Americans eat an astounding 67 pounds of beef per person each year on average. Steak makes up a significant portion of that amount. It’s a perfect protein for virtually any occasion from special anniversary dinners and outings with friends to weekend barbecues and basic weeknight meals.
Of course, the steak is only one piece of the puzzle. Whether you’re diving into a massive ribeye, a beautiful New York strip, or a lovely filet mignon, the side dishes help make the meal. Hearty steak fries; loaded baked potatoes; and smooth, creamy mashed potatoes are classic favorites here. There’s no harm in adding a warm, fluffy, butter-smothered yeast roll to the mix, either. That being said, there’s also an entire world of other side dishes that pair wonderfully with premium steaks for satisfying, unforgettable meals.
What Seasonal Side Items Go Well With Steaks?
It’s no secret that some ingredients are only available during certain seasons. At the same time, some foods just seem to soothe our appetites more effectively at different times of the year. We often tend to crave specific foods during different seasons as well. No matter what season it is, numerous side dishes can help round out your steak dinners.
Spectacular Spring Sides
In the spring, the weather starts to warm up and get more pleasant. Fresh, local produce also begins making its appearances at grocery stores, farmers markets, and produce stands. That opens the door for an array of beautiful, light, tasty side dishes that go well with steaks.
Salads
At this time of the year, a nice side salad is a wonderful complement to any main dish, and steak is no exception. Crisp, beautiful greens give you a perfect contrast to the richness and heaviness of the meat, and there are several types of lettuce to mix and match for a simple green salad. Baby spinach and arugula make for a nice spring salad as well. Salad doesn’t necessarily have to consist of greens alone, though. These days, salads come in countless forms, and no vegetable is considered taboo.
Asparagus
Asparagus is a wonderful spring side dish for steak too. When it’s prepared properly, it has amazing flavor and texture, and it’s satisfying without being overly heavy or filling. It’s delicious when lightly steamed or sauteed, tossed in olive oil or melted butter, and sprinkled with a little salt and pepper. It can also be served chilled for a cool, refreshing take on the norm.
Creamed Spinach
Many people also feel that creamed spinach is a prime spring side dish for steak. It’s considered a steakhouse staple, and you’ll find endless recipe variations for this classic dish. Some are rich and cheesy whereas others are lighter and milder. They’re all equally pleasing to the palate. Though creamed spinach is often thought of as a spring dish, it’s actually suitable for any time of the year.
Superb Summer Sides
Once summer rolls around, heat and humidity take over. That leaves people looking for side dishes that won’t weigh quite so heavily on their stomachs after a meal. Salads are great for summer steak sides, but numerous other options fall into this category as well.
Roasted Summer Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are amazing all year long, and many of the ones that are ready for harvest during the summer months seem to be made for roasting. Those include broccoli, squash, cauliflower, zucchini, and eggplant. All they need is a good toss in olive oil and a little salt and pepper for a beautiful summer side dish. You can also add any other herbs or seasonings you like to them.
Corn
Corn is a quintessential summer side dish, and you can prepare it in numerous ways, all of which meld well with steak. Nothing quite compares to sinking your teeth into a fresh ear of corn that’s slathered with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt. Fresh creamed corn is an amazing experience too. Grilled corn and Mexican street corn are incredible side dishes as well. Of course, a chilled corn and tomato salad is also a fantastic side.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are yet another classic summer side dish. They have an excellent blend of tartness and saltiness that goes beautifully with a meaty main dish like steak. Whether you savor them on their own or dipped in a tangy remoulade, you’re sure to enjoy them.
Fabulous Fall Sides
Many fresh vegetables start winding down in the fall, but that’s also the time when others are at their best. Besides that, not all sides have to be made of vegetables, do they? Several side dishes are perfectly suited to the cooler weather of autumn.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. It warms the body and the soul, and it’s a perfect mate for a thick, juicy steak. That’s especially the case when the weather is cool and dreary. Though its flavor and heartiness won’t overshadow those of the steak, they might come close.
Brussels Sprouts
When many people think of fall foods, Brussels sprouts automatically come to mind. Some might say they’re an acquired taste, but quite a few people absolutely love them. They’re versatile too. You can steam them for a light, healthy side dish. They can also be roasted, sauteed with bacon, or charred in the air fryer. Many people prefer them boiled and bathed in a creamy cheese sauce. There’s really no right or wrong when it comes to cooking and eating Brussels sprouts.
Green Beans
Many people consider green beans to be a summer food. That’s true to an extent, but they’re also wonderful in the fall. They’re delicious roasted, steamed, or sauteed. Considering their natural sweetness and crunchiness, they don’t need a great deal of doctoring to perfect them. In the cooler months, though, they’re absolutely divine when boiled with ham hocks.
Wonderful Winter Sides
That brings us to the winter months. At this time of the year, many people are looking for warm, comforting foods that fill their bellies and lift their spirits. Whether it’s the side dishes themselves that have those effects or just their nostalgia, certain foods definitely fill the bill.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are certainly craveable in wintertime. Baked sweet potatoes with cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter are as much a delicious dessert as they are a dish worthy of being served alongside a steak. They can also be diced and roasted or transformed into fries. Those ever-popular sweet potato casseroles and souffles can’t be overlooked, either.
Grits
People may not often think of grits when they’re looking for sides to serve with steaks. In truth, though, grits are a marvelous addition to a steak dinner, especially during the colder months. They’re smooth and creamy, and they stick to your ribs. Beyond that, they can take on a variety of flavors. You can hold fast to tradition and simply season them with salt and butter, or you can branch out from the norm. They’re lovely with garlic, cheese, chives, bacon, sausage, and numerous other add-ins.
Collards
In the South, no winter menu would be complete without collards. Some people like them fried while others prefer them boiled in true traditional fashion. Whether you like them spicy, smoky, or a combination of the two, they’ll certainly hold their own when paired with a big, thick, perfectly cooked steak.
Rounding Out Your Steak Dinners
Steaks are a mainstay of American cuisine, and they’re perfect for any occasion and any time of the year. Though they’re always the star of the meal, they simply wouldn’t be complete without a side dish or two. Whether you’re grilling outdoors in the summer or huddling inside your favorite restaurant on a cold winter day, several side dishes can complement your steaks perfectly.