Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today I’m super excited to share my ultimate guide on what to serve alongside that mouth-watering combo of steak and shrimp. Whether you’re planning a fancy dinner party or just want to treat yourself to something special, I’ve got you covered with some amazing side dish ideas that’ll make your meal absolutely perfect!
Why Steak and Shrimp Make an Amazing Duo
Before we dive into the sides, let’s talk about why this surf and turf combo is so darn good. The rich bold flavors of steak paired with the sweet delicate taste of shrimp create this incredible balance that’s hard to beat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Best Side Dishes for Steak and Shrimp
1. Vegetable Sides
Roasted Asparagus
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Roast at 400°F for 12-15 minutes
- Pro tip: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra zing!
Garlic Green Beans
- Fresh beans sautéed with minced garlic
- Takes just 5-7 minutes to cook
- Keeps that nice crispy texture we all love
Sautéed Mushrooms
- Perfect for soaking up those yummy meat juices
- Cook in butter and garlic until golden brown
- Works great with both the steak and shrimp
2. Potato and Grain Options
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
This is my absolute fave! Here’s how I make them extra special:
- Use Yukon Gold potatoes for the best texture
- Add warm milk and plenty of butter
- Season with salt, white pepper, and a touch of garlic
- Pro tip: For extra luxury, fold in some roasted garlic!
Wild Rice Pilaf
- Cooked in broth for extra flavor
- Mix in sautéed veggies
- Add toasted nuts for crunch
- Finish with fresh herbs
3. Fresh Salad Options
Caesar Salad
The classic choice that never fails:
- Crisp romaine lettuce
- Homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing
- Fresh Parmesan shavings
- Crunchy croutons
Arugula Salad
A lighter alternative:
- Fresh arugula
- Shaved Parmesan
- Toasted pine nuts
- Light lemon vinaigrette
Sauce Suggestions
Don’t forget about sauces! They can take your meal from good to absolutely amazing:
-
Garlic Butter Sauce
- Perfect for both steak and shrimp
- Super easy to make
- Just needs butter, garlic, and herbs
-
Chimichurri
- Adds fresh, herby flavors
- Great with steak
- Makes everything look fancy!
-
Béarnaise
- Classic French sauce
- Rich and buttery
- Amazing with steak
Quick Tips for Success
- Don’t overcomplicate things – sometimes simple is best!
- Choose sides that can cook while your steak rests
- Try to include different textures and colors on the plate
- Consider having at least one light side to balance the rich main dishes
My Personal Favorite Combo
If you’re asking me what I’d serve at my own dinner party, here’s my go-to lineup:
- Perfectly cooked steak and shrimp (obviously!)
- Creamy garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus
- Simple arugula salad
- Garlic butter sauce on the side
Common Questions I Get Asked
Q: Can I prep any sides ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Many veggie sides can be prepped in advance and quickly reheated.
Q What’s the best potato side dish?A While mashed potatoes are classic roasted baby potatoes with herbs are also amazing and easier to make!
Q: How many sides should I serve?
A: I usually go with 2-3 sides: typically a starch, a veggie, and maybe a salad.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the key to a great steak and shrimp dinner isn’t just about the main proteins – it’s about creating a well-rounded meal where everything complements each other. Don’t be afraid to mix and match these suggestions until you find your perfect combination!
And hey, if you try any of these combinations, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or share your own favorite sides – I’m always looking for new ideas to try!
Happy cooking, everyone!
Note: This post was updated [current date] to include new pairing suggestions and tips based on reader feedback.
Grilled Romaine Caesar Wedge
Grilling romaine for this wedge salad gives them just a slight char that goes perfectly with Caesar dressing. Serve whole as is, or chop your romaine hearts and toss them for easier eating.
Get the Grilled Romaine Caesar Wedge recipe.
Air Fryer French Fries
Is there anything for classic then steak and fries? Forget about oil temperature, soaking, and all the other steps associated with the perfect deep-fried French fry. This air-fried version is not only lighter, but tastes better than anything you’d get in a restaurant.
Get the Air Fryer French Fries recipe.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Potatoes au gratin is a classic, but its long overdue for an upgrade. Enter: bundles! Thin-skinned red potatoes get sliced, layered in parchment, smothered in a creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce, then baked until steaming and tender. Best part? Less mess!
Get the Potato Gratin Bundles recipe.
While we love celebrating versatile sweet corn in all its forms, a fresh corn salad has to be one of our favorite ways to enjoy it. Not only is it completely adaptable to what you have on hand, it’s so easy to prepare—simply toss to combine, season to taste, and serve! Get the Corn Salad recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
When it comes to cooking mushrooms, there are really no rules. Take a fat of your choice, a couple of aromatics of your choice, and your mushroom of choice, season with salt and maybe pepper, and let it cook until slightly golden—thats pretty much it!
Get the Sautéed Mushrooms recipe.