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Serve up the perfect steak dinner with just the right sauce with my guide to all the best Sauces for Steak! From creamy to simple to totally decadent, these sauces are all easy as could be and packed with incredible flavor.
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Sauces for Steak Recipes
Today I'm going to teach you all about the secret ingredient to take steak night to the next level: the perfect steak sauce! There are so many options ranging from butter sauces to cream based peppercorn sauce to the classic au jus, each one specially prepared to complement the rich and decadent flavor of beef.
I've started this list with my top 5 steak sauces, then separated out all the other amazing steak sauce recipes into classifications based on ingredients and consistency. All of them are tested favorites with recipes I made sure are as easy as could be, so you can whip up the perfect sauce for steak while your steaks are still resting!
Plus, I've compiled a list of all the flavors that I find best complement beef, so you can mix and match to make your perfect steak sauce. Get creative- you really can't go wrong!
Flavors to Pair with Steak
- Herbs: Fresh herbs, but especially oregano, thyme and rosemary, are incredible both basted on the steak or added to sauces. I recommend fresh herbs, not dry.
- Black pepper: Pepper is the key ingredient in steak rubs, including my own! The uniquely sharp heat of pepper combines well with the rich buttery flavor of beef. Check out my classic peppercorn sauce below!
- Garlic: I can't recommend enough using whole garlic cloves instead of garlic powder, both in sauces and in the cooking of steak itself.
- Umami: Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce are both great sources of the meaty umami flavor that we all crave with steak. Alternatively, you can use mushrooms or anchovies for the same effect!
- Alcohol: Alcohols like cognac, brandy, and red wine (or red wine vinegar) are perfect in steak sauce, but avoid them if you're serving kids, as the alcohol won't simmer off.
- Liquid Smoke: If your steak is baked or air fried, it's a good idea to add just a drop of liquid smoke to the sauce to give it that unique smoky grilled flavor! You can also use smoked paprika for this same purpose.
- Spice: A little spice, be it from pepper, red pepper flakes, onions, chives, or shallots, makes a big difference in brightening up the flavors.
Top 5 Sauces for Steak
These are classics I often fall back on when I don't know the tastes of the people I'm serving! You can't go wrong with any of these sauces for steak.
Creamy Sauces for Steak
I can't resist the comfort of a creamy sauce, especially not paired with steak! The secret to a good cream sauce for steak is balancing the thickness of the sauce with the flavors to ensure it doesn't overpower the steak. That's why my cream sauces are all balanced to ensure they have complex but not overpowering flavors that will perfectly complement beef.
Butter Sauces for Steak
Of course, if you want to embrace true simplicity and ease, you can't go wrong with a simple butter sauce for steak! You can even just use the butter and seasonings left in the pan from basting. But to kick it up a notch, try one of my butter sauce recipes. These sauces sink into the steak without coating it, leaving the steak's natural flavor the most pure.
Hi, I'm Isabel! I've been sharing my recipes online, in cookbooks, and in TV specials since 2012. The most important thing to me is Sunday supper with my family, and inspiring togetherness with my recipes!
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Tips for Pairing Sauce with Steak
- Most steak sauces are at their best right away, so I recommend whipping them up as the steak is resting, or right before you get cooking!
- If you're serving families with mixed ages, I recommend serving at least two sauces. Kids tend to like creamy, simple sauces (and ketchup), while adults are more likely to enjoy spice and more complex sauces.
- Just about every sauce here is also delicious served on veggies or mashed potatoes.
- Don't over-thicken your sauces! Blobs of too-thick sauce can make it easy to overpower the juicy simplicity of the steak itself.
Steak Sauces FAQ
You absolutely can! While I tend to prefer making the sauce right before serving so it's nice and warm, most sauces that don't include fresh herbs (such as chimichurri) are able to be made ahead and just warmed up before serving.
Kids tend to prefer more mild, creamy flavors, so I recommend simple sauces like alfredo, butter sauce, or just ketchup, depending on how picky your kids' tastes are.
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