This article was updated on the 1st of September 2023 for clarity and freshness.
If you’re wondering what to serve with your flank steak, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I list 20 of the most popular side dishes for flank steak.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best dishes to serve with flank steak are hasselback potatoes, bacon-wrapped green beans, Tex-Mex couscous, and wedge salad. You can try broccoli salad and black bean corn salsa for healthier options. For indulgent options, try chili oil noodles, mac and cheese, or onion rings.
For each side dish, I’ve provided alternative options to cater to various diets and lifestyles, including vegan, quick and easy, and health-conscious options.
Great Flavor Pairings for Flank Steak
Flank steak is one of the less expensive cuts of beef. It boasts a rich, beefy flavor but has a tough texture, so you’ll need to marinate or tenderize it.
- Acidic flavors: Naturally sour ingredients like lemon, lime, and vinegar provide a bright, tangy flavor that perfectly contrasts flank steaks’ savory notes. They’re also effective for tenderizing, resulting in a juicier steak.
- Umami flavors: Umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce add complexity and enhance the flank steak’s beefy flavor.
- Earthy flavors: Herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary bring an earthy flavor that complements the flank steak’s robust, meaty goodness. Try adding them to spice rubs or marinades.
Starches
Flank steak and starchy sides are a match made in heaven.
Stick with baked potato or your favorite pasta dish if you want a traditional meal. But if you want something elegant, try your hand at making risotto!
Hasselback Potatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (29 ratings) | 50 mins
Mashed potatoes are a predictable side, so if you want something different, try these Hasselback potatoes instead.
These are a potato lover’s dream – the outsides get ultra crunchy while the insides stay oh-so-tender and fluffy. The slices also allow the seasoning to seep right through the spuds, so every bite is extra flavorful.
And if that’s not enough, How Sweet Eats kicks this recipe up a notch by finishing the Hasselback spuds with a drizzle of brown butter and caramelized onions. Yum.
What readers are saying…
“This is one of my go-to recipes. It’s easy and tasty.”
“These look like perfection!”
“I have one word for these…..GAAAAAHHHHH!!!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🥰 Herb and Garlic Mashed Potatoes
😍 Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Caramelized Onions
Hot Chili Oil Noodles
5.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 10 mins
Pressed for time, but fancy a noodle dish with your steak? These internet-famous hot oil chili noodles are the solution (if you haven’t seen them on TikTok, you’re not following the right people)!
Aside from being oh-so-delish, what I love about these noodles is how easily they come together. You simply need to heat the oil until it’s simmering, then pour it over the aromatics and seasoning, toss in the noodles and you’re done.
It’s the ultimate last-minute dish, especially perfect for busy weeknights.
What readers are saying…
“These were so yummy… I added less garlic and lots of cilantro and it was perfect!”
“Very nice recipe, love this hot oil flavor.”
“Just made these and they were very good.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
🇰🇷 Noodles in Black Bean Sauce (Jjajangmyeon)
😇 Spaghetti Squash Chow Mein
Orzo Stuffed Tomatoes
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 1 hr
Serving flank steak at a party? These orzo-stuffed tomatoes are the perfect side dish for a group dinner.
The tomatoes are stuffed with mozzarella chunks and creamy orzo and mushroom pasta, meaning they’re gooey, warming, and filled with umami. Each tomato is basically an individual portion, making them super easy to serve.
And don’t throw away the tomato pulp! Inside the Rustic Kitchen provides instructions for making pasta sauce using the leftover pulp.
What readers are saying…
“This recipe reminds me of one of my dad’s most famous recipes, but it’s made with rice instead.”
“These tomatoes look absolutely mouthwateringly delicious! Great recipe.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls
5.0 ⭐️ (4 ratings) | 1 hr
These dinner rolls are a mainstay in my weekly meal rotation. They’re soft, fluffy, and perfect for mopping your flank steak’s juices. Plus, they have a buttery, herby flavor that everyone’s guaranteed to love!
And no worries if you don’t have rosemary on hand. You can use other fresh herbs like basil, tarragon, thyme, or oregano. My personal favorite is sage, although I usually add a bit less of it because of its stronger flavor and aroma.
But the best part about these rolls is they come together in one hour, so you can have them ready by dinner time.
What readers are saying…
“This is a lovely recipe and simple.”
“So easy and so good. Will be making them again for a dinner party.”
“I made these for Thanksgiving and will make them again tomorrow! Even without the butter topping, my kids devoured the entire dish. So delicious and easy to make.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
😇 Keto Rolls
🧘♀️ Keto Cloud Bread
Skillet Potato and Egg Hash
4.9 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 30 mins
Flank steak for brunch? Why not?! Serve it together with this skillet potato and egg hash to make it a complete and protein-filled meal.
This breakfast classic comes together in one skillet (hence the name), which means less washing up for you. And it works for dinner or lunch too.
Recipe creator Aberdeen adds bacon bits to this hash for extra flavor and texture, but I usually skip them when serving with steak. I do add more mozzarella and cheddar because you can never have too much cheese!
What readers are saying…
“It looks yummy, I’m about to make it now since we’re all in quarantine. Update: Tasted amazing, highly recommend.”
“This was delightful! I used rainbow little Jem potatoes ’cause that’s what I had, as well as parsley instead of cilantro.”
“I followed it exactly. Great flavors with the spice combination! Your timing on the time in the oven is spot on.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
Appetizers or Snacks
Crispy onion rings and French fries are popular appetizers served with steak. But if you’re feeling adventurous, why not shake things up with a show-stopping blooming onion or add a crunchy bite with tortilla chips and guac?
You can also go with a traditional bruschetta if you want something light but delicious.
Air Fryer Onion Rings
5.0 ⭐️ (5 ratings) | 30 mins
Onion rings are a classic side dish in steakhouses. Their extra crispy nature and subtle sweetness make them the ideal side dish for a simple flank steak.
The downside is they can get calorie-heavy since they’re usually deep-fried. Good thing you can make them in your air fryer! This method is less messy and healthier since the coated onion rings only need a little oil to crisp up.
These onion rings are best served with a dipping sauce. I love a spicy aioli or if your flank steak comes with a gravy, use it as the dip instead.
What readers are saying…
“I love onion rings but I always feel like I have to eat out to get them but now with yours, they are so good I will have to make them many more times.”
“I will never make them any other way! My kids LOVED these!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
🍺 Beer-Battered Onion Rings
😸 Blooming Onion
🍲 French Onion Soup
Tostones
5.0 ⭐️ (15 ratings) | 40 mins
When you’re making chimichurri flank steak, tostones are the go-to accompaniment.
Tostones are a staple in Latin American cuisine. They’re made from green plantains that have been fried twice, making them delightfully golden brown and crispy, much like your typical potato fries.
The Noshery serves up these treats with a mixture of mayo and ketchup, but I prefer drizzling them with the steak’s chimichurri sauce for a bright, zesty contrast.
What readers are saying…
“Now I know how to make moist tostones. Thanks for the tip! When I cooked them they were dry and didn’t know what I did wrong.”
“Just made a batch of these yesterday…but I topped them with a cilantro chimichurri. ¡Fabuloso!.”
“Thank you SO much for this superb instruction!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Sweet Potato Fries
4.3 ⭐️ (189 ratings) | 45 mins
Potato fries are the quintessential flank steak side dish but these baked sweet potato fries are a must-try if you feel like switching things up.
They’re drizzled with garlicky, cheesy butter as they come out of the oven, giving you the perfect mix of sweet-savory flavors.
And if that’s not enough, Half-Baked Harvest’s recipe includes a spicy aioli, which helps balance the sweetness and also tastes great with flank steak.
What readers are saying…
“Buttery, garlicky, cheesy deliciousness. The aioli also tastes awesome with steak. Thank you for this one!!”
“Omg who knew sweet potato fries could taste so good! We loved everything about these. Will be on repeat in our household.”
“Loved these sweet potato fries!!! simple and easy and oh so delicious!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Guacamole and Chips
4.9 ⭐️ (9 ratings) | 10 mins
Guac and chips are a tasty snack, but they’re a great side dish for flank steak too.
The crunch from the chips, combined with the guacamole’s zesty, creamy goodness is an excellent contrast to your juicy, savory steak.
You can easily buy both in your local grocery, but I always prefer making my guacamole from scratch. It’s ready in no time and tastes way better than the store-bought kind!
What readers are saying…
“I love it, looks delicious!”
“This recipe is easy and delicious! We make it all the time… (and add more cayenne to spice it up) LOVE IT!”
“Have you tried adding cumin to your guac? It gives it a great smokey taste.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Classic Bruschetta
5.0 ⭐️ (138 ratings) | 37 mins
Classic Italian bruschetta is an excellent appetizer for your flank steak meal.
It’s light and refreshing, with a delectable sweet-tart flavor that cuts through your steak’s beefy flavors. I like using juicy Roma tomatoes but you can also use heirloom grape tomatoes to make this simple dish more colorful.
Pro-tip: Allow the bruschetta to marinate for 30 minutes so the flavors develop better!
What readers are saying…
“This bruschetta is delicious! It’s hard to stop eating it! I will be making this again and again!”
“I am obsessed with these. Have made them several times in the past week for my family. A great summertime appetizer!”
“Served this at a picnic this weekend… everyone was raving!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Vegetables and Salads
Keep your flank steak lean and healthy with a side of veggies! You can go full retro with a classic wedge salad. But I usually whip up something quick and elegant, like green bean almondine.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
5.0 ⭐️ (11 ratings) | 50 mins
Green beans always pair well with flank steak, but sometimes they’re a bit boring. So why not jazz them up by wrapping them in streaky bacon? Then take things a step further and sprinkle your bacon-wrapped green beans with brown sugar, pepper, and rosemary for the ultimate flavor boost.
One bite and you’ll be hooked!
And did you know these green bean bundles can be prepared 24 hours in advance? Just hold off sprinkling them with the brown sugar mixture and cover them well.
What readers are saying…
“Beautiful presentation, and wonderful blend of ingredients.”
“I made these for the first time tonight and they are delicious! Definitely making more to take to Thanksgiving dinner! They got two thumbs up from my family!”
“Oh my goodness these are amazing. I made these for Thanksgiving and I did the day ahead prep.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Wedge Salad
4.8 ⭐️ (6 ratings) | 20 mins
Want to stick with the classics? This salad is a staple side dish for steaks in restaurants – and it’s easy to see why.
It’s a fun way of eating salad. Instead of a typical bowl of greens, you get a single wedge of crisp iceberg lettuce loaded with toppings like bacon, boiled eggs, and tomatoes.
And who can forget about the dressing? Simply Scratch takes things up a notch with their creamy, peppery buttermilk dressing that tastes good on both the wedge salad and flank steak.
What readers are saying…
“Love wedge salads. This black pepper buttermilk dressing is delicious and the crumbled boiled eggs takes the wedge to the next level!”
“My husband RAVED about this recipe! Said it tasted just like wedge salads he’s had from expensive steak houses. It was a hit with the rest of us as well. I see this on the menu regularly this summer!”
“I made this salad tonight and it was great!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Tex-Mex Couscous Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (1 rating) | 45 mins
Want a healthy, filling side dish for your grilled flank steak that doesn’t involve leafy greens?
This Tex-Mex couscous may be just what you’re looking for. It’s packed to the brim with vegetables and beans, with the only leafy ingredient being cilantro (which technically is an herb).
But what really seals the deal for this dish is its tangy Tex-Mex dressing with a spicy kick that’ll have your taste buds buzzing.
Psst… got leftovers? They’re great for the next day’s lunch.
What the chef says…
“This is a great recipe for summer dinners. Make it in the morning and it’s ready when dinner time rolls around…it’s a robust salad so you can make it well ahead of time. And it will travel well so it’s perfect for picnics and hikes.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Broccoli Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (221 ratings) | 45 mins
This salad features cranberries and bacon bits, bringing a sweet and savory combo that’ll knock your socks off. And the crunch from the broccoli florets and roasted sunflower seeds provide a nice texture contrast to the tender flank steak.
But what I love most about this salad is it’s dressed with a mayo-free honey mustard dressing that still brings a lightly creamy bite.
Psst… if you want more pairing ideas for broccoli salad, I’ve got your back.
What readers are saying…
“No fibbing here! It’s the best broccoli salad ever! Love it!”
“Truly the best broccoli salad. It’s nice to find salads with no mayo. I have made this several times. Thank you for a delicious recipe.”
“This will be a staple for sure. The dressing was so delicious then mixed with all the ingredients? Incredible.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Creamed Swiss Chard
4.7 ⭐️ (17 ratings) | 25 mins
This dish is a fun twist on the steakhouse classic creamed spinach. It’s an excellent way to get even the pickiest eaters to eat their greens.
Swiss chard tastes bitter when eaten raw, but removing its stems and cooking it down massively mellows out this bitter flavor. And the cream helps mask any bitterness left.
Foodie Crush finishes the dish with buttery panko breadcrumbs for some crunch, but I’ve made it without them and it still tasted fabulous!
What readers are saying…
“This was my first time cooking with swiss chard and it was delicious.”
“My wife has never liked chard, but I keep trying. Found a winner with this one. She had seconds.”
“I made it for my family and everyone was satisfied with it. Fortunately, I don’t put a lot of salt (as I usually do) and it was not too salty. Perfect.”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Cookout Favorites
Flank steak is one of the best proteins for grilling. I usually serve it with a side of mac and cheese for a satisfying meal that everyone – including kids – will love.
Or why not grill some seafood on the side for a flavorful surf-and-turf?
Grilled Shrimp
4.9 ⭐️ (29 ratings) | 25 mins
Planning on grilling your flank steak? Take advantage of your grill space and turn your meal into a surf and turf dinner by making these grilled shrimp.
Recipe creator Valentina soaks the shrimp in a sweet-tangy marinade that keeps them juicy and complements their mildly sweet flavor. I also like brushing this marinade over the shrimp as they grill, ensuring they stay juicy.
Just make sure to keep an eye on them as they grill — each side only needs about 2-3 minutes to cook.
What readers are saying…
“Now, this is how I like to enjoy shrimp!! The sauce adds so much flavor & the shrimp is nice & crisp on the outside, but still tender. It’s delicious!”
“We LOVE this recipe! I will use this for entertaining! The shrimp were bursting with flavor!”
“So simple to whip up and so full of flavor! And had everything in my pantry!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
4.5 ⭐️ (62 ratings) | 15 mins
Add a delicious Mexican flair to your flank steak with a serving of this black bean corn salsa.
It’s a simple dish that barely involves any cooking, especially if you choose to use ingredients like canned black beans. All you need to do is throw everything into a bowl, give it a mix, and you’re done.
Place a heaping scoop of black bean corn salsa beside or over your flank steak for a burst of vibrant colors and flavors.
Pro tip: Make sure to use fresh lime juice to dress this salsa — it makes a world of difference.
What readers are saying…
“I love a good black bean corn salsa! I tried it with grilled corn and it made it even more amazing.”
“Oh my gosh! This is so good! I just made it this morning for tonight. Of course, I had to test it. Fabulous & haven’t ever let it set.”
“This looks awesome! I will be making this….one little change, adding diced jalapeños! I just love a little kick!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Smoked Mac and Cheese
4.9 ⭐️ (63 ratings) | 1hr 20 mins
Creamy, cheesy, and heartwarming – what’s not to love about this mac and cheese? Pair it with your steak for the ultimate comfort meal.
This recipe is a far cry from the quick one-pot mac and cheese, but I swear it’s worth the extra effort. The added smokiness works perfectly with the creaminess of the pasta, making this nostalgic dish even more special.
I smoke my mac and cheese for an hour, but Hey Grill Hey suggests going for 2 hours if you want a more prominent smokiness.
What readers are saying…
“I’ve made this 100 times! I add bacon and jalapeños. Love this!”
“Crowd really loved it. Had a few say it was ‘the best they’ve ever had‘.”
“Cheesy but not gooey. The panko with butter and your favorite rub just tops it off! Will definitely make this again!!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Balsamic Grilled Mushroom Skewers
Total Time: 50 mins
These mushroom skewers are a fabulous addition to your cookout spread.
The balsamic marinade adds a sweet-tart flavor and extra umami to the mushrooms while grilling infuses them with a delectable smoky twist that takes them to another level.
And to hit two birds with one stone, I like cubing up my flank steak, soaking them in the same marinade, and threading them in the skewers.
Pro-tip: Let your mushrooms soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes for best results!
What readers are saying…
“I could eat this as a main dish any night!”
“These are delicious! Made them for the family and they were loved by all.”
“These came out so perfect! Thank you for an oil free recipe, this will definitely be a regular go-to!”
Deliciously different alternatives…
Ranch Pasta Salad
5.0 ⭐️ (7 ratings) | 2hrs 15 mins
Pasta salads are a must in cookouts and this recipe has to be my favorite!
The rich, tangy ranch dressing isn’t just refreshing on a hot day, but it’s also an excellent contrast to your grilled flank steak. Plus, it’s loaded with fresh veggies, bacon, and cheese – what more can you ask for?
Pro-tip: Make this in advance to let the flavors meld and develop before serving.
What readers are saying…
“I’ve made this twice in the last month since finding the recipe and am currently making it for lunches this week at work. It is delicious!!!”
“This is super easy and yummy!! I have made it twice in a week its a HIT!!”
“This is going in the meal rotation. My husband who is not a real salad fan can’t stop talking about it.“
Deliciously different alternatives…
What To Serve With Flank Steak – 20 Best Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 portion hasselback potatoes
- 1 portion sweet potato fries
- 1 portion wedge salad
- 1 portion air fryer onion rings
- 1 portion rosemary and garlic dinner rolls
- 1 portion broccoli ma and cheese … and more
Instructions
- Prepare your flank steak according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: hasselback potatoes, hot chili oil noodles, orzo stuffed tomatoes, rosemary and garlic dinner rolls, skillet potato and egg hash, air fryer onion rings, tostones, sweet potato fries, guacamole and chips, italian bruschetta, bacon-wrapped green beans, wedge salad, tex-mex couscous salad, broccoli salad, creamed swiss chard, barbecue grilled shrimp, black bean corn salsa, broccoli mac and cheese, balsamic grilled mushroom skewers, and ranch pasta salad.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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