If you’re looking for a meal that feels both restaurant-worthy and totally doable on a weeknight, you’ll fall in love with Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes. This dish brings together juicy, seared steak and creamy sweet potatoes, all brightened up by a zippy, herb-packed green sauce you’ll want to put on everything. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and comforting textures, perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes so memorable is how each ingredient shines without complicating your shopping list. Every component builds on the next to create a harmonious plate—rich steak, fluffy sweet potatoes, and a fresh, vibrant green sauce that ties it all together.
- Boneless ribeye or sirloin steaks: Choose steaks about 1 inch thick for the perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness.
- Salt and black pepper: A simple but crucial duo to season the steak and bring out its natural flavors.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful sear on the steaks and blends into the green sauce for richness.
- Butter: Adds creaminess to the mashed sweet potatoes and extra decadence when basting the steak.
- Fresh parsley: The base of the green sauce, providing freshness and vibrant color.
- Fresh cilantro: Lends a punchy, citrusy note to the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness of the steak and potatoes.
- Garlic: Delivers a subtle kick and depth to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds gentle heat to the green sauce.
- Sweet potatoes: Bring natural sweetness and a velvety texture to the mash.
- Milk or cream: Makes the sweet potato mash ultra-creamy and luxurious.
How to Make Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Boil and Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes, then bring them to a boil in a large pot of salted water. Let them cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, until they’re fork-tender and ready to be transformed into a creamy mash. Once drained, add butter and milk (or cream if you’re feeling fancy), then mash everything together until smooth. Season generously with salt and pepper—this is where the mash gets its flavor, so don’t hold back!
Step 2: Season and Sear the Steaks
While your sweet potatoes are bubbling away, it’s time to give your steaks some love. Pat them dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the steaks. Sear for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness. For that extra layer of flavor, add butter during the last minute and spoon it over the steaks as they finish. Don’t forget to let them rest once they’re done to keep all those flavorful juices inside.
Step 3: Blend the Green Sauce
Now for the star that pulls Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes together: the green sauce! In a blender or food processor, combine parsley, cilantro, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and vibrant. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. It should be zesty and herbaceous, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Time to bring it all together. Spoon a generous mound of mashed sweet potatoes onto each plate, top with a perfectly cooked steak, and drizzle that gorgeous green sauce over the top. The contrast of colors and flavors is irresistible. Grab a fork and knife—you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh herbs (either parsley or cilantro) over the top adds a burst of color and freshness. For a bit of crunch, try topping with toasted pumpkin seeds, or add a few lemon wedges on the side for guests who want an extra citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
While Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes is truly a complete meal on its own, you can round out the plate with a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. A crisp glass of white wine or a light red pairs beautifully with the dish’s bold, herby flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try slicing the steak before plating, fanning out the pieces over the sweet potatoes with a sweeping drizzle of green sauce. Or serve everything family-style on a big platter, letting everyone help themselves. The vibrant colors make this dish as stunning on the table as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes, store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The steak will keep for up to 3 days, the mashed sweet potatoes for 4 days, and the green sauce for about 3 days (it may lose some of its vibrant color, but the flavor will remain fantastic).
Freezing
While the steak and sweet potatoes can both be frozen, the green sauce is best enjoyed fresh. Freeze the steak and potatoes in separate airtight containers or freezer bags. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Avoid freezing the green sauce as the fresh herbs may lose their flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at a low temperature to avoid overcooking. The mashed sweet potatoes can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen them up. Always add the green sauce fresh, right before serving, to recapture that pop of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are classic choices for Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes, you can swap in flank steak, NY strip, or even filet mignon depending on your preference and budget. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the thickness of your chosen cut.
How can I make the green sauce spicier or milder?
If you love a little extra heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the green sauce. For a milder version, use less or omit them altogether. The beauty of the sauce is how customizable it is—taste as you go and tailor it to your palate.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for anyone with dietary restrictions. Just double-check that your ingredients, especially the butter and any seasonings, are certified gluten-free if needed.
Can I prepare any components in advance?
You can absolutely make the mashed sweet potatoes and green sauce a day ahead to save time. Store them in the fridge and reheat or stir just before serving. For the steak, it’s best cooked fresh for the juiciest results, but leftovers also reheat nicely.
What can I do with leftover green sauce?
Don’t let a drop of that bright green sauce go to waste! It’s delicious as a marinade for chicken, a dip for roasted veggies, or even drizzled over eggs or grilled fish. It’s incredibly versatile and adds a burst of flavor to so many dishes.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Steak with Green Sauce and Mashed Sweet Potatoes in your own kitchen. It’s a dish that feels like a treat, yet is totally approachable for cooks of any level. Whether you’re celebrating or just spicing up your weeknight routine, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. Give it a try and enjoy every vibrant, hearty 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: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and flavorful steak dinner served with creamy mashed sweet potatoes and a vibrant green herb sauce made from fresh parsley and cilantro. This gluten-free meal combines tender, perfectly cooked ribeye or sirloin steaks with a zesty, lightly spicy sauce and smooth, buttery sweet potatoes for a balanced and delicious plate.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 boneless ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Green Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well.
- Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/4 cup milk or cream. Mash the mixture until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Keep warm.
- Season the Steaks: While the potatoes cook, pat the steaks dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Steaks: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steaks and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, for medium-rare doneness or adjust to your preferred doneness.
- Butter Baste the Steaks: During the last minute of cooking, add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Spoon the melted butter over the steaks repeatedly to baste and add richness.
- Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a plate or cutting board for several minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Make the Green Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth and vibrant.
- Plate and Serve: Spoon a generous portion of mashed sweet potatoes onto each plate. Top with a rested steak and spoon the green sauce generously over the steak. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ribeye can be substituted with flank or New York strip steak for variation.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the green sauce for extra depth and smokiness.
- The green sauce can also be used as a marinade for the steak or served as a dipping sauce for extra flavor.
- Resting the steak after cooking is essential for juicy, tender meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sweet potatoes and sauce
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
