5 Irresistible Side Dishes That Will Make Your Steak Dinner Unforgettable!

What side dishes go best with steak?

Steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes, ranging from rich and indulgent options to light and refreshing ones. The key is balancing flavors and textures to complement the meat’s natural juiciness. Some of the best steak side dishes include crispy fries, roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, and tangy coleslaws. Whether you prefer a simple side dish or something that takes a little extra effort, the right choice can turn your favorite steak into a gourmet meal.

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What are the most popular side dishes?

Some of the most popular steakhouse side dishes include baked potatoes, creamed spinach, mac and cheese, and garlic butter mushrooms. These sides offer a mix of textures and flavors that enhance the steak-eating experience. Additionally, roasted Brussels sprouts, loaded mashed potatoes with green onions, and fresh salads with creamy dressing are frequently enjoyed alongside steak for their contrasting flavors and richness.

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How to Know What to Pair with Your Steak

Pairing the right side dish with your steak is about more than just personal preference—it’s about enhancing the overall dining experience. Here’s how you can make the best choice:

1. Consider the Steak’s Richness

A fatty, well-marbled steak like a ribeye pairs best with a side that cuts through its richness, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a vinegar-based slaw. Leaner cuts, like filet mignon, benefit from creamy or buttery sides to add extra indulgence.

2. Balance Textures

If your steak has a crispy, seared crust, consider pairing it with something smooth and creamy, like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese. If the steak is slow-cooked or braised, a crispy side like roasted Brussels sprouts or Parmesan truffle fries will provide contrast.

3. Complement Flavors

Certain flavors naturally enhance each other. A smoky, grilled steak pairs well with sweet, caramelized vegetables or roasted sweet potatoes. A herb-seasoned steak works beautifully with garlic butter mushrooms or truffle-infused fries.

4. Think About Seasonality

Fresh, in-season ingredients always taste better. In summer, opt for grilled corn or fresh salads. In winter, go for hearty, warming sides like roasted root vegetables or creamy gratins.

5. Choose a Side That Matches the Occasion

Are you making a quick weeknight steak or an elaborate dinner for guests? A simple side dish like sautéed green beans is perfect for a casual meal, while an impressive gratin or gourmet mashed potatoes elevate a special occasion.

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1. Crispy Parmesan Truffle Fries

Why It Pairs Perfectly with Steak

Golden, crispy fries with a touch of umami-packed Parmesan and the luxurious aroma of truffle oil? Yes, please! These fries add crunch and savoriness that contrast beautifully with a juicy steak and its rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 large russet potatoes, cut into thin fries
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp truffle oil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the fries from sticking and ensures they crisp up evenly.
2. Wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes. Keeping the skin on adds texture, but you can peel them if you prefer. Slice into thin, even fries to ensure consistent cooking.
3. Toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. For best results, massage the oil into the potatoes to coat each fry evenly.
4. Spread the fries evenly on the baking sheet, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding the pan can cause steaming, leading to soggy fries.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip the fries using a spatula. Continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don’t burn.
6. Once crispy and golden brown, remove from the oven. Immediately toss with Parmesan cheese and drizzle with truffle oil while still warm, so the flavors infuse.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately for maximum crispiness and flavor.

Pro Tips

• Soak cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes before baking for extra crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! This ensures even crisping.

Best Steak Pairings

• Ribeye (to balance richness with crispy contrast)
• New York strip (classic steakhouse combo)

Make-Ahead Possibilities

• Cut and soak the potatoes ahead of time, then dry and refrigerate.

Plating Suggestion

Serve in a parchment-lined basket for a true steakhouse feel!

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2. Garlic Butter Roasted Asparagus

Why It Pairs Perfectly with Steak

Asparagus brings freshness, a bit of crunch, and a slight bitterness that cuts through the richness of steak. Roasting it in garlic butter enhances its natural flavors and gives it a delicious caramelization that pairs beautifully with any steak cut.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wash the asparagus and trim the woody ends. Lay them evenly on the baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic.
4. Drizzle the garlic butter over the asparagus, ensuring an even coating. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
5. Roast for 12-15 minutes until the asparagus is tender yet slightly crisp.
6. Remove from the oven and drizzle with lemon juice before serving.

Pro Tips

• Use thick asparagus spears for better texture when roasting.
• Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or crushed almonds for extra flavor.

Best Steak Pairings

• Filet mignon (lighter, more delicate cut)
• Porterhouse (balances well with the charred notes)

Make-Ahead Possibilities

• Prep asparagus and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before roasting.

Plating Suggestion

Fan the asparagus spears across the plate and drizzle with extra butter.

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3. Creamy Horseradish Coleslaw

Why It Pairs Perfectly with Steak

The cool crunch of coleslaw with a kick of horseradish balances the heaviness of steak beautifully. This unique twist on classic coleslaw adds an extra layer of heat and depth, making it a perfect pairing for beef.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the mayo, Dijon mustard, horseradish, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots, tossing everything together until well coated.
3. Cover and let sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh horseradish for an extra punch!
• Letting coleslaw sit longer enhances flavor.

Best Steak Pairings

• Flank steak (tangy slaw complements its beefy flavor)
• Skirt steak (perfect for slicing and stacking with slaw)

Make-Ahead Possibilities

• Can be made up to 24 hours in advance.

Plating Suggestion

Serve in a small ramekin for a modern steakhouse touch.

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4. Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Why It Pairs Perfectly with Steak

Earthy, buttery, and umami-rich mushrooms are the ultimate complement to beef. Their deep flavor enhances the steak’s juiciness, making every bite more indulgent.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add mushrooms and garlic, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
3. Stir in soy sauce and black pepper, cooking for another minute.
4. Serve hot, spooned over your favorite steak or as a side dish.

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan! It prevents mushrooms from browning properly.

Best Steak Pairings

• T-bone (pairs well with mushrooms’ umami)
• Sirloin (mushrooms add depth)

Make-Ahead Possibilities

• Cook ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Plating Suggestion

Spoon over steak or serve on the side in a cast-iron skillet.

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5. Loaded Gruyere Mashed Potatoes

Why It Pairs Perfectly with Steak

Creamy, cheesy, and luxurious—this is the ultimate indulgence. The nutty, melty Gruyere cheese takes mashed potatoes to the next level, making them the perfect steak companion.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil potatoes in a large pot of salted water until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Drain and return potatoes to the pot. Mash them while still hot.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the butter and heavy cream until warm (do not boil).
4. Gradually add the warm butter mixture to the mashed potatoes, stirring until smooth.
5. Stir in Gruyere cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
6. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Pro Tips

• Use a potato ricer for the smoothest mash.
• Let the cheese melt completely before serving for a rich, creamy consistency.

Best Steak Pairings

• Tomahawk (luxury pairing)
• Prime rib (classic combo)

Make-Ahead Possibilities

• Reheat with extra butter for a fresh taste.

Plating Suggestion

Use a piping bag for an elegant presentation.

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Timing Tips & Common Mistakes

• Start with longer-cooking sides (mashed potatoes, fries) and finish with quicker ones (mushrooms, asparagus).
• Rest your steak while plating sides so everything is hot and ready at once.
• Avoid over-salting early—adjust seasoning at the end!

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Now that you’ve got your side dishes covered, it’s time to perfect the star of the show—your steak! We’ve put here an exclusive Tri-tip Steak Tutorial featuring @spiffergirl, our expert home cooks and grill master, sharing her best techniques for achieving steakhouse-level perfection at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 tri-tip roast (fat cap trimmed as needed)
• Your favorite BBQ rub (e.g., Neal's Throughout BBQ Brisket Rub)
• Additional seasoning for crust (e.g., Halal BBQ Pitmaster Sumac Black)
• Charcoal
• Wood chunk for smoking
• Fire starters (e.g., Fireball's EcoFire)

Instructions:

1. Light the Coals
   • Use a chimney starter with Fireball's EcoFire starters to ignite the charcoal. Let the coals fully light before use.
2. Prepare the Tri-Tip
   • Trim excess fat from the underside of the tri-tip.
   • Check for any unwanted pieces and remove them.
   • Season generously with your BBQ rub of choice, followed by an additional seasoning for a flavorful crust.
3. Set Up the Grill
   • Arrange the hot coals on one side of the Weber grill for indirect heat.
   • Add a wood chunk to create smoke.
4. Smoke the Tri-Tip
   • Place the tri-tip in the center of the grill, away from direct heat.
   • Monitor the internal temperature using The MeatStick wireless meat thermometer
   • Let it smoke for 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 120°F.
5. Sear the Tri-Tip
   • Move the tri-tip directly over the coals.
   • Sear on all sides until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (for medium-rare).
6. Rest & Serve
   • Remove the tri-tip from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes.
   • Slice against the grain and enjoy a juicy, perfectly cooked tri-tip with a pink center and a light smoke ring.

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Now you’ve got everything you need to turn your steak night into a restaurant-quality experience. But if you really want to perfect your steak dinner, precision is key—especially when it’s come to cooking meat to the perfect doneness. That’s where The MeatStick comes in! With its wireless smart meat thermometer, you can ensure your steak is cooked to perfection every time, without the guesswork. Pair it with these incredible side dishes, and you’ll have a meal that rivals the best steakhouses. Which perfect side dish are you trying first?