12 Best Steak Tacos Sides You’ll Enjoy
If you’re like me, you’re a big fan of tacos, and not just on Tuesdays! Whether it is chicken, carne asada, shrimp, or you name it, I am all for it.
There are so many reasons to love tacos, from their rich and savory filling to their crispiness, to just how easy it is to put together.
However, it can be challenging knowing what to pair with your tacos on any given day, and the last thing you want is to get stuck, repeating the same taco side dish over and over again.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of the 12 best side dishes for steak tacos to inject some variety into your menu.
Each of these sides has been carefully selected to perfectly complement the steak tacos’ flavors. From simple sides like pico de gallo and guacamole to more complex dishes like Mexican street corn salad and grilled pineapple salsa, there is sure to be something on this list that you’ll love.
Sides For Steak Tacos
- Mexican Street corn
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Grilled pineapple salsa
- Chips & salsa
- Cilantro rice
- Rice & Mexican beans
- Coleslaw vinaigrette
- Pepper salad
- Corn pudding
- Blacked beans with lime
- Baked sweet potato
Mexican sweet corn
Sweet corn is a popular side dish in Mexico and is the perfect accompaniment for steak tacos.
The sweet, juicy corn is drizzled with a delicious mix of mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime juice, then sprinkled with cotija cheese and fresh cilantro. The sweet corn’s savory taste complements the steak tacos’ savory flavor.
It’s a quick and easy recipe that will add flavor and excitement to your tacos!
Guacamole
Who doesn’t love guacamole? The creamy, flavorful dish is the perfect addition to steak tacos.
The key to good guacamole is using ripe avocados and fresh lime juice. I also like to add in some diced red onion, fresh cilantro, and a little bit of jalapeno for a bit of spice.
Guacamole is a great way to add some creaminess and flavor to your tacos.
Pico de gallo
Pico de gallo is a fresh, flavorful salsa that is perfect for steak tacos. It’s simple, fresh, and flavorful – and it goes so well with the smoky, juicy steak.
To make the salsa, I combine diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, coriander, and lime juice.
I love to serve mine with a big dollop of sour cream on top, but you could also add some diced avocado if you want. This recipe is really easy to make (but it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen)!
So give it a try next time you’re looking for a dish you can whip together in a limited time.
Grilled pineapple salsa
This salsa is a bit more unique, but it’s one of my favorites to serve with steak tacos.
The pineapple adds a lovely sweetness to the salsa, while the grilled jalapeno gives it a bit of heat. I also like to add in some diced red onion and fresh cilantro for flavor.
To make the salsa, simply grill the pineapple and jalapeno until they’re slightly charred. Then, combine them with the other ingredients in a bowl and give it a good stir.
This salsa is best served fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Chips & salsa
You can’t go wrong with this classic tacos side dish. I like to make my salsa, but you can also use store-bought salsa. Just be sure to get a good-quality one – it makes all the difference!
To accompany the salsa, I like to serve a big bowl of tortilla chips. They’re perfect for scooping up all that deliciousness in the tacos and the salsa.
This is the perfect tacos side dish when you want something flavorful and simple to prepare.
Cilantro rice
Rice is a classic side dish, but it can be boring if you don’t dress it up a bit. That’s why I love to add some fresh cilantro to my rice when I’m serving steak tacos.
The fresh cilantro flavor and the lime juice give the rice a lovely zing. It’s the perfect side dish to balance out the richness of the steak tacos.
To make this dish, simply cook your rice according to the package directions. Then, stir in some chopped cilantro and lime juice. That’s it!
Rice & Mexican beans
This is a really easy recipe that only takes a few minutes to prepare, and it’s perfect for adding some extra flavor and Tex-Mex flair to your tacos.
To start, you’ll need some cooked rice. I like to use brown rice whenever possible, but white rice will work just fine too.
Next, you’ll need some Mexican beans. I like to use black beans, but any type of Mexican bean will do. Simply drain and rinse the beans if they’re canned, or soak them overnight if you’re using dried beans. Then, cook them until they’re nice and soft.
Once your rice and beans are cooked, simply combine the rice and beans with a bit of salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste. Then, scoop the mixture into some warm tortillas, and top with some juicy steak tacos! Enjoy!
Coleslaw vinaigrette
The acidity of the vinaigrette helps to balance out the richness of the steak, and the crunchy cabbage adds a lovely texture to the dish.
To make the coleslaw, I simply combine shredded cabbage, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. For the vinaigrette, I whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, lime juice, and honey.
To prepare, start by mixing some shredded cabbage, diced onion, and a few tablespoons of vinaigrette dressing. To make homemade dressing, use oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
For a pop of color, I like to add in some diced red bell pepper and carrots. You could also use green bell peppers. Once the coleslaw is mixed, pop it in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
Corn pudding
Corn pudding is a classic side dish that works well with steak tacos because of its creamy, comforting texture.
To make corn pudding, you’ll need some cooked corn, milk, eggs, butter, and seasoning. Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake it until it’s golden brown and set. When it is ready, allow a few minutes to cool before serving.
The soft creamy corn pudding pairs perfectly with the salty, crispy steak, and the spices in the tacos give it an extra kick.
Refried black beans
Refried black beans make the perfect side dish for steak tacos! They’re packed full of flavor and are so easy to make.
Just heat some oil in a pan, add the beans, and simmer until they’re nice and soft. Then mash them up with a fork until they’re nice and creamy.
Stir in some chopped onions, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Then scoop the mixture into your tacos and enjoy!
The beans add a lovely creamy texture to the tacos, and the spices give them extra savoriness. Serve with some sour cream or salsa on top.
Black beans with lime
This is another twist with black beans, and I guarantee you’ll also love this variation. This time we’ll be using lime juice to give it a zesty flavor.
Simply cook the black beans in a pot with some water until they’re soft. Then, mash them up with a fork and stir in some chopped onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and lime juice.
Serve with some diced avocado or sour cream on top. The lime juice gives the beans a lovely zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with the steak. And avocado adds a lovely creamy texture to the mix.
However, keep in mind that black beans can take a long time to cook, so if you’re short on time, you could always use canned black beans. Just be sure to rinse them well before using them.
Baked sweet potato
The sweetness of the sweet potato pairs perfectly with the steak, and it’s a great way to add some extra nutrients to the dish.
To bake a sweet potato, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash potatoes thoroughly and prick the sweet potato a few times with a fork.
Next, place it on a baking sheet and bake for 45-60 minutes or until it is soft and cooked through.
Once it is cooked, allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing it open and serving. You can top it with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, or any other toppings that you like.
FAQ
What is a good side dish for tacos?
There are many good side dishes for tacos, but some of our favorites include coleslaw, corn pudding, refried black beans, and baked sweet potatoes.
What is a good steak taco recipe?
There are many good steak taco recipes, but we like this one from The Spruce Eats. It uses flank steak, which is a leaner and more budget-friendly option.
What are some good toppings for steak tacos?
Some good toppings for steak tacos include diced avocado, sour cream, salsa, cheese, and green onions. You could also add in some black beans or refried beans.
What do you serve with carne asada tacos?
There are many good side dishes for carne asada tacos, but some of our favorites include coleslaw, corn pudding, refried black beans, and baked sweet potatoes. You could also serve them with a side of rice or beans.
Conclusion
Steak tacos are a delicious and easy meal to make, and they can be paired with a variety of different side dishes. I’ve provided a list of some of my favorite sides that go well with steak tacos. I hope you enjoy them!