Cooking Tips & Techniques

Sides for Steak

Author Lauren Grant

Published August 15, 2023

Love a steak dinner but never know what to serve with that perfectly cooked Top Sirloin? We’ve got you! We love a steak dinner too and the sides are an important component. But also one we know you don’t want to spend too much time on. Here are our favorite side dishes for steak that enhance and lift up the steak without stealing the show OR requiring a ton of time.

Cook the Perfect Steak

If you’re looking for a new way to cook the perfect steak or just need a quick refresher on how to achieve that golden crust without overcooking the interior, we’ve got you covered!

Want to start with the type of cut you’re using? Check out these cut-specific articles that dive into how to cook specific cuts of steak.

Once you understand the different types of cuts of steak, get a handle on what the grades of beef mean.

Choose Your Cooking Method

There are so many ways to cook the perfect steak. One of our favorite ways to cook steak is to reverse sear it. It’s a foolproof way to cook steak! We also love to sous vide (similar thought process to reverse searing but a bit more exact). Sous Vide Filet Mignon is an absolute dream.

Looking for something to top the steak with? Try a homemade truffle butter!

The Importance of Cooking by Temp

One of the most important aspects of cooking the perfect steak is to know what temperature you’re aiming for. Our Temperature Cooking Guide is a great resource. Or check out the table below which lays out what temperature to shoot for and what it should reach after resting (resting or “carry-over cooking” does not apply to sous vide or reverse searing).

Doneness	Cook to	After resting
Rare	115–120ºF (46–49ºC)	120–125ºF (49–52ºC)
Medium-Rare	120–125ºF (49–52ºC)	125–130ºF (52–54ºC)
Medium	130–135ºF (54–57ºC)	130–135ºF (54–57ºC)
Medium-Well	140–145ºF (60–63ºC) USDA recommended	145–150ºF (63–65ºC)
Well-Done	150–155ºF (65–68ºC)	155–160ºF (68–71ºC)

Sides for Steak

Let’s get into what you came for—delicious sides for steak! This variety of side dish recipes span the seasons with everything from dinner rolls to cheesy vegetable dishes, salads, and everything in between. Sides for steak can be so much more than just garlic green beans!

steak frites on a plate with a creamy mushroom sauce.

1

Steak Frites (Steak and Fries)

Fies are a classic side dish for steak. Make it a meal with this recipe featuring ribeye steaks, a creamy mushroom sauce and Salt & Vinegar fries.

Overhead image of healthy cornbread in a cast iron skillet set on a wooden white table with a bowl of salt and honey to the top right

2

Healthy Skillet Cornbread

This skillet cornbread is loaded with flavor thanks to the whole grains, olive oil and honey used to make it. A must for any grilled steak!

hasselback sweet potatoes topped with an herby garlic mixture in a cast-iron skillet

3

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Ultra-savory hasselback sweet potatoes are an absolute dream! The bottoms get browned and caramelized while the tops get finished with a buttery fried sage mixture. These roasted sweet potatoes are dream worthy.

4

Maque Choux

A confetti of vegetables topped with sliced steak is one of the best meals you can make for summer. Play around with the veggies you've got on hand, just don't skip the chorizo!

caesar salad with croutons in a large white bowl with two serving spoons set in it

5

Caesar Salad

It's a classic for a reason! Paired with perfectly cooked steak and you have a steakhouse menu on your hands.

salad in a large white bowl

6

Garden Salad

Everything in the garden gets tossed with a mustard vinaigrette and finished with dried cranberries and Parm. What's not to love?

bread crumb-topped casserole in an oval baking dish

7

Cauliflower Gratin

The ultimate comfort food meal is a few scoops of this creamy, cheesy cauliflower gratin alongside a sous vide filet mignon.

8

Apple Walnut Salad

The crisp green apples and tangy vinaigrette cut through the savory decadence of a good steak.

sweet potato dinner roll torn in half showing fluffy inside

9

Sweet Potato Rolls

Our favorite steak dinners consists of a good steak, simple side salad or veg, and a good roll. These sweet potato rolls are a must try!

10

Orzo Salad

This bright and herby orzo salad is a perfect pairing for a grilled steak dinner served al fresco.

pita and vegetable salad in a shallot white bowl with a red-handled spoon set in it

11

Fattoush Salad

A combination of textures and flavors come together in this Lebanese vegetable Salad. Tossed with a lemony vinaigrette and enhanced with loads of tart sumac—the brightness of this salad is a natural pairing for a savory steak.

kaiser rolls stacked together on a wood board lined with parchment paper

12

Kaiser Rolls

Fresh-baked kaiser rolls with some salted butter are a dreamy side dish for steak. Even better, if you've got leftover steak you can make a steak sandwich with these fluffy yet sturdy rolls.

chunks of tomatoes and watermelon tossed with orzo pesto and basil in a large white bowl

13

Watermelon Tomato Orzo Salad

A fresh yet satisfying salad for any summer meal. Tomato and watermelon are an unlikely combo that jive in the best possible way. If you need this to be gluten-free or simply want to make it lighter, skip the orzo and make this Tomato and Watermelon Salad.

cheesy pasta in a white bowl topped with cracked pepper

14

Stove Top Mac and Cheese

If we're talking about steak side dishes, we've got to have at least one mac and cheese recipe on the list. This mac and cheese recipe is easy to make and healthy-ish.

roasted delicata squash slices in a white bowl topped with pepitas, parsley and flaky sea salt.

15

Delicata Squash with Maple Browned Butter Sauce

The flavors of fall really shine in this delicata squash dish! Enjoy a sweet and salty vegetable side with your savory steak.

creamy cauliflower and potato salad in a white bowl

16

Caesar Cauliflower Potato Salad

It's a meat and potatoes kind of dinner! Pair your steaks with a lightened-up potato salad dressed with the best dressing—Caesar.

potato salad in a shallow blue bowl with a red-handled spoon set in it

17

Herby Sour Cream Potato Salad

Looking for another potato salad option? This sour cream potato salad is so bright, tangy and comforting. A new take on a classic that just might replace your go-to recipe.

tomato and cucumber salad in a large white bowl with a wood-handled spoon set in the bowl and pieces of naan set around it

18

Turkish Salad

A chunky vegetable salad with bold flavors like shallot, feta and dill can easily hold it's own next to a savory steak.

cucumber sliced coated in a red chili dressing in a white bowl with black chopsticks

19

Korean Cucumber Salad

Pair Korean Skirt Steak (minus the eggs) with this deliciously spicy Korean Cucumber Salad.

slices of king oyster mushrooms in a cast-iron skillet with parsley and lemon zest

20

Pan-Fried King Oyster Mushrooms

Steak and mushrooms are a traditional pairing and these king oyster mushrooms are ultra-meaty and savory. Don't skip the fresh parsley—it kinda fries in the hot butter/oil and is so good.

thinly sliced radishes and shallot coated in a creamy herb dressing on a pink plate with two red-handled spoons

21

Radish Salad with Herbs

The simplicity of this salad is what makes it a winner, in addition to the cool, creamy dressing loaded with whatever fresh herbs you have on hand.

sliced celery salad with nuts and cheese on a large white oval plate

22

Celery Salad

The refreshing crunch of celery counter balances the juicy, savoriness of a steak. Play around with the type of cheese, nuts and herbs you use to match the flavor profile of the ingredients you use for the steak.

citrus segments on a large white plate topped with spices, salt and peanuts

23

Savory Citrus Salad

When citrus season is in full swing, cook up a cast-iron steak and serve it with this vibrant citrus salad.

roasted brussels sprout salad on a white oval plate set on a messy wooden table

24

Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar

We've already determined that a Caesar salad is so very "steakhouse." So why not take it one step further with this roasted Brussels sprouts Caesar with craggy croutons that soak up that luscious dressing.

shaved fennel in a dish with lemon dest, fennel fronds and black pepper

25

Fennel Salad

If simplicity is the name of the game, this salad takes the crown. Just 3 simple ingredients are all you need to transform a fennel bulb into a vibrant and delicious side salad.

salad greens and cherry tomatoes mixed together in a large white bowl with fresh dill

26

Butter Lettuce Salad

A soft and tender green salad is a lovely pairing for a steak!

white plate with peaches, sweet corn and cucumber on it

27

Peach, Corn and Cucumber Salad

A vibrant and richly-textured salad! Pair with your favorite steak and a quintessential summer dinner is served.

orzo pasta salad with spinach, olives and cucumbers in a large white bowl

28

Greek Orzo Pasta Salad

Briny olives, crunchy cukes, salty feta and loads of parsley come together to create a very satisfying pasta salad.

roasted carrots and beets in a white bowl set on a wooden table with a blue napkin and a glass of white wine

29

Roasted Carrots and Beets with Cumin Vinaigrette

Roast two earthy root vegetables then dress them up with a delicious toasted cumin vinaigrette. When we say you'll want this vinaigrette on everything we aren't exaggerating!

shredded carrot salad in a white bowl set on a gray table with glasses set around it

30

Modern Carrot Salad

Give the traditional carrot salad a long overdo upgrade. Toss shredded carrots with a toasty, infused vinaigrette then top it off with a toasted nut and frizzle lemon crisp.

Large white plate with a creamy white layer topped with thinly sliced peas and sweet peas.

31

Triple Pea Salad with Whipped Goat Cheese

Looking for a spring pairing for steak? Cook up a filet mignon and serve it up alongside this triple pea salad. From crisp snap peas to sweet peas and a savory goat cheese spread, this salad truly covers all the bases.

lettuce greens and vegetables in a brown bowl set on a gray table

32

Green Goddess Salad

This is one of our all-time favorite salads. This monochromatic side dish is just the POP of color a good steak needs.

creamy parsnip and potato mash in a silver oval dish with a pad of butter, pepper, salt and tarragon sprinkled over top

33

Celery Root and Parsnip Mash

If you're a lover of all things fall and root vegetables, we urge you to try this recipe. It's a delicious—and arguably more interesting—substitute for mashed potatoes.

sautéed broccoli in a shallow blue bowl with a wooden-handled spoon

34

Garlicky Broccoli

If you're looking for something quick and easy—try our sautéed broccoli. It's always a great pairing with steak.

polenta fries piled in a metal bowl with a newspaper

35

Polenta Fries

Crispy baked polenta fries are a fun option for homemade steak frites. Take them to the next level with the Parmesan Aioli (aka garlic parmesan dipping sauce) included in the recipe as well.

Homemade naan bread stacked on a blue napkin on a white plate sprinkled with parsley

36

Garlic Naan

Soft, chewy naan is a great side dish for just about anything! Pair this with a steak and you'll never look back!

oval casserole dish with a serving spoon set in it with sweet potato casserole topped with croutons and sage

37

Baked Sweet Potato Casserole

This sweet potato casserole will have you weak at the knees! It's so dang savory and loaded with flavor.

arugula, pears and crumbled blue cheese in a large white bowl with two serving spoons set in it

38

Arugula Salad with Toasted Lemon Vinaigrette

Steak and arugula is a natural pairing. The mild spiciness to arugula really cuts through the decadence of steak. Not to mention the lemon vinaigrette. Delicious together!

mac and cheese in muffin cups set on a wood board

39

Spinach and Artichoke Mac ‘n Cheese Cups

Individual spinach and artichoke mac and cheeses for each person! Not only is this recipe a great make ahead for quick lunches and dinners, but it makes a fabulous side dish for steak.

Photograph of a wedge salad with blue cheese dressing on a white plate set on a marble table

40

Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing

A wedge salad is a classic side dish for steak! Pair it with out lightened-up blue cheese dressing for the ultimate crisp and refreshing side dish!

pasta salad in a white bowl with slices of celery and chunks of pickle in it

41

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

If you love fresh dill and dill pickles then you've gotta try this Dill Pickle Pasta Salad with your next steak dinner. Creamy, bright and so tasty.

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Published On August 15, 2023

About The Author

Lauren Grant is a professional culinary food scientist, food writer, recipe developer, and food photographer. Lauren is a previous magazine editor and test kitchen developer and has had work published in major national publications including Diabetic Living Magazine, Midwest Living Magazine, Cuisine at Home Magazine, EatingWell.com, AmericasTestKitchen.com, and more.

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