegetable Sides For Steak
When it comes to steak, nothing complements it better than a side of delicious vegetables. Here are my top three vegetable accompaniments that will elevate your steak dinner to the next level.
6- Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with steak. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a depth of flavor to the asparagus that perfectly complements the rich flavor of the steak.
To prepare, simply toss the asparagus in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill over medium-high heat until tender and slightly charred.
7- Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a decadent side dish that adds a touch of elegance to any steak dinner. To make this dish, sauté fresh spinach in butter until wilted, then add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the sauce has thickened and the cheese has melted.
The result is a creamy, rich side dish that perfectly balances the bold flavors of the steak.
8- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with steak. To prepare, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender and caramelized. For an extra burst of flavor, try adding balsamic vinegar or bacon to the dish.
9- Grilled Broccoli
Salads and Slaws Sides For Steak
As a steak lover, I always find myself looking for the perfect side dish to complement my juicy and flavorful steak.
One of my go-to options is a salad or slaw, which adds a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich and meaty flavors of the steak. Here are some of my favorite salad and slaw options that always make my steak dinners complete.
10- Caesar Salad
When it comes to salads, Caesar salad is a classic that never disappoints. The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that goes well with any steak.
I like to add some shaved parmesan cheese and black pepper to mine to give it an extra kick of flavor.
11- Wedge Salad
Another classic salad that pairs well with steak is the wedge salad. The simple combination of iceberg lettuce, bacon bits, blue cheese dressing, and cherry tomatoes creates a refreshing and satisfying side dish that complements the richness of the steak.
I like to add some chopped chives and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to mine for an extra pop of flavor.
12- Coleslaw
If you’re looking for a slaw option, coleslaw is a great choice. The combination of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing creates a refreshing and crunchy side dish that pairs well with any steak. I like to add some diced apples and raisins to mine for a touch of sweetness and texture.
13- Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
This Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is one of the best sides for steaks that I have ever tried. I am going to tell you the perfect recipe for this Healthy Mediterranean Chickpea Salad that is super delicious and filled with veggies.
All you need is a handful of ingredients and some minutes to make this meal for an amazing side dish for a steak dinner.
This nutritious salad is our family favorite which is made by tossing chickpeas with fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta, parsley, and bright lemon vinaigrette.
14- Mediterranean Orange Pomegranate Salad
You will love this simple and easy Mediterranean Orange Pomegranate Salad recipe. This salad is a refreshing side dish for steaks during summer days.
The combo of sweet oranges and pomegranate seeds, serving as a base and sprinkle of feta and other spices gives you a delightful taste and texture.
Rich and Creamy Sides For Steaks
When it comes to side dishes for steak, sometimes rich and creamy options are just what you need to balance out the bold flavors of the meat. Here are two of my favorite options:
15- Smoked Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with steak. The smoked creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta go well with the steak.
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding smoky bacon and crunchy, buttered breadcrumbs. A sharp or aged cheddar cheese will give the dish maximum flavor.
16- Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are another rich and creamy side dish that goes well with steak. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a creamy sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
15- Lancashire Butter Pie
It is, quite simply, a pie filled with potatoes, onion, and butter; it has flaky pastry on the base, sides and top, and given the simplicity of its contents, a generous amount of salt and pepper. It is traditionally eaten with braised red cabbage.
Bread and Rolls Sides For Steaks
When it comes to serving steak, bread and rolls are a must-have. They are perfect for soaking up the delicious juices and flavors of the steak. Here are two of my favorite bread and roll options that are sure to take your steak dinner to the next level.
16- Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with steak. It’s easy to make and adds a delicious garlic flavor to your meal.
To make garlic bread, simply slice a baguette or Italian bread loaf, spread butter and minced garlic on each slice, and bake in the oven until golden brown. You can also add some shredded parmesan cheese on top for an extra kick of flavor.
17- Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are another great option for serving with steak. They are soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up the juices from your steak.
You can serve them warm with butter or even make them into mini steak sandwiches. To make dinner rolls, you’ll need flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, and milk. Mix the ingredients, let the dough rise, and bake in the oven until golden brown.
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
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