Steak is one of the most satisfying, flavorful and fancy dishes you can whip up.
But when it’s eaten on its own, without any side dish?
Too plain. Too bland.
That said, let’s talk about some of the best side dishes you can pair with your steak. Whether you prefer savory, sweet, or healthy sides, there’s a delicious option waiting for you!
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Starting with the classic—you can never go wrong with pairing mashed potatoes with your steak.
The familiar buttery and creamy texture of this side goes very well with the richness of meat dishes.
Plus, it also adds a smooth layer of texture that makes each bite of your meal more enjoyable and diverse.
Oh, and have I mentioned that this side dish is incredibly easy to make?
Though, you probably already know that, don’t you?
If you already have some russet potatoes, sour cream, garlic, butter, and whole milk at home, you won’t need to take extra trips to the grocery store to pair some delicious garlic mashed potatoes with your steak.
Full recipe: here.
2. Fresh Corn Salad
I’ve always loved pairing oven-roasted corn on the cob with juicy grilled steak.
However, since that side is slightly messy to eat (let’s be honest), I’ve lately preferred to pair corn salad with my meat instead.
This side is refreshing, healthy, and easily customizable.
To make it even more convenient, it also doesn’t involve any form of cooking at all!
Just combine the corn kernels with the fresh ingredients and seasoning in a bowl and keep it in the fridge until it’s time to serve with your perfectly cooked steak later.
Full recipe: here.
3. Oven-roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms
Anytime I want a simple yet flavorful steak side dish that I can just pop in the oven while I cook the meat, I opt for oven-roasted asparagus and mushrooms.
The subtle sweetness and earthiness of the vegetables really complement the savory richness of steak.
Not to mention, the perfect contrast between the tender mushrooms and slightly firm asparagus adds great texture.
Once you learn how to prepare this dish, you can always swap out or add the vegetables you prefer and even get creative with the seasoning as well!
This side is always a nice, healthy addition to steak. An easy-to-prepare dish that’s packed with nutrition.
Full recipe: here.
4. Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Another healthy yet innovative side that you can pair up with steak is balsamic roasted brussel sprouts.
If you love the playful combination of sweetness and tanginess, you’re sure to love this side as well.
I usually just prepare this side dish by following the recipe below as is.
However, if you want to get more creative, you can always top this dish off with some nuts or crispy bacon bits!
Full recipe: here.
5. Honey-roasted Carrots
This side is always a family favorite at our table, and everyone expects it when we’re cooking meat for dinner!
That’s a win for me as the home cook because this dish only requires 5 basic ingredients and takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
Simply chop the carrots to your preferred size, coat them in butter with a pinch of salt, and roast them in the oven for about 15 minutes.
Once the carrots are partially cooked, drizzle them with honey and pop them back in the oven until they turn beautifully golden brown.
Full recipe: here.
6. Air Fryer Potato Fries
Of course, we can’t just talk about the best sides for steak without mentioning the timeless classic pairing of steak and fries.
This combo is one of the most popular choices in steakhouses for a reason.
The potato fries are incredibly filling and perfectly crispy, making them an ideal match with your steak.
You can either fry your fries the traditional way in deep oil, but a healthier cooking method is air frying this side.
If you love this steak side, make sure to also try out pairing sweet potato fries with steak next time.
Full recipe: here.
7. Crispy Onion Rings
Another tried-and-tested fried favorite that pairs perfectly with steak is none other than a heaping serving of crispy onion rings.
If I’m cooking for a crowd, maybe for game days or family gatherings, this side is my go-to when serving steak!
Cooking it is as easy as dipping onions into a seasoned batter and frying each batch for about 3-4 minutes.
Feel free to adjust the batter’s seasoning as you see fit to create variations such as spicy, herb-infused, and cheesy!
Ful recipe: here.
One Step Closer to the Best Steak Plate
Now that you know the best side dishes you can serve with your steak, you’ll be a step closer to preparing the best steak meal ever!
Remember, though, that these sides can only truly shine if they’re paired with a properly cooked and seasoned steak.
So, if you still don’t have a go-to steak recipe to follow, feel free to check out our steak recipe posts!
Featured image credit to ©natashaskitchen.
