Valentine's Day

25 Side Dishes to Serve Alongside a Juicy Steak

Kristin Appenbrink

updated Feb 1, 2021

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Credit: Joe Lingeman
Creamy Spinach and Dill

Steak is a great main dish whether for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner. It’s delicious, but it’s also quick to pull together, and you can play with seasonings to your heart’s desire, or make it feel luxurious with a bourbon cream sauce. Once you’ve mastered the art of cooking the perfect steak in the oven, you can start to think about finding your perfect side dish. When it comes to steak, sides dishes are a crucial component of the meal. You need something that will complement the steak while bringing a bit of extra dimension to the table.

The trickiest part of getting this dinner on the table just might be narrowing down the steak side dishes, because there are a lot of great options. You can keep it classic with rosemary roasted potatoes, quickly throw together some buttered balsamic mushrooms, or go for a green vegetable to balance out the richness of the meat. Start with this list of 25 mouth-watering options. We guarantee you’ll find something that fits your taste.

Potatoes and Root Vegetables

Potatoes and root vegetables go with steak like peanut butter and jelly.

1 / 10

Rosemary Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes tossed with rosemary is a classic combination that we will never, ever get tired of eating. The real key is roasting the potatoes past mere tenderness and all the way until they’ve turned golden and crispy on the outside.

2 / 10

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

For the crispiest oven-baked sweet potato fries, you need to walk over to the pantry and take out the cornstarch because that ingredient is the secret.

3 / 10

New Potatoes with Herbs and Anchovy Butter

Simply boiled and tossed with fresh herbs and anchovy-flecked butter, new potatoes are a savory, soul-satisfying way to celebrate spring.

4 / 10

Potato, Squash & Goat Cheese Gratin

This dish is so simple: yellow squash layered in a jumble with sliced red potato and goat cheese. No cream needed at all.

5 / 10

3-Ingredient Roasted Dijon Potatoes

Not only do these potatoes have the ultra-crispy, crackly edges you love, but they also have a little added tang and go with everything.

6 / 10

Kale and Potato Gratin

Most potato gratins are loaded with milk or cream; this one lets the natural, sweet flavor of the potatoes come through with just a dash of milk.

7 / 10

Funeral Potatoes

If you're in the mood for a seriously comforting side, this casserole, with a buttery cracker topping sprinkled over a creamy potato base loaded with bacon and cheese, is a must.

8 / 10

Roasted Rutabaga in Brown Butter

But what do you do with a rutabaga, you ask. So many things, but let’s stay simple today: Roast it with a gilding of brown butter.

9 / 10

They're not just for holidays. Glazed carrots are a classic that will never go out of style

10 / 10

Easy, Classic Roasted Root Vegetables

This recipe is as classic as it gets — and with so much room for adaptations, it’s one you’re sure to lean on throughout winter.

Green Vegetables

Green vegetables are a great way to brighten up any steak dinner.

1 / 8

Easy Lemon-Ginger Spinach

Not only is this easy weeknight side packed with light, refreshing flavors from lemon and ginger, but it also goes with everything.

2 / 8

Stovetop Brussels Sprouts Hash with Crispy Sage and Walnuts

Sliced into thin ribbons and sautéed with butter, onions, and pancetta, these deluxe Brussels sprouts get dressed up even further with a topping of butter-browned walnuts and crispy fried sage.

3 / 8

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic

Take your standard roasted Brussels sprouts routine (olive oil, salt, pepper) from good to memorable by adding two ingredients you probably already have around: lemon and garlic.

4 / 8

Modern Green Bean Casserole

This modern green bean casserole is rich, creamy, and comforting, without being too heavy or indulgent. And the real treat is the sesame-stick topping.

5 / 8

Roasted Green Beans with Harissa

Just a couple teaspoons of harissa elevate these simple green beans by adding bright flavors and a touch of heat that kicks in a few seconds after each bite.

6 / 8

Creamy Spinach with Dill

Less creamy than creamed spinach but just as luxurious, this is the simple spring side you need.

7 / 8

Asparagus Ribbons

We seldom think of eating asparagus raw, but when shaved into long, thin ribbons, this spring vegetable makes a beautifully crisp and flavorful salad or side dish.

8 / 8

Grilled Zucchini

Grilling gives the mild-mannered squash a spunky, smoky attitude, and grilled zucchini pairs well with just about anything else you’re serving.

Other Savory Sides

From mushrooms to mashed cauliflower, these savory sides pair perfectly with steak.

1 / 7

15-Minute Buttered Balsamic Mushrooms

When steak is on the menu, you can take the least expensive, most everyday mushrooms and transform them into a vegetable side that feels decidedly elegant.

2 / 7

The Creamiest Mashed Cauliflower

Mashed cauliflower isn't just a replacement for mashed potatoes — try this hearty side with merits all its own.

3 / 7

Radishes Braised with Shallots and Vinegar

Radishes, when braised, still take very little time — a Sunday roast this is not. And yet there is a deliciously rich flavor and texture that comes out of these pretty things.

4 / 7

Braised Fennel and Shallots with Parsley and Orange Zest

Fennel and shallots are perfect braising partners. The sweet shallots offset some of the fennel’s strong, licorice flavor, and their natural sugar content helps create a beautiful glaze as the cooking liquid evaporates into a sauce.

5 / 7

Balsamic Glazed Pearl Onions

These balsamic-glazed pearl onions are sweet, tart, and savory all at the same time. They are quick enough for a weeknight, special enough for company, and perfect for the holidays.

6 / 7

Crunchy Cabbage Slaw with Farro, Pecorino, and Dates

A make-ahead friendly salad made with crunchy red cabbage, shredded kale, dates, farro, and Pecorino cheese.

7 / 7

Braised Shiitake Mushrooms with Baby Bok Choy

The classic Chinese combination of braised shiitake mushrooms in a sweet-savory sauce over vibrant baby bok choy.

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