There is something absolutely irresistible about a perfectly seared steak paired with a vibrant, fresh green herb sauce and silky mashed sweet potatoes. This Steak with Green Herb Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe brings together bold flavors, comforting textures, and a stunning presentation that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish promises a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes that are sure to satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to nailing this dish. Each component brings a unique flavor or texture, and together they create a harmonious balance that’s both simple and elegant.
- 4 beef steaks (sirloin, ribeye, or filet, about 6 oz each): Choose quality cuts for juicy, tender meat that forms the star of this dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the steak to a beautiful crust without sticking.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: These basics enhance the natural flavors of the steak and mashed sweet potatoes.
- 1 cup fresh parsley: Adds bright color and freshness to the green herb sauce.
- ½ cup fresh cilantro: Brings a citrusy, slightly spicy aroma—feel free to swap with basil or mint if preferred.
- 2 cloves garlic: Gives the green sauce a punchy, savory depth.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice: Provides acidity to balance the richness of the steak and potatoes.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat that livens up the sauce without overpowering it.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Used in the sauce to bring all herbaceous flavors together.
- â…“ cup olive oil: Slowly blended into the sauce for a lush, velvety finish.
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed): The base for creamy, naturally sweet mashed potatoes.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds luxurious creaminess to the sweet potatoes.
- ¼ cup milk or cream: Smooths and lightens the mash for perfect texture.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional): A warm, subtle note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Used again here to season the sweet potatoes just right.
How to Make Steak with Green Herb Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Begin by boiling the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until they’re tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. Draining them well is key to avoid watery mash. Then, toss them into a bowl and mash with butter and your choice of milk or cream. If you like a little unexpected warmth, add cinnamon now. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Set the mash aside and keep it warm while you move on to the sauce and steak.
Step 2: Whip Up the Green Herb Sauce
This bright, zesty green herb sauce brings the dish to life. Add parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and salt to a food processor. Blend until everything is roughly combined. Then, while it’s running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create a smooth, vibrant sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a little extra vinegar or salt can elevate it even more.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks to Perfection
Pat your steaks dry with paper towels to ensure they sear instead of steam. Generously season with salt and black pepper on both sides. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When shimmering, place the steaks in and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and how you like your steak done. Once seared, remove and let them rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Resting is crucial—it makes all the difference for a tender bite.
Step 4: Plate and Drizzle
Slice the rested steak against the grain, placing it atop a generous mound of mashed sweet potatoes. Then, don’t be shy—liberally drizzle the green herb sauce over the steak and potatoes. The contrast of warm savory meat, creamy sweet potatoes, and tangy fresh sauce makes each forkful a real winner.
How to Serve Steak with Green Herb Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top adds a fresh pop of color and aroma that invites you to dig in. For a little texture contrast, toasted pine nuts or crushed pistachios work beautifully and add a subtle crunch.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own but pairs amazingly well with simple roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette also balances the richness, making the meal feel vibrant and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Think rustic elegance when plating. Serve the steak slices fanned out over the sweet potatoes, with the green herb sauce drizzled in swoops or dots around the plate. For a dinner party, consider handing out small ramekins of extra sauce so everyone can customize each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover steak, mashed sweet potatoes, and green herb sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This separation preserves the freshness and flavor of each component for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Mashed sweet potatoes freeze well and can be kept for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. The cooked steak and green sauce are best enjoyed fresh; however, the steak can be frozen for about 1 month if wrapped tightly, but the sauce is best made fresh each time.
Reheating
Reheat the mashed sweet potatoes gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra milk to maintain creaminess. Warm the steak briefly in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to avoid drying it out. Serve the green herb sauce cold or at room temperature for the freshest flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other herbs in the green sauce?
Absolutely! While parsley and cilantro form the base, you can experiment with basil, mint, or arugula to give the sauce a different but equally delicious twist.
What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?
Sirloin, ribeye, or filet mignon work great here. Choose what suits your taste and budget, aiming for steaks about 6 ounces each to balance cooking time and tenderness.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace the butter and milk in the mashed sweet potatoes with olive oil or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk to keep the dish creamy without dairy.
How spicy is the green herb sauce?
The optional red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the sauce’s freshness, but you can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the green herb sauce and mashed sweet potatoes a day ahead, then quickly sear the steaks just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress yourself or loved ones with a dish that feels both special and approachable, this Steak with Green Herb Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is your go-to. The combination of juicy steak, bright herb sauce, and comforting sweet potatoes hits all the right notes. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a must-make in your dinner rotation.
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Steak with Green Herb Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Latin-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and hearty main course featuring perfectly seared beef steaks served over creamy mashed sweet potatoes, complemented by a vibrant and tangy green herb sauce made with fresh parsley and cilantro. This dish combines the rich taste of steak with the natural sweetness of root vegetables and zesty herbaceous notes for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 4 beef steaks (sirloin, ribeye, or filet, about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Green Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- â…“ cup olive oil
For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Place them in a pot of salted boiling water and cook for 15–20 minutes or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the water, then mash the sweet potatoes with butter, milk or cream, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Season the mash with salt and pepper to taste, then keep it warm while you make the rest of the dish.
- Make the Green Sauce: In a food processor, combine fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, red pepper flakes if desired, and salt. Blend the ingredients until roughly combined. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create a smooth, vibrant sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cook the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, sear the steaks for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred doneness based on thickness. Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.
- Serve: Slice the rested steaks if desired, and serve them over a bed of the warm mashed sweet potatoes. Drizzle the green herb sauce generously over the top and enjoy this delicious and well-balanced meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the herbs in the green sauce with basil, mint, or arugula to vary the flavor.
- For a dairy-free mashed sweet potato option, replace butter with olive oil or coconut milk instead of butter and cream.
- This meal pairs nicely with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the dinner.
