15 Quick and Easy Side Dishes for Steak Nights
Side dishes for steak elevate the meal by bringing flavors and textures that complement steak’s hearty, rich taste. These sides add a perfect balance, from light and refreshing options to warm, comforting dishes, creating a complete dining experience.
Each side dish offers its own unique twist, enhancing the savory qualities of steak without overpowering it. Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions, these dishes bring variety and enjoyment to the table.
Ideal for those who love a well-rounded meal, these sides add excitement to every bite. Following is a list of 15 easy side dishes to serve with steak:
Green Beans
Green beans are a versatile side that complements steak beautifully.
Enhanced by shallot butter, they add both flavor and visual appeal to your meal.
The preparation involves melting butter with shallots, sugar, and vinegar in a pan before tossing in the green beans for a delightful sauté.
For an extra twist, incorporating sautéed mushrooms transforms this dish into something special that brings different textures and tastes together seamlessly.
Wedge Salad
Wedge salad is a refreshing starter that perfectly complements any steak dinner.
This iconic dish features crisp iceberg lettuce, crunchy bacon bits, and succulent tomatoes drizzled with rich bleu cheese dressing.
You can personalize your wedge by adding toppings such as hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas to enhance its heartiness.
The combination of textures and flavors creates an enjoyable contrast to the robust taste of steak, making it a popular choice for many occasions.
Corn On The Cob
Corn on the cob is a summer favorite that perfectly complements any grilled steak. This classic side dish stands out with its sweet and smoky flavor, especially when roasted to perfection alongside your main course.
The addition of butter creates a rich coating that enhances every bite, while chili powder and cotija cheese bring an exciting zestiness that's hard to resist. Drizzling lime juice adds just the right tang, making it even more refreshing.
With such simple ingredients, this side transforms into something special that pairs beautifully with juicy cuts of meat.
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy scalloped potatoes serve as a timeless partner to grilled steak, bringing rich layers of flavor and texture.
These thinly sliced potatoes are enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce that elevates any meal.
Utilizing an instant pot or slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing you to focus your attention on preparing the perfect cut of beef.
This side dish combines tradition with ease, making it an ideal choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Red Cabbage & Fennel Coleslaw
Red cabbage and fennel coleslaw offers a refreshing take on traditional slaw, elevating your meal with its bright flavors. This vibrant dish combines crunchy carrots, crisp cabbage, aromatic fennel, and shallots mixed in creamy mayonnaise for an appealing texture contrast.
The acidity of the vegetables not only enhances the overall taste but also balances well with grilled meats like steak. Preparing this side is straightforward, making it a perfect choice to complement your favorite red meat dishes while adding a gourmet flair to your table setting.
With its colorful presentation and unique flavor profile, this coleslaw stands out as an excellent accompaniment that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a deliciously crunchy alternative to traditional french fries, providing both flavor and nutrition. Baking these roots not only enhances their natural sweetness but also keeps them low in fat while boosting your vitamin intake.
A simple seasoning of salt and pepper brings out their taste, while adding smoked paprika and ground cumin introduces a delightful warmth that complements steak beautifully. These golden treats can transform any meal into an exciting culinary adventure without the guilt associated with typical fried options.
They pair effortlessly with various dipping sauces for those looking to add extra flair to each bite.
Sauce
Sauces are essential companions that enhance the experience of grilled meat.
Among these, Béarnaise sauce stands out with its rich blend of tarragon and vinegar, a classic choice rooted in French tradition.
South American chimichurri offers another enticing option, featuring garlic, shallots, and abundant parsley for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Earthy mushrooms or red wine sauce infused with shallots can also complement your steak beautifully while peppercorn adds a familiar zing to the dish.
Tomato Couscous Salad
Tomato couscous salad is a perfect complement to grilled steak, particularly on warm summer days.
This Mediterranean-inspired dish features plump cherry tomatoes and an assortment of savory vegetables combined with fluffy pearled couscous.
You’ll appreciate how it introduces a lightness that balances the richness of your meat while adding visual appeal to the plate.
With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this salad enhances any dining experience by offering a cool contrast that is both satisfying and elegant alongside hearty steaks.
Fondant Potatoes
Fondant potatoes are a stunning side dish that elevates any steak dinner with their rich flavor and elegant presentation. This recipe features the unique technique of browning the potatoes before bathing them in a delicious mixture of chicken stock, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and butter.
After achieving that perfect golden crust on your stovetop, these savory spuds transition to the oven for roasting while you focus on preparing your steak. The result is beautifully tender potatoes infused with aromatic herbs that complement beef perfectly without stealing the spotlight.
For an impressive meal, consider this delightful addition next time you're serving steak.
Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Brussels sprouts with bacon is a side that transforms this often-misunderstood vegetable into something truly delectable.
Roasting these little gems until they caramelize brings out their nutty flavor, making them more appealing even to those who typically shy away from Brussels sprouts.
Tossing in crispy bacon and fragrant garlic adds depth, while a sprinkle of salt enhances every bite.
Oven-Roasted Vegetables
Oven-roasted vegetables is a fantastic accompaniment to steak, elevating your meal with both flavor and nutrition.
Their simplicity shines through in the preparation; while you cook your steak, these veggies can roast away, developing rich flavors.
A medley of carrots, beets, and potatoes drizzled with balsamic vinegar and olive oil creates a mouthwatering contrast against the hearty taste of beef.
Adding fresh or dried herbs like sage or rosemary infuses an aromatic touch that complements every bite beautifully.
Baked French Fries
Baked French fries are a healthier alternative to the classic fried version, offering that satisfying crunch without the excess oil.
Thickly sliced potatoes create a hearty texture reminiscent of your favorite diner fare while retaining their skins for added flavor and nutrients.
Simply season with salt and pepper before baking to achieve that golden perfection you crave.
These crispy treats pair beautifully with steak, enhancing your meal experience effortlessly while keeping things light and guilt-free.
Mac And Cheese
Mac and cheese is a comforting classic that perfectly balances rich, creamy flavors with the heartiness of steak.
This beloved dish features tender pasta enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, making it an ideal companion to any juicy cut.
Adding crunchy breadcrumbs or crispy bacon elevates both texture and taste, creating an inviting experience for your palate.
Opting for sharp cheddar or parmesan can intensify the cheesy goodness, ensuring each bite enhances your meaty entrée beautifully.
Onion Rings
Onion rings are a crispy, flavorful companion that elevates any steak dinner.
Using sweet Vidalia onions soaked in buttermilk creates a tender texture that's hard to resist.
For an added crunch, coat the onion slices in cornmeal before frying them to golden perfection.
Pairing these rings with various dipping sauces enhances their appeal and adds an exciting twist to your meal experience.
Bread
Bread serves as a classic companion to steak, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Whether it’s fluffy dinner rolls slathered in butter or crispy garlic bread toasted just right, these options elevate your meal effortlessly.
A fresh French baguette can add a delightful crunch, while an Italian loaf brings rustic charm to the table.
To make it even better, adding aromatic garlic butter allows you to dip and savor each bite alongside your juicy steak.