Short ribs are a delicious and succulent dish, but what should you serve them with? This blog post will discuss some of the best options that will sufficiently answer your typical query, “what to serve with short ribs?”
We will include classic and contemporary options so you can choose the perfect pairing for your next dinner party or special occasion!
Short ribs are classic comfort food that is great for a belly-filling meal.
The dish is made with short beef ribs cooked in a flavorful broth until they are tender and fall off the bone.
Short ribs can be served over Mashed Potatoes or Italian Parmesan Potatoes, often garnished with fresh herbs.
The dish is hearty and filling and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Short ribs are an excellent choice whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner to warm you up on a cold night or a hearty meal to share with friends.
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite, let’s take a look at some of the best options for what to serve with short ribs.
Remember to look closely at #17, as it will likely become a staple on your table when you serve short ribs!
The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs excellently with the savory flavor of the meat, and the rich sauce brings out the sweetness of the carrots.
The carrots are also roasted to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
They’re easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
The little green orbs are at once crispy and tender, nutty and sweet.
They go well with the rich, savory flavor of short ribs, making for an elegant meal.
For an extra touch of flavor, try adding some chopped garlic or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
3. French Bread
The hearty, crusty bread is the ideal foil for the rich, tender meat.
The bread soaks up tasty juices, making each bite even more flavorful.
And the crispy crust provides a nice contrast to the soft, succulent meat.
The dish is simple yet satisfying and pairs precisely with hearty short ribs.
The rich flavor of the short ribs enhances the mellow taste of the polenta.
At the same time, the tender texture of the meat contrasts nicely with the creamy grain.
This dish is sure to satisfy any appetite and is a wonderful way to warm up on a cold winter’s night.
The savory flavor of the ribs pairs seamlessly with the fluffy, creamy potatoes.
The contrast of textures is also delightful, with the tender meat complementing the smooth, velvety potatoes.
In addition, mashed potatoes are highly versatile and can be customized to suit any taste.
For example, you can season them with salt, pepper, and herbs to complement the flavors of the short ribs.
Or, if you prefer a more indulgent dish, you can add some cheese or sour cream.
6. Potato Salad
The potato salad’s creamy texture goes with the short ribs’ richness.
At the same time, the acidity from the salad’s vinegar helps cut through the fat in the meat.
Additionally, the crunchy onions and celery in the salad contrast the tenderness of the short ribs.
Overall, it’s a classic pairing that can delight any appetite.
7. Broccolini
Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale, and it has a delicate, sweet flavor that goes well with rich, hearty dishes like short ribs.
The tender stalks are the proper size for fork-tender bites, and the florets add a pop of color to your plate.
The mushrooms add a depth of flavor to the dish, while the short ribs provide a rich and hearty base.
The two ingredients work to produce a mouth-watering meal that will gladden any culinary craving.
Sweet squash and rich, savory flavors play well together, while the creamy soup adds a lovely setting to the soft pieces of beef.
The soup also helps cut through the fats in the dish, making it a lighter and more refreshing meal.
With a ladleful of soup and a few pieces of short rib, you’ll be in for an enticing and satisfying meal.
When it comes to side dishes, green beans are a classic.
They can be cooked in various ways, but one of the most popular is tossing them in a sweet and sour sauce.
This dish is an ideal accompaniment to short ribs, as the tangy sauce complements the rich flavors of the meat.
The sauce’s sweetness also helps offset the bitterness of the green beans, making for a balanced and flavorful dish.
11. Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are a staple of Caribbean cuisine, making a yummy side dish for short ribs.
The sweetness of the plantains suits the savory short ribs, and the dish is often served with rice and beans.
Fried Plantains are a simple but tasty way to round out any meal.
The roasted beets are earthy and sweet, while the oranges add a tart and juicy contrast.
The quinoa provides a nutty, toothsome quality and the pistachios add a lovely crunch.
And, of course, the short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender with just the right amount of char.
Combined, these elements create a dish that is both complex and well-balanced.
13. Caprese Salad
The rich, savory flavor of the short ribs compliments the freshness of the mozzarella and tomatoes.
At the same time, the basil provides a bright pop of flavor.
Plus, the short ribs can be cooked in advance, making this an ideal dish for entertaining.
14. Corn On The Cob
Sweet, juicy, and grilled or boiled, it’s a fantastic side to any burger or steak.
However, if you want to wow your visitors, consider combining it with short ribs.
The succulent, slow-cooked meat pairs superbly with the bright sweetness of the corn, and it’s sure to be a hit with guests, friends, and family members.
There’s nothing like a hearty plate of Italian Parmesan Potatoes paired with short ribs.
The savory potatoes are roasted and then smothered in a rich, creamy sauce.
The short ribs are slow-cooked until they are remarkably tender and then served alongside the potatoes.
Together, the two dishes create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
16. Macaroni Salad
This pasta dish is usually made with mayonnaise or vinegar-based dressing.
It often includes diced celery, onions, and peppers for a bit of crunch.
For a truly indulgent treat, macaroni salad can be paired with short ribs.
The ribs’ slightly sweet and smoky flavor complements the creamy pasta salad, and the dish can be served hot or cold.
The beans are slow-cooked with a mix of spices and bacon, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that is splendid for any occasion.
The short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender, and their hearty flavor pairs flawlessly with the beans.
Whether serving this dish for a family gathering or a casual potluck, it’s sure to be a hit.
18. Corn Fritters
As any foodie knows, a great meal is more than just the sum of its parts.
It’s all about getting the proper balance of tastes and textures, as well as an overall taste sensation.
That’s why Corn Fritters make a superb pairing for short ribs.
The sweet corn pairs with the rich, savory flavors of the short ribs, while the crispy texture of the fritters provides a pleasant contrast to the succulent meat.
Add in a few delicate herbs or a drizzle of your favorite sauce, and you’ve got a dish sure to please even the most discerning palates.
The rich, savory flavor of the ribs pairs impeccably with the crispy, acidic tomatoes.
The dish also has excellent visual appeal, with the deep red of the meat contrasting nicely with the bright green of the tomatoes.
20. Kimchi Salad
A sublime summer meal contains bright, vibrant flavors that are both fun and refreshing.
This kimchi salad paired with short ribs hits all the right notes, with a balance of crisp vegetables, savory meat, and a touch of spice.
The kimchi is made with a mix of napa cabbage, radishes, and scallions, all of which are fermented in a spicy chili paste.
This creates a crunchy, slightly sour base for the salad that is complemented by the sweet and savory short ribs.
Serve the salad and ribs together on a bed of rice for a complete meal that will wow even the pickiest eaters.
Southern Collard Greens is one of the most hearty greens you’ll ever eat, and they’re delicious with short ribs.
The collards are slow-cooked with bacon, onions, and garlic until they’re tender and packed with flavor.
The short ribs are simmered in a rich gravy until they’re falling-apart tender.
Serve this dish with a side of cornbread, and you’ve got a meal that will fill you up for hours.
The bottom line
Pairing short ribs with a suitable side dish can make or break the meal.
While there are many options to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of our favorites to help you make a sound decision!
So, the next time you’re wondering what to serve with short ribs, try one of these divine options.
You won’t be disappointed.
Happy eating!
What To Serve With Short Ribs 😋
When you're wondering what to serve with short ribs, try one of these 21 easy side dish options!
Ingredients
- Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- French Bread
- Creamy Polenta
- Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Salad
- Broccolini
- Sauteed Mushrooms
- Butternut Squash Soup
- Sweet & Sour Green Beans
- Fried Plantains
- Roasted Beet & Orange Quinoa Salad
- Caprese Salad
- Corn On The Cob
- Italian Parmesan Potatoes
- Macaroni Salad
- Southern Baked Beans
- Corn Fritters
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Kimchi Salad
- Southern Collard Greens
Instructions
- Have a look at our list of What To Serve With Short Ribs.
- Choose the dish you want to recreate.
- Start cooking your newly found recipe!
- Share your insights on our Facebook page!