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13 Steak Topping Ideas You Need to Try

When it comes to steak, the toppings can make all the difference. As someone who loves a good steak dinner, I’ve tried various toppings over the years and finally found my top picks for the best ones.  Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or looking to try something new, these toppings will surely take your steak game to the next level. So without further ado, let’s dive into my favorites for the best steak toppings.


Peppercorn Sauce

Roast fillet beef meat steak with peppercorn sauce

Peppercorn sauce is one of my all-time favorite steak toppings.  It’s a classic sauce that’s rich, creamy, and has just the right amount of heat from the crushed peppercorns. The ingredients typically include heavy cream, beef broth, crushed peppercorns, butter, and sometimes shallots or onions.  The flavor is savory and slightly tangy, with a pleasant spiciness from the peppercorns. Anyone who loves a good steak and enjoys a touch of heat would appreciate this topping. It goes best with a ribeye or filet mignon.  The sauce complements the meat’s natural flavors and adds a luxurious touch. It’s perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress your dinner guests.


Blue Cheese

Blue cheese on the old wooden background

Blue cheese is a decadent steak topping, perfect for those who enjoy bold and tangy flavors.  The topping typically consists of crumbled blue cheese, butter, and sometimes heavy cream. The taste is robust and intense, which pairs perfectly with a juicy and tender steak.  Blue cheese is undoubtedly an acquired taste, but those who love it will appreciate its unique flavor. It goes best with a grilled steak, such as a New York strip or a porterhouse, as the smoky flavor of the meat complements the tangy taste of the cheese.


Chimichurri Sauce

A jar of green chimichurri sauce in a spoon

Chimichurri sauce is a vibrant and flavorful Argentinian topping that adds a touch of freshness to any steak. 

The ingredients typically include parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and sometimes cilantro and red pepper flakes.

The flavor is zesty and herbaceous, with a slight tanginess from the vinegar. 

Anyone who enjoys bold and fresh flavors would appreciate this topping.

It goes best with a grilled steak, such as a flank or skirt steak, as the sauce’s bold flavor complements the meat’s smoky taste. 

Chimichurri sauce is ideal for those who want to add a pop of color and flavor to their steak dinner and try something new and exciting.

It’s also an excellent option for health-conscious people, as the sauce is low in calories and packed with antioxidants from the herbs.


Fried Egg

The simple things in life are often the best, and that rings true for topping a steak with a fried egg.

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fried eggs with chives in an iron pan

There is something satisfying about eating a piece of steak covered in egg yolk.

The egg adds a rich flavor that takes the steak to the next level.

Also, fried eggs are quick and easy to make, so you can whip this dish up without much time or effort.

It’s perfect when you’re in a hurry but want something delicious. Adding a fried egg is my favorite way of eating steak for breakfast. 


Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise is not just for eggs benedict. Hollandaise sauce is a rich and decadent topping that adds a luxurious touch to any steak.

Hollandaise sauce. Classic French cuisine sauce

The ingredients typically include egg yolks, butter, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne pepper

The flavor is creamy and tangy, with a subtle kick from the cayenne pepper. I think anyone who enjoys a rich and indulgent meal would appreciate this topping.

It goes best with a tender and flavorful steak, such as a filet mignon or a prime rib, as the sauce adds a buttery and delicious layer to the meat. 

Hollandaise sauce is perfect for those who want to enjoy a fancy dinner or impress their guests with a gourmet touch.

If you want to spice things up, make a steak benedict for your next weekend brunch. 


Bearnaise Sauce

Bearnaise sauce is a classic French sauce that elevates any steak. 

Bearnaise sauce

As a lover of French cuisine, I have personally tried and enjoyed this topping on many occasions. 

The ingredients include shallots, tarragon, vinegar, egg yolks, and butter, resulting in a rich and velvety sauce with a slightly tangy and herbaceous flavor.

This sauce is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life and are not afraid to indulge. Bon appétit!


Kimchi

I love kimchi. It is one of my favorite kinds of pickled vegetables.

Eating kimchi cabbage in a bowl with chopsticks

I recently tried it on steak, and I was blown away. It’s an unconventional combination, but it’s worth a try. 

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made from fermented cabbage and spices such as garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. 

The flavor is complex and intense, combining sour, spicy, and umami notes. This topping is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat and a unique twist on classic steak dishes.

It goes best with a hearty and well-seasoned steak. 


Creamy Mushroom Sauce

 As a lover of all things mushrooms, I have tried this topping on multiple occasions and can attest to its deliciousness. 

creamy mushroom sauce

The ingredients include mushrooms, garlic, shallots, cream, and butter, resulting in a velvety and savory sauce with a subtle sweetness. 

This topping is perfect for those who enjoy the earthy and umami flavors of mushrooms and want to add a touch of creaminess to their steak dishes.

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Sauteed Mushrooms

As someone who has eaten a lot of steaks, I can confidently say that sauteed mushrooms are a tried-and-true topping that always hits the spot.

Frying pan with mushrooms on wooden table

The ingredients are simple: mushrooms, butter, garlic, and herbs.

The result is a savory and earthy topping that complements the flavors of a perfectly cooked steak. 

The texture of the mushrooms also adds a satisfying chewiness to the dish.

Sauteed mushrooms are perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity and elegance of a classic steakhouse topping. 

In my opinion, they go best with a well-seasoned steak with a robust flavor, such as a porterhouse or a T-bone.

If you’re a fan of umami flavors and enjoy the combination of meat and mushrooms, sauteed mushrooms are the perfect topping. 


Caramelized Onion and Blue Cheese Steak Sauce

Caramelized onions and blue cheese is a match made in heaven. This sauce is so good that you might start eating it without steak! 

plate with caramelized onions

The sweet, rich flavor of caramelized onions and the sharp tang of blue cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors.

The ingredients are simple: onions, blue cheese, butter, and cream, but the resulting sauce is out of this world. 

It goes best with a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak that can hold its own against the intense flavors of the sauce.

This sauce is not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate a steak topping that packs a punch, this one is a must-try. Don’t hesitate to try this on burgers! 


Compound Butter

Compound butter, my friends, is an unsung hero of the steak-topping world. 

Dairy green butter with herbs set

Made by blending butter with various herbs, spices, and other flavors, this simple yet delicious addition can take a perfectly cooked steak to new heights.

I like to make mine with garlic, shallots, and a touch of lemon zest for a bright and tangy flavor. 

But really, the possibilities are endless. You can add anything from fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to bold spices like cumin or smoked paprika

The butter melts beautifully on top of a hot steak, imparting flavor throughout every juicy bite.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good hunk of buttery goodness on top of their steak? 


Red Wine Reduction

Red wine reduction is a classic steak topping that never goes out of style.

Wagyu beef tenderloin with red wine reduction

This sauce is made by reducing red wine with some aromatics and seasonings until it becomes a thick, rich sauce perfect for drizzling over your favorite cut of steak. 

The result is a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that perfectly complements the beefy flavor of a perfectly cooked steak.

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The secret to an excellent red wine reduction is to use a full-bodied wine and to let it reduce slowly over low heat. 


Lobster 

Topping a steak with lobster may seem decadent, but let me tell you, it’s worth every penny. 

Traditional barbecue spiny lobster tail sliced

The succulent, sweet flesh of the lobster pairs perfectly with a perfectly cooked steak, and it’s a match made in culinary heaven. 

To prepare this topping, you’ll need to cook the lobster until it’s just done, then remove the meat from the shell and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Drizzle some melted butter over the steak, then top it with the lobster pieces and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. 

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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