If you are craving a meal that is both comforting and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, this Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. The rich, tender steak pairs perfectly with the creamy, naturally sweet mashed sweet potatoes, while the zesty, herb-packed green sauce adds a bright, lively twist that ties everything together beautifully. This dish is a celebration of simple ingredients that come alive through thoughtful cooking, perfect for a dinner that feels special without being complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish plays a vital role, bringing harmony in taste, texture, and color. These straightforward items come together to create a plate that’s more than the sum of its parts.
- Steaks (2 boneless ribeye or sirloin, about 1 inch thick): Choose well-marbled cuts for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the steak and sweet potatoes.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup): One for cooking the steak and additional for the green sauce to create richness and depth.
- Sweet potatoes (2 large, peeled and cubed): These bring a creamy, naturally sweet base that balances the savory steak.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a velvety richness to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Milk or cream (1/4 cup): For that perfectly smooth and luscious potato mash.
- Parsley (1 cup fresh): A bright, herbaceous backbone for the green sauce.
- Cilantro (1/2 cup fresh): Adds a fresh, slightly citrusy note that livens up the sauce.
- Garlic (1 clove): Provides aromatic warmth to the green sauce.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings tang and balances the richness in the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle kick of heat that awakens every bite.
How to Make Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
Start by seasoning your steaks generously with salt and black pepper. This basic step is crucial because it draws out the meat’s natural juices and maximizes flavor during cooking. Letting the steaks sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes helps them cook more evenly and achieve that perfect crust.
Step 2: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
While the steaks rest, place your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot. Cover them with water and bring to a boil. Boil until the sweet potatoes are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain them thoroughly before proceeding to mash.
Step 3: Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with butter and milk or cream. This step transforms them into a creamy, luxurious side dish that complements the steak perfectly. Don’t forget to season with salt to bring out their natural sweetness and make them irresistibly tasty.
Step 4: Make the Green Sauce
The green sauce is what gives this dish its bright and fresh personality. In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until everything is smooth and emulsified. This sauce not only adds color but also layers of herbal and tangy flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Steak
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear each steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side if you prefer medium-rare, adjusting the cooking time based on your preferred doneness. When done, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This step ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the steak juicy and tender.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Slice the rested steaks and drizzle generously with the vibrant green sauce. Serve alongside a generous scoop of the creamy mashed sweet potatoes. The combination on the plate is colorful, inviting, and utterly delicious.
How to Serve Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro works beautifully as a garnish, enhancing the green sauce’s herbaceous notes. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on the potatoes adds a silky finish and an extra boost of flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe stands wonderfully on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider light, crisp salads with citrus vinaigrettes or steamed green vegetables like asparagus or green beans. Their crisp texture and fresh flavors balance the richness of the steak and the mash.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the steak sliced thinly on a long platter with a row of mashed sweet potatoes beside it, drizzled artfully with green sauce for a restaurant-style presentation. Alternatively, use a ring mold for the potatoes to keep the plate looking tidy and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover steak, green sauce, and mashed sweet potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps their flavors distinct and fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The mashed sweet potatoes freeze well when stored properly, just thaw and reheat gently. While you can freeze the green sauce, the texture and flavor are best when fresh. Steaks lose some tenderness after freezing, so it’s better to enjoy them fresh if possible.
Reheating
Reheat mashed sweet potatoes in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Gently warm the steak in a skillet over low heat or in the oven wrapped in foil to keep it juicy. Serve again with fresh or leftover green sauce drizzled on top.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are perfect for their tenderness and flavor, you can also use filet mignon or strip steak. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for the green sauce?
If you want a different flavor twist, chimichurri or pesto work wonderfully in place of the green sauce. Each brings its own unique herbaceous punch to the dish.
Is there a dairy-free option for the mashed sweet potatoes?
Yes, simply substitute butter and milk with olive oil or a dairy-free milk alternative. This keeps the mash creamy without compromising taste or texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This entire dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone looking for a wholesome, gluten-free meal.
How do I know when my steak is done?
For medium-rare, aim for about 3 to 4 minutes per side on medium-high heat. Using a meat thermometer can help: 130°F to 135°F indicates medium-rare. Remember to let it rest before slicing!
Final Thoughts
This Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a fantastic way to create a memorable meal from simple ingredients. Its vibrant flavors, textures, and colorful presentation will impress any dinner guest or simply elevate a cozy night in. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious harmony of juicy steak, fresh green sauce, and creamy, sweet potatoes that will leave you smiling with every bite.
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Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and wholesome recipe featuring perfectly seared ribeye or sirloin steaks paired with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a vibrant fresh green sauce made from parsley, cilantro, and garlic. This gluten-free main course delivers a delicious balance of savory meat and bright herbaceous notes, ideal for a nutritious and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 boneless ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt to taste
Green Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the Steaks: Generously season the steaks on both sides with salt and black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat slightly and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot or a large bowl. Mash them with butter and milk or cream, adding salt to taste. Stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Prepare Green Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until the sauce is smooth and well emulsified with vibrant green color.
- Cook the Steaks: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the steaks and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, or adjust the time to your preferred level of doneness.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
- Serve: Slice the rested steaks, drizzle them generously with the prepared green sauce, and plate alongside the creamy mashed sweet potatoes for a delicious, visually appealing meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the green sauce with chimichurri or pesto for a different flavor profile.
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the mashed sweet potatoes to brighten the flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter and milk in the mash with olive oil.
