When you cook a perfectly seared steak, the right sauce can elevate it to new heights. Whether you lean toward a classic béarnaise or crave something with a bit more kick, having a top-notch steak sauce recipe can make all the difference. Here, I'll share some of my favorite steak sauces, giving you the lowdown on the top 5 that will undoubtedly impress at your next meal.

Why Steak Sauces Matter

Sauces for steaks aren't merely taste enhancers. They go well with the meat and bring out its inherent flavor and texture. Every time you grill steak, a well-balanced sauce will cut through the richness for a well-cooked meal. The best steak sauces can take your steak to the next level, so let's explore them.

Béarnaise Sauce

The famous French Béarnaise sauce has a thick, creamy consistency and a tangy taste. Ingredients such as tarragon, chervil, butter, and white wine vinegar are used to make it. Juicy steaks are the ideal vehicle for this sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Whisk egg yolks, vinegar, and lemon juice in a bowl.
  2. Slowly add melted butter, whisking continuously.
  3. Stir in tarragon, salt, and pepper.

Peppercorn Sauce

The robust heat of peppercorn sauce makes it a fan favorite. Cream, brandy, and crushed black peppercorns make it. This flavor profile elevates any steak to the next level.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons black peppercorns, crushed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add crushed peppercorns and brandy, cooking for 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in heavy cream and simmer until thickened.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce brings a fresh and zesty flavor to the table. This Argentinean favorite is a vibrant mix of parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil. It’s perfect for cutting through the richness of a steak.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Mix well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Red Wine Reduction

The steak is elevated with a red wine reduction sauce. The velvety sauce is made with red wine, beef stock, and shallots, and it's hard to say no to it.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red wine
  • 1/2 cup beef stock
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté shallots in butter until translucent.
  2. Add red wine and beef stock, simmering until reduced by half.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.

Blue Cheese Sauce

If you're a fan of rich cheeses, blue cheese sauce is a great choice. Make your steak taste even better with this rich sauce that's a combination of blue cheese, cream, and a hint of garlic.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat cream in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add blue cheese and garlic, stirring until cheese is melted.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.

Conclusion

A great steak deserves an equally great sauce. Whether you’re a fan of the rich béarnaise, the spicy kick of peppercorn, or the fresh zest of chimichurri, these top 5 steak sauces will take your meal to new heights. Experiment with these steak sauce recipes to find your favorite and elevate your next steak dinner.

For more cooking tips, check out other EdwardSpoonHands articles.