If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting textures, the Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is absolutely going to steal your heart. This perfect combo brings a juicy, perfectly seared steak paired with a zesty, herb-packed green sauce that dances on your taste buds, alongside creamy, luscious mashed sweet potatoes that add just the right touch of natural sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is a delightful way to elevate a classic meal with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of this dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, balancing richness, freshness, and a hint of zest all around.
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (8 oz each): Choose good quality cuts for juicy, tender results.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing steaks and adding richness to the green sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance every flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Adds a subtle punch of garlicky goodness to the steak.
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed: The herbaceous backbone of the green sauce with bright, clean notes.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro: Introduces a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or basil): Lends an aromatic earthiness to balance the herbs.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brings acidity that lifts and balances the sauce’s richness.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Creates a silky texture and enhances the sauce’s brightness.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar): Adds a tang that sharpens the herbaceous notes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent layer of bold flavor for the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional): For a gentle, warming heat that complements the herbs.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks: The star ingredient in the creamy mash, offering natural sweetness and vibrancy.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free): Makes the mashed sweet potatoes decadently smooth and rich.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (or coconut milk for dairy-free option): For creamy texture and a luscious mouthfeel in the mash.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning both the potatoes and the steak.
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the sweet potatoes.
How to Make Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes into even chunks so they cook evenly. Place them in a pot of boiling salted water and cook until fork-tender, usually about 15 to 20 minutes. Once softened, drain and return them to the pot. Add butter (or olive oil) and cream (or your dairy-free alternative). Mash everything together until silky and smooth. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and the optional cinnamon to bring out that beautiful sweetness with a hint of warmth. This creamy mash is the perfect cozy base for your steak.
Step 2: Make the Herbaceous Green Sauce
While the potatoes are cooking, blend the fresh parsley, cilantro, and oregano (or basil) with minced garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and chili flakes if you’re using them. Season with a bit of salt and pepper. This vibrant green sauce should be fresh, tangy, and packed with herbal goodness, ready to add a bright punch to your steak. It’s like sunshine on a plate!
Step 3: Cook the Steaks
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Pat the steaks dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired. Place them in the hot pan and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting for your preferred doneness. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow those savory juices to redistribute.
Step 4: Assemble Your Plate
Place a generous scoop of mashed sweet potatoes on each plate. Lay the perfectly cooked steak beside it, then drizzle or spoon the vibrant green sauce over the steak. It’s a colorful, mouthwatering combination that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a pop of color and fresh aroma on top. For an extra touch, a few lemon zest curls or a light dusting of smoked paprika can elevate the presentation and hint at layered flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish shines brilliantly on its own, but if you want to add something extra, a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables brings balance and variety without overpowering the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the steak sliced on a wooden board with small bowls of green sauce and mashed sweet potatoes on the side—letting everyone customize their own bites adds fun and flair to the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover steak, green sauce, and mashed sweet potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors fresh and makes reheating easy without sogginess or loss of texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the green sauce and mashed sweet potatoes for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce in small containers or ice cube trays for portion control. Steak is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if tightly wrapped.
Reheating
Reheat mashed sweet potatoes gently on the stove with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess. Warm the green sauce at room temperature or briefly in a microwave. For steak, reheat gently in a low oven to avoid overcooking and drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye and sirloin are great for their balance of tenderness and flavor, but you can also use flank, strip, or filet mignon. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and preferred doneness.
Is there a vegan version of the green sauce?
The green sauce itself is already vegan-friendly since it’s made from herbs, olive oil, lemon, and garlic. Just substitute the butter and cream in the mashed sweet potatoes with olive oil and coconut milk for a fully vegan meal.
Can I prepare the green sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the green sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a bit, allowing the flavors to meld. Store it in the refrigerator covered tightly for up to 24 hours before serving.
What can I use instead of sweet potatoes?
If you prefer, regular potatoes or even cauliflower mash can replace sweet potatoes, but keep in mind the flavor and sweetness level will change. Sweet potatoes bring a unique balance to this dish.
How spicy is the green sauce with chili flakes?
The chili flakes add just a gentle kick and warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can adjust or skip them if you want a milder sauce.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a surefire way to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share the meal. Its vibrant flavors, cozy textures, and the simple joy of fresh ingredients brought together make it a recipe worth keeping close. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe features perfectly seared ribeye or sirloin steaks served alongside creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a vibrant, zesty green sauce made from fresh herbs and lemon juice. The dish balances the rich, hearty flavors of the steak with the bright and tangy sauce and the comforting sweetness of the mashed potatoes, making for a satisfying and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
Green Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, packed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or basil)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or olive oil for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk (or coconut milk for a dairy-free option)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Place them in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Make the Green Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, cilantro, oregano, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, chili flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the Steaks: While the potatoes are boiling, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steaks generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using. Once the skillet is hot, place the steaks in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes and return them to the pot or a large bowl. Add butter and heavy cream or your choice of milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using).
- Serve: Plate the mashed sweet potatoes alongside the cooked steaks. Spoon the green sauce over the steaks or serve on the side as a vibrant accompaniment. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- For dairy-free mashed sweet potatoes, substitute butter with olive oil and milk with coconut milk.
- Adjust chili flakes in the green sauce according to your heat preference or omit for a milder sauce.
- Rest steaks for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.
- The green sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days to enhance the flavors.
- Use fresh herbs for the green sauce to achieve the best vibrant flavor.
