STEAKS

While a perfectly cooked steak is a delight on its own, there are countless ways to elevate its flavour and complement your meal. From savoury sauces to fresh, vibrant sides, these additions can transform a great steak into an extraordinary dining experience.

Sauces

What is more delicious than a perfectly cooked steak? One that has just that right topping – like the icing on a cake! There are many popular finishing touches you’ll find available when dining out and one of them is sauces.

If you like a creamy sauce, there is nothing like a Béarnaise sauce. Treat yourself to this creamy classic French sauce that will leave you wanting to more. While delectable, its ingredients are simple and include egg yolks, butter and vinegar flavoured with tarragon and shallots, topped off with black pepper.

Something that’s made its way into many restaurants more recently is Chimichurri sauce. Chimichurri is an Argentinian uncooked sauce used as an ingredient in cooking and as a table condiment for grilled meat. It has become widely adopted in most of Latin America and lucky for us, has made its way into Canada. This sauce comes in green (chimichurri verde) and red (chimichurri rojo) varieties. It’s made of

finely chopped flat leaf parsley, red fresno chili peppers, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano and vinegar or lemon juice.

Blue cheese is another option for the top of your steak. Let’s be honest, you either love the pungent, salty and earthy flavour or you don’t. However, if you’re someone who loves it, this is again something that’s found in many restaurants to add to your steak. Some restaurants provide it in a creamy dressing while others melt the cheese itself over the steak – either way, it won’t disappoint.

One more steak classic you may or may not have tried is Peppercorn sauce. This is a culinary classic cream sauce and as its name suggests is prepared with peppercorn. This is prepared by reducing the cream in the cooking process. Various types of peppercorns can be used in its preparation, such as black, green and pink, among others. Peppercorn sauce may be served with steak such as filet mignon and beef tenderloin.

Primary ingredients for this rich sauce include peppercorns and heavy cream. Sometimes chefs also add butter, wine, brandy, such as cognac, shallots, garlic and additional seasonings, such as bay leaf, star anise, tarragon and salt.

Accompaniments

Another important aspect to any amazing beef dish is the accompaniments. From mac and cheese to Brussel sprouts and from truffle fries to a simple Caesar salad what’s on the side of your steak is almost as important as the beef itself, as these foods round out your dining experience.

Sautéed Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a delightful umami punch to a steak dinner. Cooked with garlic and butter, they have a savoury depth that enhances the steak's robust flavours. The mushrooms' tender texture and rich, earthy notes complement the meat's juiciness, creating a harmonious balance on the plate. Their ability to soak up and blend with steak juices also means every bite is infused with an extra layer of indulgence, making each mouthful more satisfying.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussel sprouts provide a crisp-tender texture and a caramelized sweetness that contrast beautifully with a steak. Their slightly nutty, charred flavour adds a unique dimension to the meal, enhancing the steak's savoury richness. The roasted edges offer a delightful crunch that pairs well with the steak’s juiciness, while their vibrant green colour and fresh taste brighten up the plate, balancing the meal with a touch of lightness.

Truffle Frites: Truffle frites elevate the steak experience with their luxurious aroma and flavour. Infused with the earthy, aromatic notes of truffle, these fries add an indulgent twist to the classic pairing of steak and fries. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior of the frites provide a satisfying contrast to the steak's tenderness, while the truffle essence brings an extra layer of sophistication. This combination creates a decadent and memorable dining experience that feels both opulent and comforting.

Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli is a classic accompaniment that adds a fresh, crisp element to a steak meal. The tender-crisp texture of the bright green broccoli provides a pleasant contrast to the meat's juiciness, and its lightness helps balance the overall richness of the steak. This pairing is both nutritious and complementary, making it a great choice for a well-rounded meal.

Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad brings a tangy and creamy counterbalance to the richness of a steak. The crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and savoury Parmesan cheese create a satisfying contrast to the steak’s tender, juicy texture. The Caesar dressing, with its zesty garlic and anchovy notes, adds a bold, umami flavour that complements the meat’s savoury profile. This combination provides a refreshing, flavourful break between bites of steak.

House Salad: A house salad offers a fresh and light complement to a steak. Typically featuring a mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette, the salad adds a burst of freshness and crunch to the meal. The acidity from the vinaigrette can help cut through the steak's richness, while the variety of textures and flavours in the salad create a balanced, satisfying plate that enhances the steak without overwhelming it.