Steak is a favorite meal for many people. A juicy, well-cooked steak can be the star of any dinner plate. But what you serve with your steak is just as important as the meat itself.

The right side dishes can take your steak dinner from good to great. They can add new flavors, textures, and colors to your meal. This article will look at 15 tasty sides that go well with steak. These options range from classic pairings to more unique choices that will make your next steak dinner extra special.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with steak. You’ll love the creamy texture and rich flavor they bring to your meal.

To make them, start with peeled and quartered potatoes. Boil them until tender, then drain and mash. Add warm milk, butter, and roasted garlic for extra depth.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a smoother consistency, use a potato ricer or food mill. Serve these velvety potatoes hot alongside your steak for a satisfying and comforting combination.

2. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus makes a perfect side for steak. Its smoky flavor complements the meat beautifully.

To prepare, wash the asparagus and trim the tough ends. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Grill the spears for 3-5 minutes, turning once. They’re done when tender and lightly charred.

For extra flavor, squeeze lemon juice over the asparagus before serving. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Grilled asparagus is not only tasty but also quick and easy to make. It’s a great way to add a healthy, green vegetable to your steak dinner.

3. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side dish that pairs perfectly with your juicy steak. This rich and velvety vegetable dish adds a touch of luxury to your meal.

To make creamed spinach, you’ll cook fresh spinach leaves until wilted. Then combine them with a creamy sauce made from butter, cream, and sometimes cream cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg enhance the flavor.

The smooth texture and mild taste of creamed spinach complement the robust flavors of steak. It’s a great way to add some greens to your plate while still indulging in a decadent side dish.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts make an excellent side dish for steak. Their slightly crunchy texture and earthy flavor complement the rich meat perfectly.

To prepare them, toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.

For extra flavor, try adding garlic, balsamic vinegar, or grated Parmesan cheese before serving. The caramelized edges of the sprouts offer a delicious contrast to your juicy steak.

This healthy vegetable side adds color and nutrients to your plate. It’s a simple yet impressive option that elevates any steak dinner.

5. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes make a great side dish for steak. They offer a sweet contrast to the savory meat.

To prepare them, wash and prick the sweet potatoes with a fork. Rub them with oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake at 425°F for about 45 minutes until soft.

You can top your baked sweet potatoes with butter, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, try adding cinnamon or chopped herbs.

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber. They’re a nutritious choice to round out your steak dinner.

6. Caesar Salad

Caesar salad makes a great side for steak. It’s a classic pairing that adds freshness to your meal. The crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons balance the rich steak.

The tangy, creamy dressing complements the meat’s flavors. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick that enhances the steak’s taste.

You can customize your Caesar salad with extras like grilled chicken or shrimp. This turns it into a heartier side dish. For a lighter option, stick to the traditional recipe.

Serve the salad on the side or use it as a bed for sliced steak. Either way, it’s a tasty addition to your steak dinner.

7. Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions make a perfect side for steak. To make them, slice onions thinly and cook them in a skillet over medium heat with oil or butter. Stir often and cook for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown and soft.

Add a pinch of salt to bring out the onions’ natural sweetness. For extra flavor, you can mix in some balsamic vinegar or beef broth near the end of cooking.

These savory-sweet onions complement the rich taste of steak beautifully. They’re easy to make and add a gourmet touch to your meal.

8. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto makes a tasty side dish for steak. This creamy rice dish has a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with beef.

To make it, cook Arborio rice slowly while adding warm broth. Stir in sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

The risotto’s velvety texture contrasts nicely with a juicy steak. Its savory umami taste complements the meat without overpowering it.

You can use different mushroom types like cremini, shiitake, or porcini for varied flavors. Add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra freshness.

9. Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a tasty side dish for steak. The creamy pasta complements the meat’s richness.

You can make homemade mac and cheese or use a boxed mix. Add some extra cheese on top for more flavor.

Try mixing in bacon bits or chopped jalapeños to spice things up. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs gives a nice crunch.

Serve your mac and cheese hot alongside the steak. The combo of tender meat and cheesy pasta is sure to please.

10. Green Beans Almondine

Green beans almondine makes a tasty side for steak. You blanch fresh green beans until crisp-tender. Then sauté them with butter and sliced almonds.

Add minced shallots or garlic for extra flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. The beans stay crisp and vibrant green.

This side comes together in about 10 minutes. It’s simple yet elegant. The almonds give a nice crunch to contrast the tender beans.

Green beans almondine pairs well with most steak preparations. It’s light enough not to overpower the meat. The butter ties it in with richer steak dishes.

11. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a perfect side for steak. The peppery arugula leaves add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich meat.

To make the vinaigrette, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. Add some Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.

Toss the arugula with the dressing just before serving. This keeps the leaves crisp and prevents wilting. You can add shaved Parmesan cheese on top for a salty, nutty finish.

For extra crunch, consider adding toasted almonds or pine nuts. Sliced avocado can also make a creamy addition to balance the tangy dressing.

12. Yorkshire Pudding

Yorkshire pudding is a perfect side for steak. This light, airy pastry puffs up in the oven, creating a crispy exterior and soft inside.

You can make Yorkshire pudding with a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk. Pour it into hot oil in a muffin tin and bake until golden brown.

The pudding’s neutral flavor lets your steak shine. It also soaks up gravy or meat juices wonderfully.

Serve individual puddings alongside your steak for a classic British touch. They add an interesting texture contrast to the meat.

13. Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Balsamic glazed carrots make a tasty side dish for steak. To make them, preheat your oven to 425°F.

Slice carrots in half lengthwise and place them on a baking sheet. Toss the carrots with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

Roast the carrots for about 20 minutes until they’re tender. The balsamic vinegar and honey create a sweet and tangy glaze as they cook.

This simple recipe brings out the natural sweetness of carrots. The caramelized glaze adds depth of flavor that pairs well with a juicy steak.

14. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes make a great side dish for steak. You’ll love the creamy, rich flavors that complement your meat perfectly.

These potatoes are sliced thin and layered with cheese and cream. They’re baked until golden and bubbly on top. The result is a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

Scalloped potatoes pair well with many cuts of steak. Try them with ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. The potatoes’ smooth texture contrasts nicely with the steak’s juicy bite.

To make this dish, you’ll need potatoes, cheese, cream, and seasonings. Some recipes add garlic or herbs for extra flavor. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the top is crispy.

15. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a perfect side for steak. Its sweet, smoky flavor complements the meat beautifully.

To prepare, soak corn in water for 30 minutes. Remove husks and silk, then brush with butter and sprinkle with salt.

Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. The kernels will char slightly, adding depth to the flavor.

You can customize your corn with herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lime juice. It’s a versatile side that’s sure to please at your next steak dinner.

Wine Pairings with Steak

Red wines are the classic choice for steak, but some white wines can also work well. The right pairing depends on the cut of meat and how it’s prepared.

Red Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon is a top pick for steak. Its bold flavor and high tannins match the rich taste of beef. Malbec is another great option. It’s fruity but still has enough body to stand up to steak.

For leaner cuts like filet mignon, try a lighter red. Pinot Noir can be a good match. Its lower tannins won’t overpower the meat.

Syrah or Shiraz pairs well with pepper-crusted steak. These wines have peppery notes that complement the seasoning.

White Wines

While less common, some white wines can pair nicely with steak. Chardonnay, especially oaked versions, can work with buttery steak dishes.

For a refreshing contrast, try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. It can cut through the richness of fatty cuts like ribeye.

Sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco can be unexpected but delightful choices. Their bubbles and acidity cleanse your palate between bites of steak.

Historical Significance of Steak Sides

Steak sides have played an important role in shaping dining traditions. They’ve added variety and balance to steak meals for generations.

Traditional Pairings

Potatoes became a classic steak side in the 1800s. Baked potatoes were easy to prepare and went well with the meat’s rich flavor. Mashed potatoes gained popularity in the early 1900s as kitchen tools improved.

Creamed spinach emerged as a steakhouse staple in the 1940s. It offered a creamy contrast to the steak’s texture. Green beans almondine became trendy in the 1950s, adding a touch of elegance to steak dinners.

Steakhouses in the 1960s often served wedge salads. The crisp iceberg lettuce and tangy blue cheese dressing cut through the steak’s richness.

Regional Variations

In the American South, grilled corn on the cob became a popular steak side. Its sweetness complemented the savory meat. Southerners also enjoyed black-eyed peas with their steaks, a tradition dating back to the Civil War era.

In the Midwest, creamed corn emerged as a favorite side dish. Farmers used fresh corn from nearby fields to make this comforting accompaniment.

Texas steakhouses often served ranch-style beans. This hearty side reflected the state’s cowboy culture. In New England, baked beans became a common steak side. The dish’s origins traced back to Native American cooking methods.

French-influenced regions paired steak with pommes frites (french fries). This combination gained worldwide popularity in the 20th century.