When it comes to enjoying a perfectly cooked steak, the sauce can make all the difference. But what is the best sauce to eat with steak? The answer largely depends on your taste preferences, the cut of steak, and the flavor profile you’re aiming for. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the most popular sauces for steak, discuss their flavor profiles, and provide you with a detailed recipe for one of the most beloved steak sauces. Whether you prefer something rich and creamy, tangy, or packed with umami, there’s a perfect steak sauce out there for you.
The Importance of Sauce in a Steak Dish
Before diving into specific sauces, it’s important to understand why the sauce plays such a crucial role in a steak dish. The right sauce not only complements the meat but also enhances its natural flavors, adds moisture, and introduces new taste dimensions to the meal.
Why Sauce Matters
A well-cooked steak is delicious on its own, but a great sauce can elevate it to new heights. The sauce you choose can balance the richness of the steak, add complexity, and even introduce contrasting flavors that make each bite more exciting. It’s the final touch that transforms a good steak into a memorable dining experience.
What Is the Best Sauce to Eat with Steak?
There are countless sauces that can be paired with steak, but some have stood the test of time and become favorites among steak lovers. Let’s explore some of the best sauces you can enjoy with your steak.
1. Béarnaise Sauce
What is Béarnaise Sauce?
Béarnaise sauce is a classic French sauce made from clarified butter, egg yolks, white wine vinegar, and fresh herbs like tarragon and chervil. It’s a variation of Hollandaise sauce but with a more aromatic flavor due to the herbs.
Why It’s Great with Steak:
Béarnaise sauce is rich and buttery, with a subtle tanginess from the vinegar and a hint of anise from the tarragon. This makes it an excellent match for tender cuts like filet mignon, where the sauce can enhance the delicate flavors without overpowering them.
2. Peppercorn Sauce
What is Peppercorn Sauce?
Peppercorn sauce is a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, crushed peppercorns, brandy or cognac, and beef stock. The peppercorns give the sauce a spicy kick, while the cream adds richness.
Why It’s Great with Steak:
The peppery heat of the sauce contrasts beautifully with the richness of the steak, especially fattier cuts like ribeye. The cream in the sauce tempers the heat, creating a balanced flavor that complements the steak’s savory notes.
3. Chimichurri Sauce
What is Chimichurri Sauce?
Chimichurri is a vibrant, herb-based sauce from Argentina, made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. It’s known for its bright, zesty flavor.
Why It’s Great with Steak:
Chimichurri adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the richness of the steak, making it a perfect pairing for grilled cuts. The acidity in the vinegar helps to cut through the fat, while the herbs add a fresh, green note that complements the smoky flavor of grilled steak.
4. Red Wine Reduction
What is Red Wine Reduction?
A red wine reduction is a simple yet elegant sauce made by reducing red wine with shallots, garlic, and beef stock until it’s thick and concentrated. It’s often finished with a knob of butter to add richness.
Why It’s Great with Steak:
The deep, robust flavors of the red wine pair beautifully with the savory, umami notes of the steak. This sauce works particularly well with leaner cuts like sirloin or flank steak, where it can add moisture and a rich depth of flavor.
5. Blue Cheese Sauce
What is Blue Cheese Sauce?
Blue cheese sauce is made by melting blue cheese into a cream-based sauce. It’s rich, tangy, and intensely flavorful, with the sharpness of the blue cheese balanced by the creaminess of the sauce.
Why It’s Great with Steak:
This sauce is a perfect match for robust cuts like ribeye, where the strong flavor of the blue cheese can stand up to the rich, beefy taste of the steak. The creaminess of the sauce also helps to balance the boldness of the blue cheese.
6. Garlic Butter Sauce
What is Garlic Butter Sauce?
Garlic butter sauce is a simple yet flavorful sauce made by melting butter and infusing it with garlic, fresh herbs, and sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s rich, buttery, and aromatic.
Why It’s Great with Steak:
Garlic butter sauce adds a savory, aromatic flavor to steak, enhancing its natural richness without overwhelming it. This sauce pairs well with all types of steak, particularly grilled cuts, where the garlic and herbs can complement the smoky char of the meat.
How to Make the Best Sauce to Eat with Steak: Peppercorn Sauce Recipe
Among all the sauces mentioned, peppercorn sauce is often considered one of the best to pair with steak due to its balance of richness, spiciness, and creaminess. Below is a detailed recipe to help you make this classic sauce at home.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons green peppercorns, crushed
- 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef stock
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready. Finely chop the shallot and mince the garlic. Lightly crush the green peppercorns with the back of a spoon or a mortar and pestle.
- Sauté the Shallots and Garlic:
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the chopped shallots and minced garlic. Sauté until the shallots are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Peppercorns:
- Stir in the crushed green peppercorns and cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Deglaze with Brandy:
- Carefully add the brandy or cognac to the pan. If you’re comfortable doing so, you can ignite the alcohol with a long lighter to burn off the alcohol, but this step is optional. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these will add depth to your sauce.
- Incorporate the Cream and Stock:
- Pour in the heavy cream and beef stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Finish with Mustard and Seasoning:
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, which will add a subtle tang to the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more stock or cream.
- Serve:
- Once the sauce is ready, spoon it over your perfectly cooked steak, or serve it on the side. This sauce is particularly delicious with ribeye, filet mignon, or sirloin.
Tips for Perfecting Your Steak Sauce
To ensure your steak sauce turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:
Use Fresh Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the final flavor of your sauce. Use fresh peppercorns, high-quality cream, and good stock for the best results.
Adjust the Consistency
If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more stock or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches the desired thickness.
Taste as You Go
Taste your sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on your preference, you may want to add more peppercorns for extra heat or a bit more mustard for tanginess.
Experiment with Variations
While the classic peppercorn sauce is delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. Try using different types of peppercorns, adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon.
Other Popular Steak Sauces to Try
While peppercorn sauce is a classic, there are many other sauces that pair beautifully with steak. Here are a few additional options to consider:
Mushroom Sauce
A mushroom sauce made with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, onions, cream, and a splash of white wine or brandy offers a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with both lean and fatty cuts of steak.
Béarnaise Sauce
As mentioned earlier, Béarnaise sauce is a rich, buttery sauce with a tangy kick from vinegar and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a more traditional, French-style accompaniment to their steak.
Horseradish Cream Sauce
For those who like a bit of heat, horseradish cream sauce made with fresh horseradish, sour cream, and a touch of lemon juice provides a zesty contrast to the richness of the sauce to eat with steak
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Steak Sauce
So, what is the best sauce to eat with steak? The answer ultimately depends on your personal taste preferences. Whether you enjoy the creamy richness of a peppercorn sauce, the tangy brightness of Chimichurri, or the savory depth of a red wine reduction, the right sauce can elevate your steak to new culinary heights. By experimenting with different sauces and finding your favorite, you can create steak dinners that are not only delicious but also memorable.
With the recipe and tips provided in this guide, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of steak sauces. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and start creating the perfect sauce to complement your next steak dinner.