Steak is a classic main dish that deserves equally delicious sides. The right accompaniments can take your steak dinner to the next level.
From veggies to starches, there are many tasty options to round out your meal.
You’ll find a variety of side dishes that pair perfectly with steak in this list. Some are traditional steakhouse favorites, while others offer a fresh twist.
With these sides, you can create a complete and satisfying steak dinner at home.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with steak. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by boiling peeled potatoes until tender.
While they cook, sauté minced garlic in butter for extra flavor.
Mash the cooked potatoes and mix in the garlic butter, milk, and salt to taste. For creamier potatoes, use a ricer or food mill instead of a masher.
Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed. Serve hot alongside your juicy steak for a satisfying meal.
2. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side dish that pairs perfectly with a juicy steak. This rich and creamy vegetable dish adds a luxurious touch to your meal.
To make creamed spinach, start with frozen chopped spinach or fresh spinach leaves.
Cook them with butter, onions, and garlic. Then mix in a creamy sauce made from milk, flour, and cheese.
The result is a smooth, velvety spinach side that complements the robust flavors of steak. Its mild taste and soft texture provide a nice contrast to the meat.
You can easily prepare creamed spinach at home or find it on the menu at many steakhouses. It’s a popular choice that adds color and nutrients to your plate.
3. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a perfect match for steak. Its smoky flavor complements the meat beautifully.
To prepare, simply toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Place them on a hot grill for 3-5 minutes, turning once. The result is tender-crisp asparagus with lovely char marks.
You can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Grilled asparagus not only tastes great but also looks elegant on the plate. Its bright green color adds a fresh pop to your steak dinner. Plus, it’s a healthy choice that balances out the richness of the meat.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for steak. To prepare them, start by trimming the ends and removing any yellow leaves. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise.
Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Roast the sprouts in a 400°F oven until they’re tender and caramelized. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. For extra flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or some crispy bacon bits before serving.
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a tasty twist on classic steak fries. They offer a nice balance of sweetness and crispiness that pairs well with a juicy steak.
You can make them at home by slicing sweet potatoes thinly and baking or frying them until crisp. For extra flavor, try seasoning them with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sweet potato fries are not only delicious but also more nutritious than regular fries. They’re packed with vitamins and fiber.
Serve them alongside your steak with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or chipotle mayo for a satisfying meal. The combination of flavors will make your taste buds happy.
6. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a great choice to pair with steak. This classic salad adds a fresh, crisp element to your meal. The crunchy romaine lettuce and creamy dressing complement the rich flavors of the steak.
You can easily make Caesar salad at home. Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. For extra flavor, add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
To save time, use store-bought dressing and croutons. Or make your own for a more personalized touch. Either way, Caesar salad is a tasty side that balances out a hearty steak dinner.
7. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are a classic steakhouse side dish that you can easily make at home. They pair perfectly with a juicy steak, adding earthy flavor and meaty texture.
To make them, start with fresh mushrooms like button or cremini. Slice them and cook in a hot skillet with butter and olive oil until golden brown.
Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Some recipes include a splash of red wine or Worcestershire sauce for depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley make a nice finishing touch.
The key is cooking the mushrooms until they release their moisture and become tender. This brings out their rich, savory taste that complements steak so well.
8. Onion Rings
Onion rings make a tasty side for steak. The crispy coating and sweet onion flavor complement the meat well.
You can buy frozen onion rings or make them from scratch. To make your own, dip onion slices in batter and fry until golden brown.
Serve onion rings hot alongside your steak. They’re great for dipping in ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.
For a twist, try topping your steak with a few onion rings. This adds crunch and extra flavor to each bite.
9. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that pairs well with steak. Its creamy texture and rich flavor complement the meat nicely.
You can make it from scratch or use a boxed mix for convenience. Add some breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Consider mixing in some crispy bacon bits or diced jalapeños to give it a flavor boost. You can also experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite combination.
Serve it in individual ramekins for a cute presentation. This hearty side will help round out your steak dinner and satisfy any comfort food cravings.
10. Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine is a great side dish for steak. It’s easy to make and adds a nice crunch to your meal.
To prepare it, cook fresh green beans until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Then quickly cool them in ice water to keep their color.
In a skillet, toast some sliced almonds until they’re golden. Add butter, shallots, and garlic for extra flavor.
Mix the cooked green beans with the almond mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This side dish brings a fresh, nutty flavor that pairs well with the richness of steak. It’s a simple way to add color and nutrition to your plate.
11. Truffle Fries
Truffle fries are a luxurious twist on regular french fries. They pair perfectly with steak, adding an elegant touch to your meal.
To make truffle fries, start by cutting potatoes into thin strips. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for about 35-40 minutes.
Once crispy, drizzle the fries with truffle oil and sprinkle with more Parmesan and chopped parsley. The earthy truffle flavor complements the richness of steak beautifully.
For extra crispiness, you can deep fry the potatoes instead of baking. Serve your truffle fries hot alongside your steak for a truly indulgent meal.
12. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic summer side that pairs perfectly with steak. Its sweet flavor complements the savory meat beautifully.
You can grill, boil, or roast the corn for different tastes and textures. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that matches well with grilled steak.
Butter and salt are traditional toppings, but you can get creative. Try sprinkling on some chili powder or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Corn on the cob is easy to prepare and fun to eat. It’s a great choice for casual cookouts or family dinners.
13. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with steak. This Italian classic combines ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves.
To make it, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella. Arrange them on a plate, alternating between the two. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. The bright flavors of the caprese salad complement the richness of steak perfectly.
You can also try variations like adding avocado slices or using cherry tomatoes for a different twist on this simple yet delicious side dish.
14. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with steak. Its crisp texture and tangy flavor provide a nice contrast to the rich meat.
You can make coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. For a lighter version, try using a vinegar-based dressing instead.
Add some crunch by mixing in chopped apples or nuts. You can also experiment with different spices like celery seed or caraway to give your coleslaw a unique twist.
Serve your coleslaw cold for the best taste and texture. It’s a great make-ahead option that will save you time on busy evenings.
15. Parmesan Risotto
Parmesan risotto is a creamy, flavorful side dish that pairs well with steak. You can make it by slowly cooking Arborio rice in broth, stirring often to release the starches.
Add grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a rich, nutty flavor. The creamy texture of risotto complements the juicy steak nicely.
For extra flavor, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like Gorgonzola or Pecorino Romano.
Serve your risotto hot alongside your steak for a filling and satisfying meal.
Roasted Options for Rich Depth
Roasting brings out deep, complex flavors in vegetables.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a popular choice. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy outside and tender inside.
Roasted potatoes offer a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Cut them into wedges, toss with oil and rosemary, and roast until golden. They’re perfect for soaking up steak juices.
For a colorful option, try a mix of roasted root vegetables.
Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes work well. Cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
The high heat caramelizes their natural sugars, creating a sweet and savory side.