15 Best Sauces To Pair With Steak

1. Traditional steak sauce

Steak sauce has been a beloved condiment since the 1800s, and it continues to be a favorite among steak enthusiasts today. The first version was crafted by King George IV's private chef to accompany red meat, chicken, fish, and other dishes of the time. Since then, the name A1 Steak Sauce has become synonymous with steak sauce. This iconic condiment made its way to the U.S. in 1906 and was officially designated as "steak sauce" in 1960, solidifying its status in the world of condiments.

Its widespread appeal has turned this sauce into a kitchen essential, but you can easily create your own version with just a few basic ingredients to enhance your preferred cut of meat. Most recipes include common staples like Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, pepper, and garlic. With numerous variations of this classic sauce available, you'll want to try different recipes to discover your favorite. While many recipes share similarities, some offer a tangier flavor, while others pack a spicier punch.

2. Peppercorn sauce

Peppercorn sauce is a favorite accompaniment for many fish dishes, but it pairs exceptionally well with steak as well. The spicy kick of the sauce balances the richness of the meat, while its creamy consistency adds a hint of luxury, creating a perfectly harmonious and flavorful experience. This sauce traces its origins to 19th century France, where it was a key element of the dish steak au poivre, which consists of steak served with a creamy pepper sauce. Initially, the recipe was developed to mellow the robust flavor of venison.

The foundation of this sauce includes peppercorns, cream, and shallots, with many variations incorporating cognac or brandy. For those seeking an alcohol-free option, beef broth or even apple juice can be used to introduce a subtle sweetness. Peppercorn sauce can be made in numerous ways, from tangy versions that include Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brandy to a more traditional, sweeter approach featuring butter, cream, and cognac.

3. Béarnaise sauce

Béarnaise sauce is widely recognized as a favored accompaniment for filet mignon, as its creamy consistency harmonizes beautifully with the buttery, rich texture of the meat in every mouthful. This sauce, which originated in France, is regarded as one of the "mother sauces" in French cuisine. While it is often found in upscale steakhouses and fine dining establishments, there's no reason to reserve it solely for special occasions.

This classic sauce is crafted from a foundation of butter, egg yolks, tarragon, and white wine vinegar, with additional seasonings tailored to complement the dish. Although it is sometimes perceived as challenging to prepare due to the need for precise temperature control and vigorous whisking, employing a few handy techniques—such as using a blender to effectively combine and emulsify the ingredients—can make it much simpler to whip up this sophisticated sauce from scratch than you might expect.

4. Hollandaise sauce

Hollandaise sauce is most famously associated with eggs Benedict, but this rich, creamy yellow sauce is versatile enough to enhance a variety of dishes, including steak. As one of France's mother sauces, it shares similarities with Béarnaise sauce, with the primary distinction lying in their flavor profiles.

This brunch staple is crafted from butter, egg yolks, and lemon, resulting in a smooth and luxurious texture. While it may seem straightforward to prepare, many would argue that achieving the perfect texture and flavor requires a bit of skill. However, don’t let that deter you from savoring this delightful sauce. With a blender, you can whip up a foolproof hollandaise in just a few minutes.

If you're seeking a creamy, mild flavor to complement the buttery richness of steak, hollandaise is an excellent option. It also pairs wonderfully with steak and eggs, making it a fantastic addition to your weekend brunch.

5. Bourbon cream sauce

Bourbon and steak are a match made in heaven, much like peanut butter and jelly. For many steak enthusiasts, enjoying a fine glass of bourbon alongside a premium cut of steak is the ultimate dining experience. The bold flavors of both elements harmonize beautifully, making it no wonder that a bourbon cream sauce served with steak is a delightful combination.

Whisky-based sauces have their roots in Scotland, where the Scots, with their profound love for the spirit, began to weave it into their culinary traditions. A bourbon cream sauce typically features a blend of bourbon, butter, and cream, enhanced with seasonings such as pepper, garlic, and shallots to create the perfect flavor profile that pairs beautifully with steak. There are numerous variations of this straightforward sauce that you can customize to suit your palate.

Grilling or smoking the meat is highly recommended, as it amplifies the smoky undertones of the whisky or bourbon in the cream sauce. Alternatively, roasting or pan-searing your steak are excellent methods to bring out the flavors of both the sauce and the meat.

6. Red wine sauce

Red wine is a favored beverage choice for those savoring a delicious steak dinner. There’s even a scientific rationale for why beef and red wine complement each other so well. The tannins in red wine help to break down the fat in the meat, intensifying its flavor, while the fat in turn softens the wine's bitterness and brings out its fruity characteristics.

This sauce draws inspiration from French culinary traditions, with origins tracing back to medieval times when wine reductions were commonly served with roasted meats. Today, it remains a beloved option for steak enthusiasts seeking a bold and savory flavor profile that enhances the taste of beef. While there are various versions of red wine sauce, a straightforward red wine au jus made from drippings, red wine, and seasonings is an excellent choice for those wanting to elevate their steak experience.

7. Mustard sauce

Mustard has been a popular condiment since the days of ancient Rome. With a rich history spanning centuries, it’s no surprise that it has found its place in the world of steak, enhancing flavors with its acidity to complement the meat's tenderness. While many steak sauces incorporate mustard, this particular recipe allows mustard to take center stage as the primary ingredient.

There are numerous varieties of this beloved condiment, but Dijon mustard stands out as the ideal choice for steak sauce. Unlike its simpler counterpart, yellow mustard, Dijon boasts a different color and texture, along with a sharper, more intricate flavor profile. When combined with butter, herbs, and your favorite seasonings, this sauce can be tailored to your taste—perhaps by adding a hint of sweetness with honey. This timeless steakhouse classic pairs wonderfully with your preferred cut, elevating the flavors of both the steak and the mustard.

8. Bordelaise sauce

Bordelaise sauce is a more sophisticated version of a basic red wine sauce, adding a touch of elegance to your steak meal. Originally made with white wine, it was later adapted to use red wine, resulting in a bolder and richer flavor. It's important to differentiate Bordelaise from Bourguignon, another red wine sauce that also involves a wine reduction. The main difference is the type of wine used: Bordelaise is crafted with Bordeaux wine, while Bourguignon is made with Burgundy.

This sauce is prepared with a foundation of dry red wine, shallots, bone marrow, and seasonings, requiring a bit more time and care to create. While Bordelaise sauce may appear daunting for beginner cooks, achieving the right flavor and texture to enhance your steak is quite manageable. Beef tenderloin, filet mignon, and sirloin steak are excellent choices to pair with this delicious sauce.

9. Blue cheese sauce

Blue cheese has long been considered an acquired taste; you either adore it or detest it. Yet, when paired with certain dishes, such as spicy chicken wings, it enhances the flavors in a unique way. The same holds true for steak. The bold, tangy profile of blue cheese, along with its creamy consistency, pairs beautifully with the tenderness and richness of steak. In fact, many steak enthusiasts would argue that blue cheese is the luxurious topping that elevates their steak experience.

Making a blue cheese steak sauce from scratch at home is quite straightforward. Most recipes call for simple ingredients and can be prepared in just a few minutes. By combining blue cheese, butter, shallots, and seasonings like garlic powder and black pepper, you can whip up your own version of this heavenly meat accompaniment.

10. Wasabi sauce

Wasabi is one of those flavors that takes some getting used to. Renowned for its fiery taste and vibrant green hue, it’s commonly used by sushi enthusiasts to refresh the palate between bites. However, when paired with steak, wasabi sauce enhances the meat's natural flavors while introducing a delightful zing. As a key seasoning and condiment in Japanese cuisine, wasabi's flavor profile resembles that of ginger or mustard, making it quite distinctive.

To elevate your steak dinner, consider drizzling a wasabi cream sauce over a pan-seared ribeye steak to invigorate your taste buds. You can create a creamy texture by incorporating sour cream and blending in other seasonings like lime with your wasabi paste. Alternatively, mix it with soy sauce for a more traditional taste that highlights the heat. Wasabi packs a punch, so remember that a little goes a long way with this powerful ingredient.

11. Garlic butter sauce

When people envision a homemade steak dinner, garlic butter often comes to mind as a classic accompaniment, alongside traditional steak sauces. This simple sauce is an excellent complement to any cut of meat, enhancing its flavor and providing a rich, buttery texture. With just five minutes and a few basic ingredients, it’s an effortless way to elevate your meal without overwhelming it with strong flavors. As the name suggests, garlic and butter are the primary components of this sauce. For added depth and texture, you can incorporate seasonings and herbs like salt, pepper, and parsley.

If you prefer to limit the amount of butter in your dishes, this may not be your top choice. However, it’s worth noting that many chefs consider butter to be a fundamental ingredient in some of the world’s most exquisite recipes. Garlic butter sauce also pairs wonderfully with sides such as steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes.

12. Miso ginger sauce

If you're a fan of Asian flavors, miso ginger sauce is an excellent complement to your steak. Both miso and ginger are deeply savory ingredients that, when combined, enhance the taste of your steak with rich umami undertones. They not only provide a delightful kick but also contribute to gut health, making this pairing both delicious and nutritious.

Miso is commonly linked to soups and is a staple in traditional Japanese cuisine. To create this tasty sauce, start with miso paste as the base, then add grated ginger, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil to accompany your preferred cut of steak. Whether you choose to drizzle the miso ginger sauce over steak bites served on a bed of rice, toss it in a salad, or pour it over a porterhouse, this flavor combination offers a refreshing twist that pairs beautifully with beef.

13. Burgundy mushroom sauce

If you're seeking a new way to enhance the taste of a basic red wine au jus, consider trying a Burgundy mushroom sauce, also referred to as Bourguignon. This delightful sauce pairs beautifully with steak. Mushrooms are a traditional component in steak recipes, bringing an earthy flavor and velvety texture that perfectly complements the meat. When paired with the deep, classic notes of a Burgundy red wine sauce, the combination offers a fresh experience for your palate and an exciting flavor option for your steak.

Beef Bourguignon is where this delicious sauce first became well-known. Since then, this harmonious blend of flavors has transitioned from slow-cooked dishes to grilling, establishing itself as a favorite steak sauce, with many restaurants featuring it on their menus. It's also a straightforward sauce to prepare from scratch; simply start with a foundation of red wine and mushrooms, add beef broth, butter, herbs, and spices, and you'll transform a simple steak dinner into a culinary masterpiece.

14. Horseradish sauce

When people envision horseradish sauce or dip, they often associate it with fried mushrooms or other hearty appetizers. However, that sharp flavor also makes it a perfect match for your favorite steak cut. If you're seeking a flavor explosion that's milder than wasabi, this sauce will elevate the meat without overpowering a more sensitive palate. It still packs a bold punch, so if you prefer something creamier and less intense, you might want to opt for a gentler alternative.

Traditionally served with prime rib, horseradish sauce is also an excellent choice for richer cuts of steak, like ribeye or New York strip, which can handle its robust flavor. Additionally, it's a key ingredient in steak tartare. Making horseradish sauce is quick and simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients. Begin with horseradish, sour cream, vinegar, and mayonnaise, then adjust the taste with your favorite seasonings to match your preferences. Whether you use it as a dip, drizzle it over your steak, or spread it on bread for a steak sandwich, this zesty sauce will elevate the flavors significantly.

15. Chimichurri sauce

This Argentinian sauce is a beloved choice among steak lovers. Renowned for its aromatic scent and herbal flavor, it complements steak beautifully, harmonizing the zesty acidity of the sauce with the rich, buttery qualities of the meat—especially when paired with grilled steaks, where the flavors truly shine. This lively, herb-laden sauce is thought to have originated with the 19th-century gauchos of Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.

Chimichurri, akin to pesto, serves as an excellent marinade or a zesty side for grilled meats such as flank steak, chicken, or lamb. There are numerous variations of chimichurri, each showcasing different herbs and distinct flavor profiles. Regardless of the version you select, it will add a refreshing zest and elevate the meat's flavor. The primary herbs in the sauce are parsley and oregano, though cilantro is also a common addition. You may also encounter basil, mint, thyme, and other herbs. Simply whisk together the fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings, and in just a few minutes, you'll have a restaurant-quality sauce that will leave you wondering why you didn't try it sooner.