Meat lovers know that the perfect steak is a delicacy that deserves to be accompanied by the right sauce. Whether you prefer your steak grilled, pan-seared, or roasted, a delectable sauce can elevate the flavors and texture of your dish. The right sauce can add depth, flavor, and richness to your steak, making it a memorable culinary experience.
But with so many sauce options available, finding the perfect one for your steak dish can be a daunting task. Some sauces complement your steak’s natural taste, while others add an exciting tang or sweetness. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sauces for steak and help you find the perfect one to suit your taste buds.
Béarnaise Sauce – a tangy, buttery sauce made with egg yolks, shallots, tarragon, vinegar, and butter.
Peppercorn Sauce – a lovely, spicy sauce made with cream, shallots, green peppercorns, and brandy.
Chimichurri Sauce – a fresh and herbaceous sauce made with parsley, cilantro, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil.
Hollandaise Sauce – a rich and creamy sauce made with egg yolks, butter, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar.
Ultimately, the best sauce for your steak is a matter of personal taste, so feel free to experiment and find the one that speaks to you.
Top 5 Classic Sauces Perfect for Steaks
When it comes to a perfectly cooked steak, the right sauce can elevate the flavors and add an extra layer of deliciousness. Here are the top five classic sauces that pair perfectly with steaks:
1. Béarnaise Sauce – Made with vinegar, shallots, tarragon, egg yolks, and butter, this sauce has a creamy texture with a slight tang. It’s perfect for a juicy steak.
2. Peppercorn Sauce – This creamy sauce is made with cream, peppercorns, and brandy or cognac. It has a rich, bold flavor that complements the richness of a well-cooked steak.
3. Mushroom Sauce – Made with mushrooms, butter, cream, and beef broth, this sauce is fantastic with a grilled steak. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms pair well with the rich meat.
4. Red Wine Sauce – This sauce is rich, deep, and full of flavor, and it’s perfect for a steak. It’s made with shallots, garlic, beef broth, and red wine, and it adds a luxurious touch to any meal.
5. Hollandaise Sauce – This classic sauce is made with egg yolks, butter, and lemon juice. It has a smooth and velvety texture and adds a rich and indulgent flavor to any steak.
Modern Sauces to Pair with Your Favourite Cut of Steak
When it comes to pairing sauces with steak, classic options like béarnaise and red wine reduction always have their place on the plate. However, modern cuisine has brought us many new and exciting flavors that pair perfectly with a juicy cut of steak.
One of the hottest trends in steak sauces is chimichurri, a tangy and herbaceous sauce from Argentina. This sauce is made with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of vinegar for a zesty finish. It pairs beautifully with leaner cuts like flank steak or hanger steak. Meanwhile, a spicy and smoky barbecue sauce is perfect for those who love bold flavors. With a touch of sweetness and a hint of heat, this sauce is ideal for grilled steaks, especially those with marbled fat like ribeye or strip steak. Finally, a rich and creamy blue cheese sauce is a classic that never gets old. It’s perfect for indulging in a tender filet mignon or a hearty T-bone steak.
How to Make a Homemade Chimichurri Sauce for Grilled Steaks
Chimichurri sauce is well known for its fantastic pairing with grilled steaks, and making it at home is surprisingly easy. To create this delicious Argentinian-style sauce, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and some spices. Simply chop up the parsley and garlic and mix it well with the vinegar and oil. Add a pinch of oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes to taste, and let the sauce sit for at least an hour before serving.
The result is a pleasant blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors that complement the rich taste of the steak without overpowering it. This sauce works perfectly with both ribeye and sirloin steaks, and it’s also great for basting during the cooking process. If you’re tired of the same old barbeque sauces and looking to spice up your steak game, then homemade chimichurri is a game-changer. Give it a try, impress your family and friends, and add a touch of Argentinian flavor to your next backyard cookout.
Unique Sauces from around the World to Try with Steaks
There’s no denying that steak is a delicious piece of meat, but what’s better is when it’s paired with a sauce that enhances its flavors. While traditional sauces like gravy, mushroom, and peppercorn are popular among steak connoisseurs, there are unique sauces from around the world that will take your steak to the next level.
One such sauce is salsa criolla from Argentina, made with chopped tomatoes, onions, red bell peppers, and vinegar. It’s the perfect blend of tanginess and sweetness that complements the flavors of a juicy steak perfectly. Another unique sauce is chimichurri, also from Argentina, made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. Its fresh and herbaceous flavors cut through the richness of the steak, making it a favorite among many steakhouses around the world. These sauces will add a touch of excitement to your steak dinners and are definitely worth trying.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sauce to Enhance Your Steak
Choosing the right sauce for your steak can make or break your dining experience. With so many options available, it’s important to consider the flavors and textures of both the sauce and the steak. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.
First, consider the cut of steak you’re working with. A fattier cut, like a ribeye, can handle a bolder sauce with stronger flavors, whereas leaner cuts, like filet mignon, may be better suited for lighter sauces. Additionally, think about the preparation method – a grilled steak may pair well with a tangy barbecue sauce, while a pan-seared steak could benefit from a creamy mushroom sauce. Finally, be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions among your guests to ensure everyone can enjoy the meal. By considering these factors, you can select a sauce that perfectly complements your steak and enhances its natural flavors.
What Wine or Beer to Pair with your Steak Sauce
Pairing the right wine or beer with a steak sauce can enhance the flavor of your meal and make it more enjoyable. Red wines are often paired with steak, and it is important to choose one that complements the flavor of your chosen sauce. For example, a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon can pair well with a rich and savory sauce such as béarnaise or mushroom sauce. On the other hand, a lighter red like Pinot Noir can complement the subtler flavors of a red wine reduction sauce.
If you prefer beer with your steak, choosing a beer that complements the flavor of your sauce can elevate your meal. Ales and stouts are commonly paired with steak and can stand up to deeper and richer flavors. A hoppy IPA can pair well with a tangy and spicy steak sauce, adding an extra layer of complexity to your meal. When it comes to beer, experimentation is key, and trying out different combinations can help you find your perfect pairing. With the right wine or beer, your steak and sauce combination can truly shine.
Elevating Your Steak Game with Specialty Sauces and Marinades
When it comes to adding a little something special to your steak, why not experiment with some specialty sauces and marinades? These products can add complexity and depth to your meat, taking your dinner game up a notch. There are many options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences and personal style.
For example, you might try a savory and tangy chimichurri sauce to complement the rich, beefy flavor of your steak. Or, for a sweeter option, consider a balsamic glaze or a fruit-based marinade. Other popular choices include garlic butter, creamy horseradish sauce, or a classic béarnaise sauce. With so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a sauce or marinade that will transform your steak into something truly special.
The Conclusion
From béarnaise to chimichurri, several sauces complement the flavor of a succulent steak. Adding the right sauce to your steak dish can elevate the taste and create a unique culinary experience. While there are several options out there, it’s crucial to find the right one that suits your taste and augments the steak’s natural flavor.
When it comes to choosing a sauce, it’s crucial to consider your personal preference as well as the cut of steak you have. High-fat steaks like ribeye or rib steak pair excellently with sauces like béarnaise or a bold chimichurri. On the other hand, leaner cuts like strip steak or filet mignon usually require milder sauces like mushroom or garlic herb butter. Ultimately, whether you are having a fancy dinner or just grilling with family and friends, adding a sauce to your steak can make all the difference in creating a delicious meal.