12 Best Side Dishes For Steak and Potatoes – Tasty and Easy
Steak and potatoes are a popular meal, and although it can be enjoyed as is, you can spruce it up with delicious and titillating side dishes.
Various dishes can accompany steak and potatoes, but I tend to favor those that are lighter as they can cut through the heaviness of the meal, and still keep you feeling satisfied.
I have experimented with different dishes, and I want to share with you 12 that work perfectly with steak and potatoes. As a professional chef and home cook, I have found that these sides elevate the steak and potatoes meal to a new level.
The list is just a skim off the top, as there are so much more sides that can be added. But these are personal favorites that I always come back to.
Side Dishes For Steak and Potatoes
- Mediterranean chickpea wedge salad
- Coleslaw
- Sauteed garlic mushrooms
- Roasted spring vegetables
- Sauteed garlic green beans
- Mac & cheese
- Arugula & roasted carrot salad
- Lemon garlic shrimp
- Creamed spinach
- Honey balsamic glazed brussels sprouts
- Baked risotto
- Baked beans
Mediterranean chickpea wedge salad
A Mediterranean chickpea wedge salad is a great side dish for steak and potatoes. The salad has a light, lemony flavor that pairs well with the rich flavor of the steak.
In addition, the potatoes add a contrasting texture to the soft chickpeas, and the overall dish is filling but not heavy. The Mediterranean chickpea wedge salad is also a healthy option, providing a good source of fiber and protein.
To make this salad, start by cooking the potatoes in boiling water for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender. Then, add the chickpeas and cook for an additional five minutes.
Next, drain the potatoes and chickpeas and place them in a large bowl. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that goes well with steak and potatoes. The crisp, crunchy texture of the cabbage pairs nicely with the tender steak, and the creamy dressing ties everything together.
Plus, coleslaw is an easy dish to make ahead of time, which means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
Another great reason why coleslaw works as a side dish is that it can be made with a variety of vegetables, so you can customize it to your liking. For example, if you don’t like cabbage, you could use broccoli or kale instead.
For a twist in the coleslaw, I use a balsamic vinaigrette instead of the traditional mayonnaise-based dressing. To make this, simply whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sauteed garlic mushrooms
Sauteed garlic mushrooms are another fantastic side dish for steak. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor to the dish, while the garlic provides a bit of zest.
The sauteed mushrooms also help to round out the flavors of the steak and potatoes, making them more complex and interesting. For taste, I usually saute the mushrooms with shallots, thyme, and a splash of white wine.
Furthermore, I recommend you use mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for this dish. They have a robust flavor that can stand up to the steak.
To make this side dish, start by sauteing the mushrooms in olive oil over medium-high heat. Then, add your ingredients and cook for about five minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
Roasted spring vegetables
This is a great way to add color and flavor to your steak and potatoes meal. The key to making this dish is to roast the vegetables at a high temperature so that they develop a nice char.
I like to use seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, carrots, and peas. But you can use any vegetables that you like.
To roast the vegetables, simply toss them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then, spread them on a baking sheet and roast them in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.
Sauteed garlic green beans
When green beans are sauteed in garlic, their flavor is enhanced. Although the beans are still crisp, the garlic gives them an extra zing.
Apart from giving the dish a great taste, the beans add a contrasting texture to the moist steak and tender potatoes. Additionally, green beans are a great source of vital minerals and vitamins needed for optimum health.
Remember to trim the ends of the beans before cooking them. To do this, simply hold each end of the bean and snap it off.
After trimming the beans, saute them in a pan with olive oil and garlic over medium heat for about five minutes.
Mac & cheese
This is a family-friendly option that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. The cheese and cream in the dish work well with the steak, and the pasta provides a filling, starchy component.
When I am pairing this dish with steak and potatoes, I like to use white cheddar cheese and elbow macaroni. You could also use a different type of cheese or pasta, depending on your preferences.
I like to use white cheddar because it is a sharp cheese that can stand up to the steak. And elbow macaroni is my pasta of choice because it has a firm texture and holds up well under the sauce.
To make this side dish, start by cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Then, add the milk and cheese to a saucepan and heat over low heat until the cheese is melted. Combine the sauce with the pasta and serve.
Arugula & roasted carrot salad
Arugula and roasted carrot salad is a great side dish for steak and potatoes because it adds flavor to the meal.
The arugula gives the salad a slightly peppery taste, while the roasted carrots add sweetness and depth of flavor. Furthermore, the contrast of the fresh arugula and the roasted carrots makes this salad a perfect complement to the steak and potatoes.
In addition, the arugula and roasted carrot salad is a healthy option that is low in calories and fat. Finally, arugula has a slight bitterness which perfectly offsets the richness of the steak.
However, if you want to reduce the bitterness of the arugula, you can massage it with a little bit of olive oil. When your salad is ready, You can dress the salad with your preferred dressing or simply use olive oil and lemon juice.
Lemon garlic shrimp
I love shrimp, it’s my favorite seafood. And when shrimp is cooked in garlic and lemon, it tastes even better.
This side dish is a great option for steak and potatoes because the shrimp are light and have a delicate flavor that does not overpower the main dish.
Lemon garlic shrimp is a quick and easy side dish that can be made in under 30 minutes.
To make this dish, start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Then, add the shrimp to the pan and cook for about three minutes per side, or until they are pink and slightly charred.
If you like a bit of spice to this dish, you can add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Once the shrimp are cooked, add the garlic and lemon juice to the pan and cook for an additional minute and it’s ready to serve.
Creamed spinach
Creamed spinach is often served as a side dish for steak and potatoes. But why does it go so well with these hearty main dishes? There are a few reasons.
First, creamed spinach has a rich, creamy flavor that pairs well with the savory taste of steak. Secondly, the green color of creamed spinach provides a nice contrast to the brown of the steak and potatoes.
Finally, creamed spinach is a relatively light side dish, which helps to balance out the heaviness of the steak and potatoes. As a result, creamed spinach is a great choice for those looking for a flavorful and satisfying side dish.
There are a few different types of cream that can be used for creamed spinach. The most common type of cream is heavy cream, which has a high-fat content and makes the dish rich and creamy.
However, you could also use light cream or half and half, which has a lower fat content.
Honey balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a great side dish for steak and potatoes because they are roasted in a honey balsamic glaze. This gives them a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the savory steak.
In addition, Brussels sprouts are a healthy option that is high in fiber and low in calories. They are also a good source of vitamins C and K.
To make this side dish, start by roasting the Brussels sprouts in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes. Next, add the honey balsamic glaze to a pan and heat over medium heat until it starts to boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add the roasted Brussels sprouts.
Toss the Brussels sprouts in the glaze until they are evenly coated.
Baked risotto
But not just baked risotto, it is a side dish that consists of baked risotto, lemon, peas, and parmesan. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish makes it the perfect side for steak and potatoes.
The risotto is creamy and has a slight bite to it, while the lemon adds a bright and acidic flavor. The peas add a pop of color as well as a sweetness that helps to balance out the dish.
In addition, the parmesan provides a nutty and salty flavor that ties everything together. As a side dish, the steak and potatoes serve as a vessel to absorb this creamy, texturized sauce thereby enhancing the flavors of both.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated when you are ready to serve it. To do this, simply bake the risotto according to the instructions. Then, add the lemon, peas, and parmesan and stir until combined. Cover the dish and refrigerate it until you are ready to reheat.
Baked beans
This is another very popular addition to steak and potatoes. You can prepare this by purchasing a can of baked beans, or you can make them from scratch.
If you are going to purchase a can of baked beans, look for one that has lower sugar content and low sodium as well. You can also add additional flavors to the beans, such as onions, garlic, or bacon.
To make this side dish from scratch, start by cooking the beans in water until they are soft. Then, add the onions, garlic, and bacon and cook until the onions are translucent.
Next, add the sugar, ketchup, and mustard and stir until combined. Finally, bake the beans in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 45 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
FAQ
What is a good side dish for steak?
There are a few different options that would work well as a side dish for steak. Some good choices include baked beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or creamy spinach.
What is a good side dish for potatoes?
There are a few different options that would work well as a side dish for potatoes. Some good choices include roasted Brussels sprouts, baked beans, or creamy spinach.
What is a good side dish for both steak and potatoes?
There are a few different options that would work well as a side dish for both steak and potatoes. Some good choices include roasted Brussels sprouts, baked beans, or creamy spinach. All of these options are flavorful and satisfying.
Conclusion
I hope you found this list of side dishes for steak and potatoes inspiring. Meals don’t have to be hum-drum we can always switch it up a bit. As always, feel free to experiment and come up with your unique combinations. Happy cooking!