Should you eat potatoes with steak?

Steak and potatoes is a classic meal pairing that has been enjoyed for generations. However, there is some debate around whether potatoes are actually the best accompaniment for steak. Here we’ll examine the pros and cons of eating potatoes with steak and look at some alternate side options to consider.

The case for potatoes

There are several reasons why potatoes make a great side for steak:

• Flavor contrast – The mild flavor of potatoes complements and balances the rich, savory taste of steak.
• Texture – Fluffy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes provide an appealing textural contrast to tender, juicy steak.
• Satiety – Potatoes are filling and provide a good energy boost from their carbohydrates to balance out a protein-rich steak.
• Tradition – Steak and potatoes is a timeless classic pairing that diners expect to see on menus.
• Versatility – Potatoes can be prepared in many ways like mashed, baked, fried, roasted, etc. to give variety.
• Nutrition – Potatoes offer nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber to round out a steak dinner.

So potatoes can certainly make a satisfying accompaniment to steak in terms of complementary flavors, textures, nutrition, and tradition.

The case against potatoes

However, there are some potential downsides to pairing potatoes with steak:

• Carb overload – Steak and potatoes both deliver a heavy dose of carbs which may be more than needed in one meal.
• Nutrient imbalance – Steak has plenty of protein, so more vegetables would balance out the nutritional profile.
• Lacks color – Potatoes tend to create a beige color palette on the plate instead of brighter, more appealing colors.
• Boring – For some people, steak and potatoes is a boring, uninspired pairing they always see.
• Too filling – The carbohydrate load may leave people feeling overly full and sluggish.
• High calorie – There are lower calorie options that allow you to enjoy steak without overdoing calories.

While delicious, steak and potatoes is not the most balanced or exciting plate for some diners.

Alternatives to consider

If you want to skip the potatoes but aren’t sure what to pair with steak instead, here are some tasty options to consider:

Vegetables

• Asparagus
• Green beans
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Onions
• Squash
• Tomatoes
• Sweet peppers

Fresh vegetables add color and important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Roasting or grilling enhances their natural sweetness.

Salad

• Green salad
• Caesar salad
• Wedge salad
• Caprese salad

Crisp fresh salad greens give a lighter complement to steak instead of starchy potatoes. Add tomato, onion, cucumber, or other vegetables for more nutrition.

Whole grains

• Brown or wild rice
• Quinoa
• Farro
• Barley
• Bulgur wheat
• Couscous

Whole grains like these provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Their nutty, chewy texture contrasts the steak.

Legumes

• Beans
• Lentils
• Chickpeas

Beans and lentils are a hearty plant-based protein that complements steak. They have a lower glycemic index than potatoes.

Conclusion

While steak and potatoes is undoubtedly a popular pairing, it’s certainly not required. Focusing on healthier plant-based sides can give you a more balanced meal and add more color and interest to your plate. Potatoes do have merits as a steak side, but expanding your horizons can pay off in nutrition and deliciousness.

Side Dish	Pros	Cons
Potatoes	Filling Comforting and traditional Provides carbohydrates	Heavy carb load Nutritionally unbalanced Boring for some people
Vegetables	Nutrient-dense Lower calorie Colorful appeal	Less filling than potatoes More prep/cooking required
Salad	Fresh and light Great nutrition from greens Lots of flavor options	Not very filling Greens can be expensive
Whole Grains	High fiber Satisfying texture Lower glycemic index	Still a good dose of carbs Longer cook times
Legumes	Plant-based protein Fiber and nutrients Hearty and filling	Some people don’t like beans Take time to prepare

As we’ve seen, potatoes certainly have a place alongside steak as a traditional pairing, but they are far from the only option. Choosing vegetable, salad, whole grain, or legume sides instead can create more nutritional balance. The best side for your steak ultimately comes down to your preferences for taste, texture, nutrition, and ease of preparation.

Steak is delicious on its own, but the right side dish can take it to the next level. Skip the potatoes once in awhile and give some fresh veggies, grains, or legumes a try for the full farm-to-table steak dining experience.

With a juicy, well-cooked steak as your canvas, the possibilities for creative, satisfying pairings are endless. Potatoes will always be a comforting option, but branching out with lighter, brighter plant-based sides can be rewarding to both your palate and your health.

A perfectly charred and crusted steak definitely tends to be the star of the show. But don’t overlook the importance of what you serve alongside it. Choosing a side dish that complements the steak instead of competing with it can make all the difference.

By moving beyond an automatic baked potato or french fries and exploring more veggie-centric or whole grain sides, you give your steak dinner an extra boost of nutrients. Taking your side dish in a healthier direction also balances out an indulgent cut of meat.

Varying your sides with the seasons helps refresh an overplayed steak and potato classic. In summer, load up on grilled corn, tomatoes and zucchini. In winter, try braised greens, roasted carrots and sweet potatoes.

Mixing up the textures and flavors on your plate prevents overload from pairing a heavy starch like potatoes with an equally rich and heavy steak. Lighter sides provide contrast.

While you may crave the heartiness of a loaded baked potato to accompany a juicy ribeye or strip steak, consider the nutrition and balance you are adding to the meal by incorporating fresh vegetables and greens instead.

Potatoes, rice, pasta and breads will always have a place on our plates, but reducing the portion sizes of starchy sides in favor of larger servings of veggies and salad completes the meal.

If you can’t give up potatoes completely, mix them up by swapping in sweet potatoes, trying roasted new potatoes, or combining potatoes with cauliflower. The visual appeal and variety will make your steak dinner feel like a refreshed, gourmet experience.

Steak night deserves a little extra attention when it comes to plating. Take your side dish up a notch by choosing components with contrasting colors, textures and flavors to the steak.

The beauty of steak is that it pairs well with almost anything. Use your favorite cut of meat as an opportunity to create a masterpiece of a meal that is both delicious and nutritious. The right side dish can bring it all together.

At the end of the day, tradition never goes out of style. A juicy steak with a baked potato loaded to your heart’s content will always satisfy. But now you have inspiration for sides beyond potatoes to enhance your next steak dinner into a memorable meal.