A juicy beef steak is undoubtedly one of the favorite dishes for most lovers of this exceptional meat. But what should you serve with a steak to ensure it remains the star of the plate, while also enhancing the meal with complementary flavors and creating an even more enjoyable experience for your guests? There are many possibilities, and the final choice depends entirely on your vision and preferences.
That said, when thinking about steak pairings, it’s worth considering not only which sides will complement the meat, but also which drink will elevate the experience. To make your job easier, in this article we’ll share not only how to prepare a perfect steak but also which sides work best at home gatherings or backyard BBQs.
How to prepare beef for steak?
Before we get to the question of what to serve with a beef steak, let’s revisit how to properly cook it. This is crucial, as even the best sides won’t save poorly cooked meat. So, what should you pay attention to?
First and foremost, choose high-quality beef. In our selection, you’ll find excellent beef from the Polish producer CHOBOT Meat Jan Ludwiniak, known for its unmatched flavor and texture. Another key point is steak thickness, which will vary depending on the cooking method you plan to use.
- If you’re pan-frying your steak, go for cuts that are 2, 2.5, or 3 cm thick. You can also opt for a so-called minute steak, typically 1 to 1.5 cm thick.
- If you’re planning to grill, choose steaks that are 4, 4.5, or 5 cm thick. We recommend 4.5 cm—it’s the perfect balance for enjoying the rich flavor of our beef.
Once you’ve selected your steak, it’s time to cook it properly. Here’s how:
How to pan-fry a steak?
Not every steak lover has access to a grill when the craving hits. Bad weather, apartment living, or time constraints can all get in the way. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a delicious Tomahawk or Rib Eye. You can easily make steaks in a pan—as long as you know how. Here’s a reliable method for a perfect pan-seared steak:
- Don’t cook steak straight from the fridge—let it rest until it reaches room temperature.
- Always use a dry, fully preheated pan. How do you know when it’s hot enough? It’ll start to smoke slightly—your cue to lay down the steak. Don’t forget to turn on the hood and open windows beforehand.
- How long should you fry a steak? For thin cuts, 2–3 minutes per side will do. For thicker ones, extend the time a bit, but don’t overdo it—overcooked steak becomes dry and loses its appeal.
- Let the steak rest on a wooden cutting board for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute and the temperature to even out.
Grilling a steak – how to do it?
Looking forward to the next BBQ and already picturing those perfect steaks? Follow our advice, and you’ll turn that vision into reality. Here’s our classic grilling method for top-tier beef:
- Make sure the grill is fully preheated before placing the steaks. Avoid direct flames, as rendered fat and juices can cause flare-ups and burn the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer for thick steaks. This will help you reach the exact doneness you want. Here’s a quick reference (°C): Blue – 48, Rare – 52, Medium rare – 54–56, Medium well – 56–58, Well done – 60+.
- When should you flip the steak? It’s simple—when it releases from the grill without sticking, it’s ready to turn.
- If you're grilling a bone-in steak and want it evenly cooked, stand it on the bone until you smell a roasted aroma. Then lay it flat for uniform doneness.
- Let the steak rest on a wooden board for a few minutes before serving, just as you would with a pan-fried steak.
What to serve with beef steak? Top pairings
Now that you know how to prepare the steak, let’s talk about sides. Grill Masters often pair steak with:
- vegetables and fresh salads,
- flavored butters,
- sauces.
Explore the best sides for steak and treat your guests to a memorable meal!
Vegetable sides
Even the most devoted carnivores agree that a well-cooked steak with a flavorful veggie side is a match made in heaven. Here are our favorites:
- Purees of various vegetables offer a pleasant texture and a light contrast to the richness of the meat. Go classic with potatoes or try something new like parsnip, carrot, or celery puree.
- Steak fries are a beloved classic—but skip the frozen ones. Homemade fries make all the difference, and your guests (especially the kids) will love them.
- If we ran a poll among grill enthusiasts, asparagus would likely be a top pick. Grilled green asparagus or breaded and fried pairs beautifully with a juicy beef steak.
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini also work wonderfully as sides.
- As for salads, go simple: mixed greens with tomato, cucumber, and vinaigrette make for a fresh complement to the steak.
Butter
For some steak lovers, flavored butter is a must. Not just any butter, though—steak butter should be subtle yet distinctive, adding a flavorful twist. Here are some favorites:
- Garlic butter – a classic, ideal for beginners,
- Herb butter – rosemary and other herbs pair beautifully with beef,
- Chili-lime butter – sweet and spicy, perfect for bold flavors,
- Truffle butter – an elegant touch for special occasions.
Sauces
Many beef purists prefer their steaks simply grilled, letting the meat shine. But others argue that the right sauce can enhance the experience. Top favorites include:
- Pepper sauce,
- Chimichurri,
- Hollandaise sauce.
Whatever sauce you choose, the steak should always be the centerpiece. Avoid flavor pairings that overshadow the beef—you want to highlight, not hide, its natural goodness.
What drinks pair well with steak?
As we mentioned earlier, choosing what to serve with steak isn’t just about the food—it’s also about drinks. So what goes best with a flavorful steak? For many fans, nothing beats juicy beef and a good red wine. But choosing the right wine is essential. Here’s a guide:
Look for tannic wines that complement beef’s nutrients. Also consider your steak’s doneness and marbling:
- Love rare steak? Try Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Prefer more doneness? The sweetness of Barbera works beautifully.
- Enjoy highly marbled steak? Chianti’s acidity balances the richness.
Of course, steak isn’t just for wine or alcohol lovers. No BBQ or dinner party is complete without non-alcoholic options. A great choice is homemade infused water: a pitcher with lime slices, mint leaves, and plenty of ice is a perfect summer refresher. It quenches thirst without overwhelming the steak’s flavor.
Summary
What to serve with beef steak? The possibilities are endless—from vegetable sides and rich butters to bold sauces. Add a glass of high-quality wine or refreshing fruit water, and you’re all set. But no matter what extras you choose, the foundation is always a perfectly cooked piece of premium beef. Where can you find that?
Right here in our shop! We offer three unique lines of dry-aged steaks: Standard, Premium, and Extra Marbled. Each line varies in marbling, so you can easily find a steak that suits your taste. Our dry-aged steak selection includes:
We also offer premium fresh beef for your dishes and a wide range of beef offal.
We invite you to place your order!
