Beef
What Goes With Steak?
Steak is a bold, rich main that pairs with robust sides — roasted potatoes, creamed spinach, a wedge salad, garlic mushrooms, or asparagus. Red wine is the classic pair.
Best Pairings for Steak
Garlic Roasted Potatoes
starchCrispy roasted potatoes soak up the juices from steak — this is the classic steakhouse side.
Creamed Spinach
vegetableThe richness of cream and the slight bitterness of spinach stand up to steak without competing. A genuine steakhouse staple.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
vegetableSautéed mushrooms in garlic butter amplify the umami of the steak. They cook in the same pan after searing.
Wedge Salad
saladCold, crisp iceberg with blue cheese dressing contrasts beautifully with the hot, rich steak.
Asparagus
vegetableGrilled asparagus can cook alongside steak on the grill. The slightly grassy, earthy flavour balances rich beef.
Béarnaise Sauce
sauceTarragon-infused hollandaise — the classic French steak sauce. Butter-based richness amplifies the beef.
Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon / Malbec)
drinkTannic red wine and fatty steak are a chemical match: tannins bind to fat molecules and create a silky sensation.
French Fries / Steak Frites
starchThe classic pairing for good reason — crispy fries with a rich steak is globally beloved comfort food.
Corn on the Cob
vegetableThe natural sweetness of corn balances the savoury richness of steak, especially at a BBQ.
Brussels Sprouts (with bacon)
vegetableCrispy roasted sprouts with caramelised edges and bacon complement a robust steak dinner perfectly.
Serving Tips
- 1Don't serve anything too acidic immediately alongside steak — lemon-heavy sides will dull your palate for the meat. Save acid for sauces.
- 2Make pan sauce from the steak drippings while the steak rests — deglaze with wine or broth, add butter. Zero waste, maximum flavour.
- 3At a BBQ: corn, potatoes in foil, and asparagus all go on the grill alongside the steak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What side dish goes with steak?
The steakhouse classics: garlic roasted potatoes, creamed spinach, garlic mushrooms, and asparagus. For BBQ: corn on the cob, coleslaw, and baked beans. For a lighter dinner: a wedge salad or roasted vegetables.
What wine goes with steak?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are the top choices — their tannins chemically complement the fat in beef. Merlot and Syrah also work. Avoid light wines (Pinot Grigio, Riesling) which get overwhelmed by the richness.
What sauce goes with steak?
Béarnaise, chimichurri (for a South American twist), peppercorn sauce, red wine jus, or garlic herb butter all pair brilliantly. Pan sauce from the drippings is the most flavourful and simplest option.
What vegetables go with steak?
Asparagus, mushrooms, creamed spinach, Brussels sprouts, and corn are the most natural pairings. All can cook at the same time on a grill or in the oven alongside the steak.