Steak is without a doubt one of the most popular meals around the world. Whether it’s cooked at home or ordered at a restaurant, steak is a dish that is enjoyed by many. But, have you ever wondered what sauces go well with steak? There are so many options to enhance your steak eating experience!
Sauces not only add flavor to your steak, but they also help to tenderize and moisten the meat. However, the right sauce can either make or break the taste of this beloved dish. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sauces to pair with steak that will take your dining experience to the next level.
Classic Steak Sauces and How to Use Them
Classic steak sauces are the go-to option for most people when it comes to pairing a sauce with their steak. These sauces have been around for centuries and have been perfected to bring out the best flavor in steak. The most popular classic steak sauces include béarnaise, hollandaise, bordelaise, and chimichurri.
Béarnaise and hollandaise sauces are creamy and buttery and go well with medium-rare steaks. Bordelaise sauce is made from red wine and bone marrow, giving it a rich and flavorful taste that pairs well with a juicy steak. Chimichurri sauce, on the other hand, is a tangy and herbaceous sauce made from garlic, vinegar, and herbs that pairs well with grilled steak. Classic steak sauces are easy to prepare and can be used to add flavor and depth to your steak dishes.
Experimenting with Non-Traditional Sauce Pairings for Steak
While traditional steak sauces like béarnaise, chimichurri, and hollandaise have been around for ages, many people are starting to experiment with new and unusual sauce pairings for their beloved steaks. Whether it’s a fruity sauce or a spicy one, you’ll be surprised at how new flavors can enhance and complement the meaty flavor of a steak.
One popular non-traditional sauce for steak is blackberry sauce. It’s a sweet and tangy sauce that goes well with grilled steaks. Another sauce that works well with steak is mole sauce, a rich and flavorful sauce made with chocolate, spices, and chilies. It’s a great choice if you prefer a little heat in your steak. Don’t be afraid to experiment with unusual herbs, spices, and fruits to create unique and flavorful steak sauces that will take your steak dining experience to the next level.
Tips for Making Homemade Steak Sauces
Making your own steak sauces can be a fun and creative experience, allowing you to customize the flavor to your liking. To start with, gather all the ingredients you need, including spices, vinegar, herbs, sugar, and tomatoes, depending on the type of sauce you want to make. A good sauce should complement the taste of your steak and not overpower it.
When making steak sauces, use a heat source that lets you simmer the sauce, enabling the flavors to blend and concentrate. A quality heavy-bottomed saucepan will do the trick. Start by cooking the garlic and onions in oil until they’re translucent before adding the other ingredients. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You can store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. With a little effort and creativity, you can make a steak sauce that will elevate the flavor of your steak to the next level.
A Guide to Regional Sauce Pairings for Steak
Regional cuisine and local ingredients often play a crucial role in the sauces that accompany steak in different parts of the world. For instance, in Argentina, chimichurri sauce, made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil, is a favorite and pairs extremely well with grilled steak. In Italy, rich truffle sauce or béarnaise sauce made with egg yolks, tarragon vinegar, and clarified butter are perfect compliments to steak.
In France, steak is traditionally served with a sauce bordelaise, made from red wine, garlic, shallots, and butter. Another popular French sauce for steak is the mushroom-based sauce made with button mushrooms, garlic, butter, and Dijon mustard. While in America, mushroom sauce and classic steak sauce, tomato-based with a blend of spices and Worcestershire sauce, are the most common sauces paired with steak. Understanding the regional flavors behind steak sauces allows for a more informed and adventurous dining experience.
The Best Steak Sauces for Different Cuts of Meat
When it comes to steak sauces, it’s important to consider which cut of meat you’re preparing. Different cuts have different flavors and textures that can be accentuated by different sauces. For ribeye steaks, a classic béarnaise sauce is always a great choice. The rich, buttery flavor of the sauce pairs perfectly with the robust flavor of the ribeye. For filet mignon, a red wine reduction adds a depth of flavor that enhances the tenderness of this cut. And for sirloin steaks, a tangy chimichurri sauce made with parsley, vinegar, and garlic lightens up the heavier notes of this meat.
If you’re grilling up a flank steak, try serving it with a spicy salsa verde to add a kick of flavor. And for those who prefer a little sweetness with their savory, a maple-bourbon glaze is a fantastic option for skirt steak. Remember, the key to finding the best steak sauce for different cuts of meat is to experiment with different flavors and find the perfect pairing that suits your taste buds.
Vegan and Vegetarian Sauces to Serve with Steak
For those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, the thought of serving steak may not be appealing. However, there are a variety of sauces that can be served with steak that are suitable for plant-based eaters. One option is a mushroom sauce, made with a variety of mushrooms, vegetable broth, onions, and garlic. This sauce adds a rich umami flavor to the steak and can be easily customized to individual taste preferences.
Another vegan and vegetarian option is a chimichurri sauce, typically made with a blend of herbs, garlic, vinegar, and oil. This sauce adds a bright and tangy flavor to the steak, and can be easily made at home with fresh ingredients. Additionally, a balsamic reduction sauce can be made with balsamic vinegar, sugar, and vegetable broth. This sweet and tangy sauce adds a bold flavor to the steak and pairs well with roasted vegetables. With these vegan and vegetarian sauce options, anyone can enjoy a delicious and flavorful steak meal.
Wine and Beer Recommendations for Pairing with Steak Sauces
Pairing the right wine or beer with your steak sauce can elevate your dining experience to the next level. When it comes to wine, red wine pairs perfectly with steak sauces. A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah can balance the richness of creamy sauces, while a fruity Merlot complements sweeter sauces like barbecue or teriyaki.
If you prefer beer, choose a dark ale or porter to accompany your steak sauce. The maltiness and roastiness of these beers can complement the flavors of a rich and savory sauce. Alternatively, a hoppy IPA can balance out the sweetness of a barbecue sauce, giving your meal depth and complexity. Remember to choose a wine or beer you enjoy, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings to find your perfect combination.
The Conclusion
Sauces are an essential element when it comes to enjoying a juicy steak, and discovering the perfect combination can take your meal from good to great. Whether you prefer a classic option like béarnaise or a flavorful twist like chimichurri, the sauce you choose depends on your personal taste and the type of steak you’re cooking.
Ultimately, the best sauce for your steak is the one that makes your taste buds dance with delight. With so many delicious options to choose from, the possibilities are endless. So, next time you’re preparing a steak, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations and discover your new favorite sauce pairing. Bon appétit!