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Best side dishes with steak – Elevate your steak dinners with the perfect side dishes. From classic vegetable accompaniments to innovative culinary creations, this guide will explore a delectable array of options that will complement your steak and enhance your dining experience.
Whether you prefer grilled asparagus, creamy mashed potatoes, or a refreshing green salad, this guide will provide you with all the inspiration you need to create a memorable steak dinner.
Popular Vegetable Sides
When pairing steak with vegetables, consider flavors that complement the richness of the meat. Grilled asparagus, roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, and creamed spinach are classic choices that offer a range of textures and flavors.
Grilled Asparagus
- Trim the woody ends of asparagus spears.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill over medium heat until tender and slightly charred.
Roasted Broccoli
- Cut broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
Sautéed Mushrooms
- Slice mushrooms.
- Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet.
- Sauté mushrooms until softened and browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Creamed Spinach
- Sauté spinach in butter until wilted.
- In a separate pan, make a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Combine spinach and sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Starch Accompaniments
Starch-based side dishes are a classic complement to steak, providing a hearty and satisfying foundation for the main course. These accompaniments come in various forms, each offering a unique texture and flavor profile to enhance the overall dining experience.
When choosing a starch accompaniment, consider the cooking method of the steak and the desired balance of flavors. For grilled or pan-seared steaks, roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes are excellent choices, providing a crispy or creamy contrast to the steak’s exterior.
For braised or slow-cooked steaks, rice pilaf or pasta dishes offer a more absorbent and flavorful base.
Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy and smooth, mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with any type of steak.
- Use starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for a fluffy texture.
- Add butter, milk, and seasonings to taste.
Roasted Potatoes
- Crispy and flavorful, roasted potatoes are a great choice for grilled or pan-seared steaks.
- Cut potatoes into wedges or cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast in a preheated oven until golden brown.
Rice Pilaf
- Fluffy and aromatic, rice pilaf is a perfect accompaniment for braised or slow-cooked steaks.
- Cook rice in a seasoned broth with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions.
- Add herbs and spices for extra flavor.
Pasta Dishes
- Versatile and satisfying, pasta dishes offer a wide range of options to complement steak.
- Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Pair with a flavorful sauce, such as a creamy Alfredo or a tangy tomato sauce.
Salad Options: Best Side Dishes With Steak
Accompany your steak with a refreshing and vibrant salad that complements its robust flavors. From crisp green salads to creamy Caesar salads and hearty potato salads, there are various options to choose from.
Green salads, such as mixed greens, arugula, or spinach salads, offer a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of steak. They can be dressed with a simple vinaigrette or a more flavorful dressing, such as a honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic choice that pairs well with steak. It consists of romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, garlic, and anchovies. The addition of croutons and freshly shaved Parmesan adds texture and flavor to this iconic salad.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a hearty and flavorful side dish that can accompany steak. It is typically made with boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, celery, onion, and hard-boiled eggs. Variations include adding bacon, dill, or mustard to enhance the flavor profile.
Sauces and Condiments
Sauces and condiments can enhance the flavor of steak and complement its richness. They add moisture, depth, and complexity to the dish.
Béarnaise Sauce
Béarnaise sauce is a classic French sauce made with egg yolks, white wine vinegar, shallots, tarragon, and butter. It is creamy, rich, and herbaceous, with a slightly tangy flavor. Béarnaise sauce pairs well with grilled or roasted steak.
Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a South American sauce made with fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and chili peppers. It is bright, herbaceous, and slightly spicy. Chimichurri is a versatile sauce that can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or topping for steak.
Horseradish Sauce
Horseradish sauce is a sharp and pungent condiment made from grated horseradish root, vinegar, and cream. It adds a spicy kick to steak and can help to balance out the richness of the meat. Horseradish sauce is a classic accompaniment to prime rib.
Steak Sauce
Steak sauce is a commercial sauce specifically designed to enhance the flavor of steak. It typically contains a blend of tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and herbs. Steak sauce is a convenient and flavorful option for those who want to add a little extra something to their steak without having to make a sauce from scratch.
Creative Combinations
Explore unconventional side dishes that add unexpected flavors and textures to your steak experience.
Venture beyond traditional accompaniments and discover innovative pairings that will elevate your steak to new heights.
If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to accompany your juicy steak, consider pairing it with a grilled cheese sandwich. The combination of tender steak and melted cheese creates a delicious and satisfying meal. To make grilled cheese in the oven, simply spread butter on one side of two slices of bread, place your favorite cheese in between, and bake until golden brown.
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to make grilled cheese in the oven. Grilled cheese is a quick and easy side dish that will elevate your steak dinner to the next level.
Grilled Fruit
- Grilled Peaches:The natural sweetness of peaches complements the savory flavors of steak, creating a delightful balance.
- Grilled Pineapple:Pineapple’s tangy acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of steak.
- Grilled Mango:Mango’s tropical sweetness and juicy texture create a vibrant and flavorful accompaniment.
Polenta Cakes
Polenta cakes are a versatile and creative side dish that can be customized with various herbs and spices.
- Herbed Polenta Cakes:Add fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the polenta batter for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
- Roasted Red Pepper Polenta Cakes:Incorporate roasted red peppers into the polenta mixture for a smoky and sweet addition.
- Cheesy Polenta Cakes:Add grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese to the polenta for a rich and indulgent side.
Roasted Root Vegetables, Best side dishes with steak
Root vegetables, when roasted, develop a caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with steak.
- Roasted Carrots and Parsnips:These classic root vegetables become tender and sweet when roasted, creating a colorful and flavorful side.
- Roasted Beets and Potatoes:Beets add a vibrant color and earthy sweetness, while potatoes provide a hearty base to this roasted medley.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes:Brussels sprouts bring a slightly bitter note, while sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness to this savory combination.
Dietary Considerations
When selecting side dishes to accompany steak, it’s important to consider any specific dietary needs of your guests or family members. Here are some options that cater to common dietary restrictions:
Gluten-Free
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- Grilled or roasted vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus)
- Baked or mashed potatoes
- Quinoa or brown rice
- Gluten-free bread or rolls
Vegetarian
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- Grilled or roasted vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus)
- Baked or mashed potatoes
- Quinoa or brown rice
- Grilled or roasted tofu
- Vegetarian chili
Low-Carb
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- Grilled or roasted vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus)
- Cauliflower mash
- Grilled or roasted broccoli
- Green salad with low-carb dressing
Ending Remarks
With so many side dish options to choose from, you can customize your steak dinner to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Experiment with different combinations and discover new favorites that will make your steak dinners even more enjoyable.
