What to Serve with Steak: A Miller & Carter Guide
At Miller & Carter, we know that while our steaks may be the star of the show, all good stars need an equally strong supporting cast. That’s why we’re taking a dive deep into the art of complementing the succulent, rich flavours of a perfectly cooked steak at home. So, join us on an indulgent journey, exploring the best side dishes, drinks, seasonings, and more to help elevate your steak experience.
The Stars of The Show: Steak Types
At Miller & Carter, we only serve the very best 30 day aged British and Irish Prime steak, but what should you look out for when talking to your butcher if you want to capture some of that Miller & Carter magic at home? Here’s what we’d recommend.
Ribeye, which is celebrated for its marbling, is best served medium to ensure a tender, flavour-packed bite. Fillet is the pinnacle of tenderness: a lean cut that melts in your mouth, which we’d recommend serving rare. Sirloin is a balanced choice that offers both flavour and a moderately tender texture – best served medium rare. Our signature steak the T-Bone boasts one side of tender fillet, with the other a flavoursome sirloin: this is another steak we’d recommend is served medium rare. Finally, there’s Rump – a full flavoured cut, lean and firm in texture, best served medium.
Each cut has its unique charm, ready to be paired with sides, drinks, and seasonings that enhance its character.
Classic Favourites: Sides That Steal the Show
Potatoes make a great side with any steak. At the time of writing this guide, we currently serve potatoes as Seasoned Fries and Thick Cut Chunky Chips (both great for adding a crunchy texture against the tender steak), as classic Baby New Potatoes or Mashed Potato. Feel free to pair any of these great potato sides with your meal – whatever you choose will only enhance your experience.
Green Vegetables: A Fresh Contrast
Our chefs serve the likes of flawless Sauteed Greens or Creamed Spinach with our steaks, but what could you opt for at home?
Consider asparagus, grilled with a touch of olive oil and sea salt for a fresh, slightly charred flavour. Alternatively, broccoli – when steamed to tender-crisp perfection - is a vibrant, nutritious companion. Depending on the season, you might look to brussels sprouts: when roasted with bacon bits, they offer a delightful mix of textures. Or perhaps you’d prefer classic green beans, blanched and tossed in garlic butter, providing a light, crunchy side.
Creamy Sides: The Luxurious Touch
Whether it’s your take on our Baked Cheddar Mushrooms, Box-Baked Camembert or Beef Barbacoa Mac & Cheese, adding a creamy side dish – or choosing one as a starter – provides a great counterpoint to your main. Consider some Halloumi Fries paired with our favourite Chimichurri mayonnaise for a real statement side that your guests are sure to remember.
Salad Options: The Crisp Refreshers
Whether it's a Arugula Salad with Lemon and Parmesan plucked straight from the pages of our menu, or a robust and classic Caesar, salads add a crisp, refreshing balance to the rich, savoury steak. We’ll of course always champion our signature Lettuce Wedge, perhaps paired with either a Bacon & Honey Mustard or Garlic Mayonnaise & Grana Padano dressing, but whatever you decide, the right salad is a great palate refresher that can really lift your dish.
Statement Stake Sauces: Perfect Pairings
Consider your take on our Three Peppercorn Sauce for a creamy, spicy kick that elevates the steak's natural flavours. Alternatively, there’s our Tomato & Garlic Chimichurri, which is a herby, tangy sauce that adds freshness and vibrancy. Perhaps you’re leaning towards a red wine reduction for a sophisticated, deep flavour that complements the steak's richness. If you’re serving for several guests, consider having a few options available – sauces are a very personal choice, after all.
The Art of Pairing: Drinks to Elevate Each Bite
Like sauces, your preferred wine to accompany your steak main is very much personal to you, so don’t be afraid to express your personality and individual taste in how you pair with your mains. For us, when serving ribeye, then a bold Cabernet Sauvignon matches the steak's rich flavours. For particularly tender steak like fillet, a silky Merlot or Pinot Noir complements its tenderness. For sirloin and T-Bone, you can’t go wrong with a Malbec or Shiraz, which with their robust profiles can stand up to these hearty cuts.
Seasonings: Enhancing Natural Flavours
As with any great meal, seasoning to your own taste is crucial. As such, have sea salt, cracked black pepper, and perhaps a hint of garlic powder on hand to elevate the steak without overshadowing its natural taste.
The Culinary Adventure Awaits
Equipped with this guide, we hope you’re now inspired to create your own steak masterpieces that delight the senses and bring joy to the table at home. Remember, at Miller & Carter, it’s our pleasure to serve you our very best and showcase our steak expertise, and we’re sure that, whether you're a seasoned chef or a passionate home cook, these pairings will inspire you to explore new ways to celebrate the art of steak.
For more inspiration, please feel free to browse our Main Menu or pop along to a Miller & Carter near you for the most enjoyable research you’ll ever undertake.
Our other stories
Masters of steak
We are proud to have been ‘Awarded Masters of Steak’ from the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs.
Our steak school
All our head chefs don't grill a single T-bone or ribeye until they've graduated from our very own, dedicated Steak School.