Looking for the best side dish to serve with steak? Whether it’s tri tip or filet mignon you’re cooking, here’s a list of the best (and worst!) side dish recipes to serve with steak. There are several things to consider when thinking about sides for steak, including which cut of steak you’re using. For instance, is it fatty or is it lean? The goal is to pair flavors that complement each other!
That’s why in this post I’ve rounded up 22 good steak side recipes, some from my website and others from some trusted food blogs. There are a variety of dishes that pack a TON of flavor, from classic potato side dishes, to inventive side salads, and some sides that put your air fryer to use, too.
As a sous vide fanatic, I know the focus is usually on the center of the plate and it can be hard to drum up inspiration side dishes. I’ve got your back! If you need more recipes, make sure to check out my cookbook, Sous Vide Meal Prep.
Still looking for a steak recipe? This is the best way to cook a tri-tip steak and I’ve also got orange marinated strip steak sous vide filet mignon recipes for you.
There’s something for everyone, even the pickiest eaters. Don’t forget to let me know which one you tried and how you liked it in the comments!
First, What NOT to Pair with Steak
There are several things to consider when thinking about sides for your steak.
First up, it’s important to consider which cut of steak you’re using; namely: is it fatty or is it lean?
If you’re cooking a fattier cut like ribeye, opt for sides that aren’t super rich. Skip the cheesy potatoes and veggies in cream sauce, and opt for roasted potatoes, salads, and grilled veggies instead.
If you’re cooking a leaner cut like flank steak, go for richer sides like scalloped potatoes and creamer veggies! We’re looking for balance on the plate.
Examples of bad combinations based on cuts of steak:
- Ribeye steak and cheesy scalloped potatoes (rich + rich – swap or add a light side!)
- Wagyu strip and brussels sprouts in red wine cream sauce (rich + rich – swap or add a light side!)
- Marinated flank steak and steamed broccoli (lean + lean – swap or add a rich side!)
- Sirloin steak and grilled asparagus (lean + lean – swap or add a rich side!)
The next thing to consider is the flavor you’re using for your steak.
Using a classic blue cheese butter? This has BIG flavor, so opt for sides like simple roasted potatoes and corn on the cob. Doing a teriyaki marinade? Think about what else goes well with teriyaki and opt for rice or simple grilled or steamed veggies like broccoli and bok choy.
The goal is to pair flavors that complement each other.
Each element of the meal should make sense together on your plate instead of being a random hodgepodge (even if each piece is totally delicious). Think about what you’d typically find at a restaurant!
Examples of bad combinations based on flavors:
- Teriyaki marinated flank steak and Caesar salad (swap Caesar salad for rice and a steamed veg)
- Ribeye with blue cheese butter and a veggie gratin (so much cheese and competing cheeses, opt for a simpler side like roasted potatoes)
- Rosemary marinated strip steak and limey coconut rice (rosemary and lime are not flavors that go well together, opt for herby mashed potatoes instead)
Great Side Dishes for Steak
Potato Side Dishes
The Crispiest Oven Roasted Potatoes
Warm Potato Salad with Sour Cream and Bacon
Scalloped (Sliced) Potatoes with Gruyere and Thyme
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
The Creamiest Sous Vide Mashed Potatoes
Cacio e Pepe Mashed Potatoes
Crispy Sous Vide Potatoes
Veggie Side Dishes
12 Minute Sous Vide Asparagus
Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms in Rosemary Red Wine Cream Sauce
Grilled Corn Salad
Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Sous Vide Beets (& Limey Beet Salad)
No Carb Spinach, Bacon, and Cauliflower Gratin
5 Ingredient Mashed Cauliflower
Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini Chips with Zesty Coconut Cream
Buttery Sous Vide Corn on the Cob
Better than Steamed Sous Vide Broccoli
Tender Sous Vide Spicy Lime Glazed Carrots
Bread
Perfect Dinner Rolls
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread
Pepper Jack Cheese Bread
I hope you enjoy these 22 steak sides recipes and have yourself a wonderful steak dinner.
If you make any of these recipes, don’t forget to come back and leave a rating and review below.
I’d also love to be tagged in your Instagram posts so I can see your lovely dinners!
Get the Recipe:
20+ Good Side Dishes for Steak: Grilled Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- Cooking spray
- Roughly 2 cups sugar snap peas
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Kosher salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp sliced basil strips
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tsp flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat.
- Remove the husks and threads from the corn and rinse. Spray each ear of corn with cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Wrap them each in foil.
- In a grill basket, toss sugar snap peas and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and kosher salt.
- Reduce grill heat to medium. Place corn cobs in the center of the grill. Grill for 7 minutes.
- Add grill basket to the grill. Flip corn. Grill veggies and corn for an additional 7 minutes, tossing veggies once. If you want char marks on your corn, remove foil and return to grill for last few minutes of cooking, turning occasionally.
- While the veggies are grilling, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Add garlic and cook until garlic is just starting to brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, half the basil, and half the parsley.
- Once veggies are done, let cool for 3-5 minutes. Using a sharp knife, slice kernels off the cob.
- Add veggies and corn kernels to a salad bowl. Pour over the butter lemon mixture and toss to coat.
- Garnish with remaining basil, parsley, and flaked sea salt. Serve warm.