What Sauce Goes With Steamed Vegetables 2025: Top 9

Steamed vegetables are a simple and healthy addition to any meal, but they can taste a little plain. A great sauce adds flavor and makes them more enjoyable. With the right combination, even the most basic veggies become a highlight on your plate.

Bold and zesty, rich and creamy, or light and refreshing – there’s a sauce for every preference. A good drizzle or dip brings balance to a meal and pairs well with different proteins and grains. Sauces also make it easy to change things up without rethinking your entire menu.

We’ve crafted a selection of sauces that go well with steamed vegetables. Classic favorites and unexpected combinations help keep things interesting. For even more inspiration, check out our easy recipes guide to add variety to your meals.

All the recipes on this page are carefully crafted by our team, including our in-house nutritionist, who also calculates the nutritional information provided. While we strive for accuracy, please note that actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

1. Garlic Butter Sauce With Steamed Vegetables

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

2. Finely chop the garlic and add it to the melted butter. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

3. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

4. Finely chop the parsley and mix it in just before serving.

5. Drizzle the sauce over steamed vegetables or toss to coat evenly.

Overview 🔍

Garlic butter sauce adds a rich, savory flavor. The butter gives a silky texture, while garlic and lemon add brightness and depth. It’s a simple way to make plain veggies feel more like a treat.

This sauce pairs especially well with broccoli, green beans, asparagus, and carrots. The buttery coating helps these vegetables hold onto the flavor, while the garlic enhances their natural sweetness. A quick drizzle is all it takes to turn a side dish into something special.

2. Mushroom Sauce & Steamed Vegetables

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.

2. Thinly slice the mushrooms and add them to the pan. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly browned.

3. Mince the garlic and stir it in, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Pour in the broth and simmer for 3 minutes, letting the liquid reduce slightly.

5. Stir in the cream, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Chop the thyme and mix it in just before serving.

Overview 🔍

Mushroom sauce has a deep, earthy flavor. This makes steamed vegetables feel more indulgent. It works especially well with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes, adding richness without overpowering their natural taste.

This recipe is inspired by a HelloFresh dish that pairs the sauce with beef tenderloin and roasted potatoes. But it’s just as delicious over steamed vegetables. Keep it simple or add some protein for a complete, balanced meal.

3. Soy-Sesame Sauce Served With Steamed Veg

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and honey.

2. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger, then stir them into the sauce.

3. Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for 1 minute, then mix them in.

4. Finely slice the green onions and sprinkle them over the sauce before serving.

Overview 🔍

This sauce adds an umami boost with a hint of sweetness, making it a great match for steamed bok choy, snap peas, and carrots. The sesame oil gives a nutty aroma, while the vinegar balances everything with a slight tang.

Try drizzling this sauce over a warm grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice. It also works as a light dressing for cold noodle salads or as a dipping sauce for tofu and dumplings. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to bring some heat to the mix.

4. Cheese Sauce Topped Steamed Veggies

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute until smooth.

2. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper.

4. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Serve immediately over steamed vegetables, or keep warm on low heat until ready to use.

Overview 🔍

Cheese sauce brings a creamy, comforting texture to steamed vegetables. This makes them more appealing for both kids and adults. The sharpness of the cheddar balances well with the mild sweetness of vegetables, while the mustard powder adds a subtle depth of flavor.

This sauce works best with broccoli, cauliflower, and potatoes, coating each piece in a rich and velvety layer. A drizzle can transform a simple side dish into a satisfying, indulgent addition to any meal.

5. Tomato Sauce & Steamed Vegetables

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Finely chop the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Mince the garlic and stir it in, cooking for another 30 seconds.

4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add the oregano, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir well.

5. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

6. Chop the basil and stir it in just before serving.

Overview 🔍

Tomato sauce brings a bright, tangy flavor to steamed vegetables, adding a fresh contrast to their natural sweetness. The garlic and herbs create a depth of flavor that enhances even the simplest vegetables.

This sauce pairs well with zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, complementing their soft texture and mild taste. A spoonful adds a Mediterranean touch and makes vegetables feel more like the centerpiece of a meal.

6. Steamed Vegetables With Peanut Sauce 

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.

2. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger, then stir them into the mixture.

3. Slowly add the warm water, whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

4. Stir in the lime juice just before serving.

Overview 🔍

Peanut sauce is often served with satay, noodle dishes, and stir-fries. It adds a creamy, nutty richness to a variety of meals. In Factor’s recipe pictured above, it’s paired with sweet potatoes and green beans for a flavorful, balanced dish. 

This sauce works especially well with steamed broccoli, cabbage, and carrots, giving them an Asian-inspired twist. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and lime creates a perfect harmony of salty, sweet, and tangy notes. It also makes a great dipping sauce for crunchy vegetables on the side.

7. Tahini Sauce Topped Steamed Vegetables

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini and lemon juice.

2. Mince the garlic and stir it in along with the salt and cumin.

3. Slowly add the warm water, whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly runny.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Overview 🔍

Tahini sauce has a nutty, slightly tangy flavor that brings depth to steamed vegetables. The creamy texture helps coat each bite, making the dish feel heartier without being heavy.

This sauce pairs beautifully with steamed cauliflower, carrots, and green beans. It also adds a Mediterranean touch, working well alongside grains like quinoa or couscous.

8. Herby Yogurt Sauce & Steamed Veg

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice.

2. Mince the garlic and finely chop the dill and parsley, then stir them into the yogurt.

3. Add the salt and black pepper, mixing well.

4. Let the sauce sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend before serving.

Overview 🔍

This sauce adds a cool, refreshing contrast to warm steamed vegetables. The yogurt brings creaminess, while fresh herbs brighten the flavor, making vegetables taste lighter and more vibrant.

It’s especially good with steamed zucchini, asparagus, and potatoes. The balance of tangy and savory notes makes it a great companion for grilled meats or roasted dishes as well.

9. Steamed Veggies & White Wine Butter Sauce 

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat.

2. Finely chop the shallot and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 5 minutes until reduced by half.

4. Stir in the salt and black pepper.

5. Remove from heat and whisk in the remaining tablespoon of butter.

6. Finely chop the chives and stir them in just before serving.

Overview 🔍

White wine butter sauce (beurre blanc) is a classic French butter sauce. Typically served with seafood, it adds a delicate, slightly tangy richness to steamed vegetables. The butter smooths out the acidity of the wine, creating a balanced, elegant flavor. 

Its rich, tangy flavor also pairs well with roasted or steamed vegetables, particularly asparagus, green beans, and artichokes. Additionally, it complements poultry dishes like chicken (as shown in the image above). 

FAQ

Which sauce is best for vegetables?

The ideal sauce for vegetables depends on your taste preferences and the dish you're preparing. For a rich and creamy option, cheese sauce pairs well with broccoli or cauliflower. Experimenting with different sauces can enhance the natural flavors of your vegetables.

What to put on steamed veggies for flavor?

To add flavor to steamed vegetables, drizzle them with olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, then sprinkle with herbs like parsley or dill. For a quick and easy option, garlic butter sauce adds rich, savory depth with minimal effort. 

What’s a healthy sauce for steamed veggies?

A healthy sauce for steamed vegetables is a yogurt-based sauce mixed with fresh herbs and lemon juice. This combination adds creaminess and flavor without excessive calories or fat. Alternatively, a tahini sauce made from sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic offers healthy fats and a rich taste.