Plenty of Simple Side Dishes for Steak

Few culinary experiences rival the pure pleasure of a perfectly cooked steak. Whether it’s a succulent ribeye, a tender filet mignon, or a robust sirloin, the rich, beefy flavor and satisfying texture make it a centerpiece worth celebrating. But a truly memorable steak dinner isn’t complete without the ideal supporting cast: the side dishes. These accompaniments elevate the meal, balancing flavors, adding textural contrast, and transforming a simple piece of meat into a grand culinary event.

The art of pairing sides with a main course is a delicate dance. You want flavors that complement, not compete, and textures and colors that create visual appeal and a harmonious dining experience. With steak, you have a surprising amount of freedom. Steaks are often prepared simply – grilled, pan-seared, broiled, or even smoked – allowing their inherent quality to shine. This simplicity means your side dishes can truly express themselves, adding layers of complexity and flavor to your plate.

From classic steakhouse staples to innovative and exotic vegetable creations, the possibilities are virtually endless. This comprehensive guide will explore over 50 delectable side dishes, ensuring you find the perfect match for any steak, any occasion, and any craving. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey to discover the ultimate companions for your next steak dinner.

How To Select The Best Side Dishes For Your Steak

While steak offers immense flexibility in side pairings, a few considerations can help you narrow down the vast options and create a truly exceptional meal:

• Consider the Occasion: Fancy or Casual? The type of steak and the formality of your meal should influence your side choices. A luxurious filet mignon for a special anniversary dinner might call for elegant, delicate sides like roasted asparagus with hollandaise or creamy potato gratin. In contrast, a casual weeknight grilled sirloin could be perfectly paired with hearty mac and cheese, a fully loaded baked potato, or a vibrant corn salad. Matching the side to the ambiance ensures a cohesive dining experience.
• Assess Your Time and Effort: How Much Work Do You Want to Do? Preparing a steak to perfection can sometimes demand your full attention. If you’re aiming for a stress-free meal, opt for simple sides that require minimal effort or can be prepared in advance. Think quick sautéed greens, a refreshing salad, or potatoes that roast alongside your steak. For those who enjoy more time in the kitchen, “à la minute” (last-minute) dishes or more intricate preparations can add a gourmet touch.
• Plan for Leftovers: Do You Want More for Tomorrow? Many side dishes reheat beautifully, offering a convenient bonus meal. Casserole-style sides, roasted vegetables, and certain potato dishes are excellent candidates for leftovers, making your cooking efforts go further. Consider this if you’re cooking for one or two and want to minimize food waste, or if you simply enjoy having delicious meal components ready to go.
• Balance Your Plate: What Kind of Sides Do You Prefer? Traditional steak dinners often feature a starch (like potatoes) and a vegetable. This classic combination provides a well-rounded meal in terms of nutrients and satiety. However, don’t feel limited. You might prefer two vegetable sides for a lighter meal, or perhaps a double dose of starchy comfort. Think about the overall nutritional balance and your personal preferences. A crisp salad can cut through the richness of a fatty steak, while a creamy gratin can amplify the indulgence.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can expertly craft a steak dinner that is not only delicious but also perfectly suited to your needs and preferences.

Irresistible Starchy Steak Side Dish Options

When it comes to satisfying hunger and adding comforting bulk to your steak dinner, starchy sides are indispensable. Potatoes, corn, and pasta lead the charge, offering an incredible variety of preparations that can transform your meal. These are often the “filler” of the meal, providing energy and a delightful counterpoint to the rich flavors of beef.

Potatoes: The Ultimate Steak Companion

Potatoes are arguably the most classic and versatile starch to serve with steak. Their earthy flavor and ability to take on various textures make them a perennial favorite.

• Baked Potatoes: A quintessential choice, especially when loaded with butter, sour cream, chives, and even bacon bits. Simple, satisfying, and customizable.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, dreamy, and utterly comforting. Whether classic garlic mashed, herbed, or enriched with cheese, they provide a smooth counterpoint to steak.
• Roasted Potatoes: Cubed, quartered, or fingerlings, roasted with herbs like rosemary and thyme until golden and crisp, offer a rustic elegance.
• Au Gratin or Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce are pure indulgence, perfect for a fancy steak night.
• French Fries/Steak Fries: For a casual yet delicious pairing, crispy fries are hard to beat. Season them simply with salt or go gourmet with truffle oil and parmesan.
• Hasselback Potatoes: Visually stunning and wonderfully crisp-edged, these are a more sophisticated take on the baked potato.
• Potato Salad: For a summer steak cookout, a creamy or vinegar-based potato salad can be a refreshing alternative.

Beyond Potatoes: Other Delightful Starches

While potatoes often steal the show, other starchy sides offer unique flavors and textures:

• Creamed Corn: Sweet and savory, creamed corn offers a delightful contrast to steak and is a comforting classic.
• Corn on the Cob: Especially when grilled or boiled and slathered with butter, it’s a simple, seasonal favorite.
• Rice Pilaf: A fragrant and seasoned rice dish can be a lighter alternative to potatoes, soaking up any delicious steak juices.
• Macaroni and Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food experience, a rich and cheesy mac and cheese is an undeniable crowd-pleaser.
• Risotto: Creamy mushroom or parmesan risotto can add an Italian flair and luxurious texture to your steak meal.
• Bread: Crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any sauces or pan drippings.

Fresh and Vibrant Vegetable Side Dishes for Steaks

Vegetable sides are essential for balancing the richness of steak, adding freshness, color, and vital nutrients. From crisp salads to hearty roasted root vegetables, the options are plentiful and can be tailored to any season or preference.

Green Vegetables: Crisp, Tender, and Flavorful

These vibrant greens not only add beautiful color but also offer a refreshing counterpoint to the main course.

• Asparagus: Roasted, grilled, or steamed, often with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parmesan, asparagus is a quintessential steakhouse side.
• Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic and almonds, or simply blanched and tossed with butter, green beans are a versatile and easy choice.
• Creamed Spinach: Rich, decadent, and a classic pairing that often accompanies steak in fine dining establishments.
• Broccoli/Broccolini: Roasted with olive oil and chili flakes, or steamed, these cruciferous vegetables offer a satisfying bite.
• Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until caramelized and crispy, perhaps with bacon or a balsamic glaze, they are a modern favorite.

Hearty and Flavorful Root Vegetables

Root vegetables bring a grounding, earthy sweetness and robust texture to your steak plate.

• Roasted Carrots: Glazed with honey or maple syrup, or simply roasted with herbs, carrots offer natural sweetness.
• Parsnip Puree: A creamy alternative to mashed potatoes, parsnip puree has a unique, slightly spicy sweetness.
• Sweet Potato Fries/Baked Sweet Potatoes: A popular, healthier alternative to traditional potatoes, offering a different flavor profile.

Salads: Light, Refreshing, and Cuts Through Richness

A crisp, cool salad can provide a welcome contrast to the warm, rich steak.

• Wedge Salad: A steakhouse classic with crisp iceberg lettuce, blue cheese dressing, bacon, and tomatoes.
• Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan, and a creamy Caesar dressing is another timeless pairing.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple vinaigrette-dressed mixed green salad with seasonal vegetables can be light and refreshing.
• Caprese Salad: Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic glaze offer a taste of Italian summer.

Mushrooms and Other Specialty Vegetables

These options add a touch of gourmet flair and umami depth.

• Sautéed Mushrooms: Button, cremini, or wild mushrooms sautéed with garlic, butter, and herbs are a luxurious addition.
• Mushrooms and Onions: A classic pairing, especially when caramelized, offering a sweet and savory element.
• Grilled Bell Peppers and Onions: A colorful and flavorful medley, especially good with grilled steaks.
• Ratatouille: A flavorful French vegetable stew that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Beyond the Basics: Unique Steak Accompaniments

While the classics are always reliable, sometimes you want to venture into more unique or luxurious territory to truly elevate your steak dinner. These options go beyond the traditional starch and vegetable, adding unexpected twists and gourmet touches.

• Onion Rings: Crispy, golden, and wonderfully indulgent, a side of onion rings offers a delightful textural contrast and savory flavor. They’re perfect for a more casual yet satisfying steak experience.
• Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern-inspired side that brings a tangy, crisp, and slightly tart element, cutting through the richness of the beef beautifully.
• Creamed Corn Casserole: A step up from simple creamed corn, this baked dish offers a richer, more substantial texture, often with a crunchy topping.
• Brussels Sprouts Gratin: For those who love Brussels sprouts and creamy gratins, this combines the best of both worlds into a deeply satisfying side.
• Grilled Polenta: Creamy polenta that’s been chilled, sliced, and then grilled or pan-fried offers a unique texture and subtly sweet corn flavor.
• Artichoke Hearts: Roasted, grilled, or marinated artichoke hearts provide a distinctive, slightly tangy flavor and tender texture.
• Fried Okra: Another Southern delicacy, fried okra is crisp on the outside and tender inside, adding a fun and flavorful element.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw, either creamy or vinegar-based, can offer a refreshing contrast, especially with grilled steaks.
• Bread Pudding (Savory): While less common, a savory bread pudding incorporating cheese, herbs, or mushrooms can be a surprisingly sophisticated and comforting side.
• Cornbread: Sweet or savory, a warm slice of cornbread can be a delightful addition, particularly with BBQ-style or chili-rubbed steaks.

Making Your Final Decision: Choosing the Best Side Dish for Steak

With an abundance of delicious options, selecting the “best” side dish for your steak dinner comes down to a few key factors: your personal taste, the effort you’re willing to put in, and the desired overall feel of the meal. Do you crave something hearty and comforting like creamy mashed potatoes, or a lighter, zestier option like lemon-garlic asparagus?

Don’t be afraid to experiment! A novice cook might stick to simpler preparations like a fresh salad or perfectly baked potato, while more experienced chefs might tackle a complex gratin or a gourmet mushroom risotto. The goal is to create a meal that brings you joy and satisfies your palate.

No matter which sides you choose from this extensive list of over 50 easy side dishes for your steak dinner, you’re sure to create a memorable and delicious experience. Happy eating, and remember to pass the steak sauce! And speaking of sauces, don’t miss the incredible Chipotle Bourbon BBQ Sauce recipe below – it’s an amazing addition that pairs wonderfully with grilled steaks and a variety of other dishes.