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Original poster

Sides for steak

100 replies

Thebloodynine · 22/04/2025 14:17

I’ve got a friend coming out of hospital and will finally be well enough to eat full proper meals, and they’re desperate for a steak night with all the friends. They won’t be up for going to a restaurant so I’m cooking. I need some help as they very much feel that “the sides make the meal” so give me some amazing sides which go with steak.
I think I’ve got potatoes covered as I’m making potato dauphinois and Camembert mashed potatoes.
Also doing a garlic herb mushroom dish.
But I need some veggie sides, maybe another meat or seafood sides, I don’t know. Lettuce wedges of course!

So hit me with your suggestions and any fool proof recipes.

OP posts:
Original poster
Thebloodynine · 22/04/2025 14:39

JaninaDuszejko · 22/04/2025 14:34

If they think the sides make the steak they're doing the steak wrong. I feel like it's a case of keep it simple for the sides. I like a baked potato and a salad with steak. The steak should be hung for at least 21 days and preferably be from a traditional British breed (Angus if you must but Beef Shorthorn or Hereford are better). It's out of fashion but marinating the steak can improve flavour then cook on a high heat and obviously don't overcook. Steak should be rare.

I’m good on cooking the steak, but thank you. And since it’s for them and they enjoy lots of small plates and sides, that’s what I’ll be doing. I’m just looking for some suggestions of really tasty sides as I’m a single mum with 2 kids so out of the habit of big fancy meals with lots of sides so looking for inspiration.

OP posts:
EffortlesslyDecluttering · 22/04/2025 14:39

I'd be disappointed with no chips. I don't like either dauphinoise or cheesy mash and wouldn't eat either. Crispy french fries would be my preference. Then sauces and the mushrooms you've mentioned, asparagus, roasted broccolli or char-grilled corn on the cob. I've never heard of the lettuce wedge thing either but would like a side salad or green leaves and French dressing.

Original poster
Thebloodynine · 22/04/2025 14:45

I knew the chips would be a divisive choice. Sorry! But no one wants chips, they won’t be eaten. So we really are good for potato things.

Thank you for the suggestions, I’ll do some planning.

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General food
IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece · 22/04/2025 14:48

The potato thing feels like that episode of Friends where Monica had to cook 5 different Thanksgiving potatoes

IHopeYouStepOnALegPiece · 22/04/2025 14:49

JaninaDuszejko · 22/04/2025 14:34

If they think the sides make the steak they're doing the steak wrong. I feel like it's a case of keep it simple for the sides. I like a baked potato and a salad with steak. The steak should be hung for at least 21 days and preferably be from a traditional British breed (Angus if you must but Beef Shorthorn or Hereford are better). It's out of fashion but marinating the steak can improve flavour then cook on a high heat and obviously don't overcook. Steak should be rare.

The friend specifically wanted the sides 🙄

BarnacleBeasley · 22/04/2025 14:50

I agree with no chips. In a restaurant with a deep fat fryer on the go, I'd want them. At home, especially when OP has to cook all the steaks, they'd probably be oven chips, which clearly rank below dauphinoise. And they'd be a pain in the arse if she's only got one oven because she's very sensibly making a lot of other oven-based sides and the chips would need a higher temperature.

placemats · 22/04/2025 14:52

Thebloodynine · 22/04/2025 14:30

Mac n cheese, roast asparagus and broccoli and Parmesan tomatoes are on the list! Thank you!
And garlic prawns, or maybe a chilli prawn thing.

So what's for afters then? 😄

Only half joking. I think it's a fantastic thing to do and you're such a lovely person for doing it. Enjoy the meal x

Original poster
Thebloodynine · 22/04/2025 14:55

placemats · 22/04/2025 14:52

So what's for afters then? 😄

Only half joking. I think it's a fantastic thing to do and you're such a lovely person for doing it. Enjoy the meal x

Show quote history

Pistachio filled profiteroles with a rose syrup and a chocolate ganache thing with strawberries. Ice cream if anything goes wrong 🤣

OP posts:
IBloodyLoveMyBlanket · 22/04/2025 15:07

Anyone else starting to feel their friends are a bit lame in comparison to OP?

Snorlaxo · 22/04/2025 15:10

Has Mrs M&S-Steak-Cut-Chips-and-Onion-Rings replied ?

Chewbecca · 22/04/2025 15:17

Ooh, I like something a little bit greener and fresher with all the rich stuff.

Roasted asparagus, broccoli or cauli.
Mushrooms.
DH always wants onion rings.

Bearnaise sauce on the side would be nice. The jar by Maille is good enough for me to not need to make it!

Zanzara · 22/04/2025 15:26

A lovely big mixed salad on the side with Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Gorgeous!

Original poster
Thebloodynine · 22/04/2025 15:45

Zanzara · 22/04/2025 15:26

A lovely big mixed salad on the side with Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Gorgeous!

I know it’s bad but I wouldn’t have thought about salad and that’s so easy to do! So we will have a green salad side, and maybe some roast bone marrow with crusty bread with it.

OP posts:
TerrifiedPassenger · 22/04/2025 15:53

I'd do dauphinoise and triple cooked chips - the mash means you've got two mushy spuds...

Onion rings if you're going pub grub-y, with huge tomatoes and mushrooms.

Or take it simple with asparagus or green beans.

I want steak now.

mathanxiety · 22/04/2025 15:55

Roasted veg (all sorts) with a balsamic reduction.

roshi42 · 22/04/2025 16:09

Creamed spinach! I have to have it with steak.

Tryingtokeepgoing · 22/04/2025 16:15

HotCrossBunplease · 22/04/2025 14:28

Lettuce wedges and dauphinoise potatoes is a really odd combination.

In fact, I’m intrigued generally by your “of course” re lettuce wedges. To accompany a steak I might go with a dark green leafy salad if the guests had requested a lighter meal, but a wedge of iceberg seems more suited to a prawn cocktail or something.

I prefer frites in the classic French steak frites style myself.

Iceberg wedges seared on a griddle are sometimes served with steak, and are tasty! But I do like a rocket salad with balsamic dressing and a little fresh Parmesan. Dauphinoise with steak is pretty normal though, isn’t it?

Tryingtokeepgoing · 22/04/2025 16:18

Thebloodynine · 22/04/2025 14:45

I knew the chips would be a divisive choice. Sorry! But no one wants chips, they won’t be eaten. So we really are good for potato things.

Thank you for the suggestions, I’ll do some planning.

I think you are being an amazing friend, and completely agree that chips are way behind dauphinoise potatoes as an accompaniment for steak!! Especially when cooked at home as, unless you have a big deep fat fryer, you can’t replicate restaurant-cooked triple cooked chips, or even french fries, satisfactorily.

CurlewKate · 22/04/2025 16:25

Jacket potato and a salad for me!

Allseeingallknowing · 22/04/2025 16:44

MagneticSquirrel · 22/04/2025 14:26

Peas and chips with steak. And a grilled tomato and mushrooms if feeling fancy.

I’d never have potatoes with steak!

But you are- what are chips, if not potatoes?

deeahgwitch · 22/04/2025 16:46

What are Camembert mashed potatoes @Thebloodynine?
They sound delicious.

HaddyAbrams · 22/04/2025 16:49

Snorlaxo · 22/04/2025 15:10

Has Mrs M&S-Steak-Cut-Chips-and-Onion-Rings replied ?

This is the only reason I opened this thread!

Personally I like simple sides with steak, fries or jacket potato and salad usually. So I'm of no help here.

Words · 22/04/2025 17:25

Camembert mashed potatoes? Dear lord

Words · 22/04/2025 17:30

Cook the steak to perfection
Serve with asparagus and new potatoes
The end

SharpOpalNewt · 22/04/2025 17:34

Steak should be rare.

I'd do a range between medium rare and medium unless I was sure of particular preferences.