What To Serve With Braised Steak (23+ Tasty Sides)

When you’re in the mood for good old fashioned comfort food, you really can’t beat braised steak! 

Cooked low and slow, it can be left in the oven or crockpot to work its own magic after just a small amount of prep, and you’ll be rewarded with mouthwateringly tender morsels of flavoursome beef. 

It’s much more budget friendly than a regular steak, and it’s one of those recipes I return to time and again, particularly over the winter months. 

I love to serve it as an easy alternative to a Sunday roast! 

Of course though, you’ll want to pair it with some side dishes to create a balanced meal. 

Just need some quick ideas? 

The best choices for what to serve with braised steak include mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, pilaf rice, creamy risotto, penne pasta, steamed vegetables, leafy greens, and garlic bread. 

Keep reading for more ideas, and preparation tips… 

Starchy Sides to Complement Braised Steak

Choosing the perfect starchy side can elevate your braised steak from a simple meal to a satisfying dining experience.

These side dishes add a comforting balance to the rich and tender meat.

Potato Dishes

You can’t go wrong with potatoes as a side for braised steak. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes with a bit of butter and milk is a classic choice.

Alternatively, try roasted potatoes: season them with rosemary and garlic for a crispy outside and a fluffy inside.

• Mashed Potatoes:
  • Ingredients: potatoes, butter, milk, salt
  • Method: Boil, mash, season, and serve.
• Roasted Potatoes:
  • Ingredients: potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, garlic
  • Cooking: Toss with oil and herbs, roast until golden.

(If you love steak dishes, you’ll also enjoy reading what to serve with peppercorn steak!) 

Rice Variations

Rice can be a lighter yet equally satisfying partner for your steak.

Pilaf rice, enriched with sautéed onions and herbs, brings out complex flavours, while creamy risotto offers a luxurious texture that complements the braised meat wonderfully.

• Pilaf Rice:
  • Ingredients: rice, onion, vegetable stock, herbs
  • Cooking: Fry onion, add rice, cook in stock until fluffy.
• Risotto:
  • Ingredients: arborio rice, chicken stock, parmesan, wine
  • Method: Stir rice into simmering stock gradually, finish with cheese.

Pasta Options

The versatility of pasta makes it another excellent choice.

Egg noodles dressed lightly with butter and parsley offer simplicity, allowing the braised steak to shine.

Penne pasta tossed with olive oil and Parmesan provides a robust option that can be paired with the steak juices.

• Egg Noodles:
  • Ingredients: egg noodles, butter, parsley
  • Method: Cook noodles, toss with butter and parsley, serve.
• Penne Pasta:
  • Ingredients: penne, olive oil, parmesan
  • Cooking: Boil penne, dress with oil and cheese, mix well.

Vegetable Accompaniments

There are various vegetable side dishes that are wonderful choices when it comes to what to serve with braised steak… 

Steamed Vegetables

Steaming vegetables preserves their texture and nutrients, making them a healthy addition to your plate.

Try steaming broccoli or green beans for a contrasting crunch against the tenderness of the steak.

You could also add a touch of elegance with steamed asparagus, seasoned with a hint of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

Roasted Roots

Roasted root vegetables offer a sweet and earthy taste that perfectly complements meat dishes.

Consider roasting a medley of carrots, parsnips, and beetroot until they’re caramelised and tender.

Season them with rosemary, thyme, or garlic for an aromatic twist.

Leafy Greens

The lightness of leafy greens can balance the heaviness of braised steak.

Sauté spinach with a bit of garlic or wilt kale with some stock for added flavour.

Serve them alongside your steak to add colour and nutrition to your meal.

Salads and Fresh Sides

When enjoying a hearty braised steak, pairing it with a refreshing salad or crisp side can balance the richness of the meat.

Fresh greens and tangy pickles cut through the heaviness, offering a palate-cleansing contrast.

Garden Salads

To complement your braised steak, consider a garden salad with a mix of leafy greens such as spinach, rocket, and watercress.

Add colourful elements like sliced radishes, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for crunch and vibrancy.

For dressing, a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper will do nicely.

Coleslaws

Coleslaw is a classic side that brings a crunchy texture and creamy tang to your plate.

You can make a traditional coleslaw with shredded white cabbage and carrots, mixed with a mayonnaise-based dressing.

For a lighter version, use Greek yoghurt or a vinaigrette dressing, and consider including red cabbage or sliced apple for an extra pop of flavour and texture.

Pickled Vegetables

Adding pickled vegetables offers a delightful zing that goes well with the deep flavours of braised steak.

You might enjoy traditional gherkins or pickled onions, or branch out with pickled beetroot or radishes.

They not only provide a burst of acidity but also contribute a lovely, vibrant colour to your dish.

Breads and Rolls

When you’ve prepared a luscious braised steak, pairing it with the right bread can elevate your meal.

These options will absorb the rich sauce and complement the meat’s robust flavour.

Artisan Breads

Your braised steak will find a delightful companion in artisan breads.

They possess a sturdy crust that holds up well when dipping into sauces and gravies.

• Sourdough: Its tangy profile contrasts nicely with the savouriness of the steak.
• Ciabatta: This bread offers a chewy texture perfect for sopping up sauces.

Dinner Rolls

Soft and buttery, dinner rolls are a classic fixture next to braised steak.

1. Brioche: Its slight sweetness pairs excellently with the deep flavours of the meat.
2. Parker House Rolls: These rolls are fluffy and foldable, ideal for constructing mini steak sandwiches if desired.

Garlic Bread

A slice of garlic bread brings a punch of flavour that stands up to the steak’s intensity.

• Classic Garlic Baguette: Crisped to perfection, it offers a garlicky crunch.
• Cheesy Garlic Bread: The addition of melted cheese provides a gooey texture contrast.

Sauces and Gravies

Enhance your braised steak with a sauce or gravy to enrich the dish.

The right accompaniment can bring out the flavours of the meat and add a touch of elegance to your meal.

Red Wine Reduction

To complement the robust flavour of braised steak, you can create a red wine reduction.

This involves simmering a good quality red wine with beef stock until it thickens to a sauce consistency.

Infuse it with herbs like thyme and a bay leaf for added depth.

Mushroom Gravy

Mushroom gravy adds an earthy tone that is excellent with braised steak.

Start by sautéing mushrooms, then blend in flour to form a roux.

Gradually whisk in beef broth to achieve a creamy texture.

Onion Sauce

A traditional onion sauce can be both sweet and savoury, balancing the dish, and is a great choice for what to serve with braised steak. 

Slowly cook down onions to bring out their natural sugars before adding stock and cream.

You should end up with a sauce that’s both rich and velvety.

Wine Pairings

When selecting a wine to accompany your braised steak, choose one that complements the rich flavours and succulence of the meat.

Red Wines

For a harmonious match, bold red wines with good acidity and tannins pair well with braised steak, cutting through the richness of the dish.

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Its robust structure and hints of dark fruit are perfect with the savoury depths of braised steak.
  

  Year	Recommended Bottle
  2020	Chateau Montrose
  2018	Penfolds Bin 707

• Merlot: This wine brings a softer, plummy profile that complements the tender steak without overwhelming it.
  

  Year	Recommended Bottle
  2019	Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot
  2017	Petrus Pomerol

Tip: Decant your red wine for at least an hour before serving to allow it to breathe and fully reveal its flavours.

White Wines

Although unconventional, certain full-bodied white wines can be a surprisingly pleasant counterpart to braised steak for those who prefer white over red.

• Chardonnay: Opt for a richer, aged bottle that provides enough weight and complexity.
  

  Year	Recommended Bottle
  2018	Louis Jadot Puligny-Montrachet
  2020	Kistler Vine Hill Vineyard

Oaky Chardonnays, with their creamy texture, can stand up to the heartiness of the dish.

Remember to serve your wine at the optimal temperature. Red wines typically between 15-18°C and whites around 10-13°C, to ensure the best flavour pairing with your braised steak.

What’s your favourite choice for what to serve with braised steak? 

Leave a comment below and share your thoughts! 

Before you go, you might also enjoy what to serve with steak sandwiches.