So, what's the deal with Tomahawk steak? This isn't just any cut of beef; it's practically a steak with a bone that throws a party (a bone-in ribeye cut from the beef rib primal with the rib bone frenched).
When we first laid eyes on one, we felt a mix of awe and a little bit of intimidation.
Who knew a hunk of meat could steal the show at dinner? If you're anything like us, that bone sticking out makes it feel like you're dining like a caveman, and we love it.
With such a standout piece of meat, the side dishes better be ready to bring their A-game.
So, whether you're firing up the grill or planning a fancy meal, we've got some killer side dish ideas to complement that impressive Tomahawk.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Tomahawk Steak
Here are our top 13 picks for side dishes to serve with a Tomahawk steak:
1 - Truffle Mac and Cheese
We're all about that cheesy goodness, and truffle mac and cheese takes it to a new level. The combination of creamy cheese and earthy truffle oil is pure magic (black truffle oil brings an intense musky aroma).
You get that rich, decadent flavor with every bite.
Don't skimp on the breadcrumbs; a crunchy topping adds a nice contrast.
Use a blend of cheeses for complexity, and for cauliflower-based pairings see cauliflower cheese side dish ideas.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley can brighten things up too.
2 - Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is one of those sides that always seems to steal the show. It's rich, creamy, and incredibly comforting.
We love how the spinach mingles with a luscious cream sauce, creating a velvety texture that feels indulgent - see spinach-stuffed chicken side pairings.
A hint of garlic adds a nice kick, and a sprinkle of nutmeg gives it that warm hug vibe (just ⅛ teaspoon of ground nutmeg). Don't skimp on the cheese either; it brings that extra oomph we crave.
3 - Twice-Baked Potatoes
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Those classic twice-baked potatoes? They're like a hug wrapped in cheese.
First off, the crispy skin gets us every time.
Inside, it's creamy and cheesy goodness. We love to mix in some chives for freshness, and bacon bits never hurt either (for a smoky, salty crunch).
These spuds are always an amazing companion for steak, making every bite a celebration-pair them with Dauphinoise potato side options.
4 - Garlic Herb Mushrooms
Mushrooms and garlic? Yes, please!
These little guys are a flavour bomb. We sauté mushrooms in butter (use cremini or baby bella mushrooms for a meaty texture).
Add garlic and fresh herbs for a kick. The earthy taste of mushrooms mingles perfectly with garlic.
Plus, it's quick. Great with steak. Toss them on the grill or pan-fry.
They soak up juices from the meat too, and pair well with garlic butter shrimp side suggestions.
These are our go-to side. Super filling and full of umami.
5 - Grilled Baby Carrots
Grilled baby carrots are simply fun to eat. They're sweet, smoky, and have that nice char (with caramelized sugars and a hint of smokiness).
We love how tender they get on the grill. A sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of olive oil bring out their natural sweetness.
Add herbs for extra flavour. Thyme or rosemary work perfectly.
These carrots are a colorful complement to steak and also match well with grilled salmon side pairings.
6 - Balsamic Roasted Beets
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We've got a soft spot for roasted beets. They're sweet, earthy, and super bright.
Toss them with balsamic vinegar before roasting for that tangy kick (about 1 tablespoon balsamic per pound of beets).
They caramelize beautifully, giving a nice contrast of flavors. Adding a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese makes it even better.
They're not just pretty; they bring a pop of colour to the plate and go well with steak.
7 - Charred Corn on the Cob
It's all about that smoky sweetness. We toss our ears of corn right on the grill for that perfect char (preferably fresh sweet corn varieties like Silver Queen).
Adding a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of butter transforms it into a summer staple.
A dash of lime juice and a sprinkle of chili powder give it a little zing.
Every bite screams summer BBQ vibes. Plus, it's super easy to make!
Enjoy it fresh off the grill.
8 - Blue Cheese Wedge Salad
Grilled baby carrots are like nature's candy with a smoky twist. They get super tender on the grill.
We love that sweet, smoky flavour that's hard to resist (balanced by creamy blue cheese dressing).
Just toss them in olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of herbs before grilling. The char adds a nice crunch.
Try mixing in some honey for an extra layer.
They're not just pretty; they brighten up any plate and are way easier to make than they look!
9 - Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Brussels sprouts are a total winner on the side. We love how they turn crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
Just toss them in olive oil, salt, and some garlic for that perfect flavour boost.
Roasting is our go-to for that golden char (roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes). A sprinkle of balsamic vinegar at the end brings sweetness that we can't resist.
They're not just for special occasions; we make them for weeknight dinners too.
Enjoy that satisfying crunch!
10 - Loaded Sweet Potato Skins
Loaded sweet potato skins are our cozy comfort food. They're all about that crispy, tender combo we crave.
We bake sweet potatoes, scoop out the insides, and load 'em up with cheese, bacon bits, and green onions (bake at 400°F for about 45 minutes). Every bite is a blast of sweetness and smoky flavor.
Top with a dollop of sour cream for zip.
These little delights are quite filling and go well with any meal or stand alone as a tasty snack!
11 - Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
We're rolling out the red carpet for sautéed green beans with almonds.
These bright beans are crunchy and flavorful. We toss them in butter and garlic for a rich kick (use 1-2 cloves garlic and 1 tablespoon butter per 8 ounces green beans).
To finish, we sprinkle toasted almonds for crunch and a nutty flavor.
This combo is simple and it always wows at the dinner table.
Perfect alongside any protein, they add a fresh bite without stealing the spotlight. Enjoy every crispy morsel!
12 - Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a fun side that lifts any dish. It's bright, zesty, and super easy to whip up.
We combine fluffy rice with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a touch of salt (use long-grain or jasmine rice with a 1:2 rice-to-water ratio).
The flavor explosion is refreshing and pairs well with meats and veggies alike.
Want to kick it up a notch? Toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Perfect for tacos or as a flavorful base for burrito bowls!
13 - Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Steaks
Roasted garlic cauliflower steaks are a fun twist on your standard veggie side. They're packed with flavor and super easy to make.
We love the crispy edges and tender inside. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt bring out the garlic goodness (about 2 tablespoons olive oil per head of cauliflower).
Roast them until they're golden brown. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for zing.
These steaks are a hit at any dinner table.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
