Steakhouse Sides

The right side dish doesn’t just fill your plate; it elevates your steak dinner. A well-paired side balances richness, adds contrast or amplifies flavours. It turns a good steak into an experience.

Many diners may overlook the power of choosing a side intentionally. Sure, you could ask your server for suggestions. But wouldn’t it be better to walk into your favourite steakhouse knowing what you want?

This guide breaks down side dishes into easy-to-understand categories. It explains how each side complements the steak and offers pairing tips. By the end, you’ll be ready to enjoy steak like never befor

1. Potato-Based Classics

Potato-based dishes are hearty and versatile. They’re perfect when you want comfort and contrast on your plate.

Potatoes have a mild flavour that enhances the meat’s bold taste without overpowering it. Their smooth, crispy, and cheesy textures keep your meal satisfying from start to finish.

What to Try and How to Pair Them?

• Mashed Potatoes:

Smooth and buttery. They mellow the richness of a ribeye and soak up its flavourful juices.

• French Fries:

Crisp and golden. Their crunch contrasts with the soft texture of a filet mignon.

• Sweet Potato Wedges:

Slightly sweet with caramelised edges. They offset the smoky, charred flavours of grilled cuts, creating a perfect sweet-and-savoury contrast.

• Potato Gratin:

Hearty and cheesy. Its layers of creamy richness pair beautifully with the bold flavour of a New York strip.

2. Leafy Greens and Fresh Veggies

Leafy greens and fresh vegetables are light and crisp. They’re an excellent choice for a balanced steak dinner. 

They bring two distinctive benefits: They keep the meal feeling light and refresh your palate by clearing the richness of heavier steaks. This ensures every bite feels as fresh and vibrant as the first.

What to Try and How to Pair Them?

• Steamed Vegetables:

Sweet and crisp. They lighten the ribeye’s rich, marbled flavour. 

• Creamed Spinach:

Velvety, indulgent and subtly sweet. It complements the bold flavour of a New York strip and adds richness without feeling heavy.

• Grilled Asparagus:

Smoky and tender with earthy notes. It adds depth to the delicate filet mignon, creating a balanced bite.

• Mixed Green Salad:

Crisp and refreshing. The tangy dressing lightens each bite of a fatty steak.

3. Cheesy and Creamy Sides

Cheesy and creamy sides are satisfying and luxurious. Their richness contrasts with the bold flavours of steak; their soft texture balances the meat’s firm bite. 

These sides are perfect when you want to add indulgence and depth to your meal.

What to Try and How to Pair Them?

• Mac and Cheese:

Bold and comforting. Its creamy richness complements the filet mignon’s tender, lean texture, adding depth to the meal.

• Cheese-stuffed Mushrooms:

Earthy and savoury with a molten cheese centre. They enhance the New York strip’s bold and beefy taste.

• Potato Gratin (Cheesy Variation):

Rich and cheesy. It enhances a marbled ribeye’s flavour, creating a decadent pairing.

• Baked Brie with Herbs:

Soft and melty with a hint of earthiness. It balances smoky and charred flavours in grilled cuts.

4. Roasted and Smoky Veggies

Roasted and smoky vegetables are perfect with bold and charred steaks. Their caramelised sweetness balances the steak’s savoury richness. Smoky and earthy notes mirror the flavours of grilled cuts. These sides bring variety and depth to your meal.

What to Try and How to Pair Them?

• Grilled Corn with Caramelised French Onion Dressing and Parmesan:

Smoky, sweet, and savoury. It highlights the charred richness of a ribeye or New York strip.

• Fire-Roasted Beetroot:

Earthy with slight sweetness. It enhances the filet mignon’s mild, tender flavour by adding complexity to each bite.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

Crisp, caramelised and nutty. Their slight bitterness balances a ribeye’s rich marbling or the bold taste of a New York strip.

5. Bread and Carbs

Bread and carb-based sides are subtle and versatile. Their neutral flavours and soft textures complement steak without overshadowing it. They’re perfect for soaking up juices and sauces, adding a satisfying touch to your meal. 

These classic sides are ideal when you want a lighter, simpler accompaniment that enhances the main attraction.

What to Try and How to Pair Them?

• Garlic Bread:

Buttery and fragrant with a crisp crust. Its robust garlic flavour pairs perfectly with the charred richness of a ribeye or New York strip.

• Cornbread:

Slightly sweet and crumbly. Its subtle sweetness contrasts beautifully with the smoky, grilled edges of steaks.

• Dinner Rolls:

Soft and pillowy. They soak up rich sauces or buttery juices, enhancing each bite with their light, comforting texture.

• Herb-Infused Breadsticks:

Crisp with a savoury, herby flavour. Their crunch adds contrast to the tender texture of filet mignon, while the herbs enhance its mild flavour.

6. Sauces and Condiments

Sauces and condiments elevate your steak by adding new layers of flavour. Some add richness, others provide contrast, and many bring a refreshing twist to every bite. A well-paired sauce transforms your steak into a personalised dining experience.

What to Try and How to Pair Them?

• Peppercorn Sauce:

Creamy with a kick of spice. It enhances the ribeye’s richness and adds a bold contrast to the New York strip.

• Chimichurri:

Fresh, tangy, and packed with herbs. It lifts the grilled flavours of steaks, especially the delicate filet mignon.

• Béarnaise Sauce:

Velvety with subtle tarragon notes. Its rich texture enhances the mild flavour of lean cuts like filet mignon.

• Garlic Butter:

Rich, aromatic, and versatile. It melts into the steak, infusing each bite with buttery, savoury goodness.