11 Side Dishes for Skirt Steak to Elevate Your Meal

Skirt steak is a flavorful and versatile cut of beef that’s perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling. As delicious as it is on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a whole new level.

Skirt steak is a long, thin cut of beef that comes from the diaphragm muscles of the cow. It’s known for its robust flavor and slightly chewy texture, which makes it a popular choice for dishes like fajitas, stir-fries, and grilled steak salads.

Although it can be a bit tough if not prepared correctly, marinating and cooking it quickly over high heat can result in a tender, mouthwatering piece of meat that’s sure to impress your guests.

When choosing side dishes to accompany your skirt steak, consider options that will balance and enhance the meat’s bold flavors. Because skirt steak can be quite rich, it pairs well with lighter, fresher sides that offer a contrast in both taste and texture.

From zesty peanut noodles to creamy Hasselback potatoes, the possibilities are endless. Let’s dive into our list of 11 scrumptious sides to serve with skirt steak.

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Peanut Noodles

Peanut noodles are a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs beautifully with skirt steak. The creamy, nutty sauce is made from a combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste, resulting in a rich and spicy concoction that’s both comforting and invigorating.

Toss the sauce with your favorite noodles – rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti will work well – and garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, and cilantro for a touch of freshness.

The contrast between the tender noodles and the chewy skirt steak creates a harmonious balance of textures that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Couscous Salad

A light and refreshing couscous salad makes an excellent accompaniment to skirt steak, particularly during the warmer months. Couscous is a small, grain-like pasta that’s incredibly versatile and easy to prepare.

To make a simple and delicious salad, toss cooked couscous with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, then dress it with a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette.

The bright flavors of the salad will help cut through the richness of the skirt steak, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Creamy Hasselback Potatoes

For a heartier side dish that’s still full of flavor, consider creamy Hasselback potatoes. These sliced and baked potatoes are stuffed with tasty ingredients like sour cream, scallions, and bacon, creating a decadent and indulgent dish that pairs wonderfully with skirt steak.

The tender, buttery potatoes offer a pleasing contrast to the meat’s robust flavor and chewy texture. To make Hasselback potatoes, simply slice partially through each potato at regular intervals, taking care not to cut all the way through. Then, stuff your desired fillings between the slices and bake until golden and crispy.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish that can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Baby Bella mushrooms work particularly well for this dish, as they have a deep, earthy flavor and a sturdy structure that holds up well when filled.

To create a simple yet delicious stuffing, sauté minced garlic and onions in butter, then mix with breadcrumbs, grated cheese, and fresh herbs. Stuff the mixture into the mushroom caps and bake until golden and bubbly.

The savory flavors of the stuffed mushrooms complement the bold taste of the skirt steak, making for a memorable dining experience.

Bean Sprout Salad

Bean sprout salad is a light and crunchy side dish that pairs exceptionally well with skirt steak. Commonly eaten in Asia, bean sprouts are a healthy alternative to noodles and offer a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the meat’s chewy texture.

To make a simple bean sprout salad, toss the sprouts with thinly sliced vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, then dress with a tangy vinaigrette made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

The salad’s fresh and vibrant flavors will help balance out the richness of the skirt steak, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

French Onion Soup

Though perhaps unconventional, French onion soup can make a surprising and delightful side dish for skirt steak. The deep, savory flavors of the caramelized onions and beef broth complement the robust taste of the meat, while the gooey, melted cheese and crusty bread add a comforting touch that’s sure to please your guests.

To serve alongside skirt steak, consider offering smaller portions of the soup in individual ramekins or bowls.

Tonkatsu Sauce

For a unique and flavorful twist, try serving your skirt steak with a side of tonkatsu sauce – a Japanese condiment made from ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and sugar.

The sweet and tangy sauce adds an unexpected layer of flavor to the meat, creating a delicious fusion of tastes that’s both familiar and exotic.

You can easily find bottled tonkatsu sauce at your local Asian grocery store or make your own by following one of the many recipes available online.

Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach is a classic steakhouse side dish that pairs wonderfully with skirt steak. The rich, creamy sauce and tender spinach leaves provide a welcome contrast to the meat’s bold flavors and chewy texture.

To make creamed spinach, simply cook fresh spinach in a mixture of butter, cream, and grated cheese until the greens are wilted and the sauce is thick and velvety. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg for added depth and complexity.

Cauliflower Rice Salad

For a lighter alternative to traditional rice, consider serving a cauliflower rice salad alongside your skirt steak. Made by pulsing raw cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble grains of rice, cauliflower rice is a healthy and low-carb substitute that’s just as versatile and satisfying.

To make a simple and flavorful salad, toss the cauliflower rice with chopped vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette. The salad’s bright and refreshing flavors will help balance out the richness of the skirt steak, ensuring a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Veggie Lasagna

For a more substantial side dish that’s still packed with flavor, consider serving a veggie lasagna alongside your skirt steak.

Made by layering pasta sheets with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, and cheese, veggie lasagna offers a comforting and satisfying contrast to the meat’s bold flavors.

Choose a mix of colorful and flavorful vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a side dish that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

What goes good with skirt steak?

Skirt steak pairs well with various sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a fresh salad.

What are good side dishes for flank steak?

Good side dishes for flank steak include garlic butter mushrooms, grilled asparagus, and sweet potato fries.

What is the best way to use skirt steak?

The best way to use skirt steak is to marinate it for a few hours before grilling or pan-searing it to achieve a tender and flavorful result.

What sides do you have with steak?

Sides to have with steak can range from classic baked potatoes and steamed broccoli to more adventurous options like quinoa salad and sautéed Brussels sprouts.

Final Thoughts

There are countless delightful side dishes that can enhance the flavor of skirt steak and create a memorable dining experience for you and your guests. From light and refreshing salads to hearty, indulgent casseroles, the options are endless.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match different sides to find the perfect combination that suits your tastes and preferences.

Ultimately, the best side dishes for skirt steak are the ones that you and your guests enjoy the most. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with new recipes, ingredients, and flavor combinations.

You might just discover a new favorite side dish that perfectly complements the bold and robust flavors of skirt steak, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that leaves your guests raving for more.