Desserts to Serve After a Steak or Seafood Dinner
The right dessert finishes a meal without competing with it. After a big steak, most people want something bright and light; after seafood, citrus and tropical flavors feel natural. Here is how to choose, with ideas for every kind of dinner and a few desserts you can even make on the grill.
After a rich steak dinner
Steak, especially a well-marbled ribeye or strip, is rich and filling. A tart or fruity dessert cuts through that richness and refreshes the palate. Good choices include a lemon tart, fresh berries with lightly sweetened whipped cream, a scoop of sorbet, or a simple fruit crisp.
If you want the full steakhouse experience, the classics are classics for a reason: New York cheesecake, molten chocolate cake, creme brulee or a slice of pie. Keep the portions small, or set out one dessert with extra forks for sharing.
After a seafood dinner
Seafood dinners are usually lighter, which leaves room for something a little more indulgent, and citrus is the natural partner. Key lime pie, lemon bars, lemon meringue pie and orange cake echo the lemon that so often goes with fish. Tropical flavors such as coconut, mango and pineapple work well too, especially after dishes like our Blackened Tuna with Mango Salsa or Cod with Coconut-Lime Curry Sauce.
Desserts from the grill
If the grill is already hot from the main course, use it. Fruit caramelizes quickly over medium heat and needs almost no preparation.
- Grilled pineapple: cut peeled pineapple into thick rings or spears, brush lightly with melted butter and a sprinkle of brown sugar, and grill 2 to 3 minutes per side until marked and warm. Serve with vanilla ice cream.
- Grilled peaches: halve ripe peaches, remove the pits, brush the cut sides with a little oil and grill cut side down until softened and marked, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drizzle with honey.
- Grilled bananas: grill bananas in their peels until the skins blacken, then split them open and top with chocolate or caramel sauce.
Clean and oil the grate well before grilling fruit so it does not pick up flavors from the meat.
Make-ahead desserts for entertaining
When you are hosting, the best dessert is one that is already finished before guests arrive. Cheesecake actually improves after a night in the refrigerator. Tiramisu, panna cotta, icebox pies, brownies and cookie bars all keep well for a day or two. That leaves your attention free for timing the steak or seafood perfectly.
Quick desserts with no baking
Short on time? Sliced strawberries tossed with a spoonful of sugar and a squeeze of lemon, a scoop of ice cream with a shot of hot espresso poured over it, or a plate of good chocolate and fresh fruit all make a satisfying end to dinner in minutes.
Frequently asked questions
- What dessert goes with steak?
- After a rich steak, something light and tart such as lemon tart, berries with whipped cream or sorbet refreshes the palate. If you want a classic steakhouse finish, serve small portions of cheesecake, chocolate cake or creme brulee.
- What dessert goes with seafood?
- Citrus and tropical flavors pair naturally with seafood. Key lime pie, lemon bars, coconut desserts and fresh mango or pineapple are all good choices.
- What is a good make-ahead dessert for a dinner party?
- Cheesecake, tiramisu, panna cotta and brownies can all be made a day ahead, which leaves you free to focus on the main course.
- Can you grill dessert?
- Yes. Pineapple, peaches and bananas caramelize beautifully on a clean, oiled grill over medium heat in just a few minutes per side.