What to Serve With Short Ribs (11 Tasty Ideas You Can Make)
Short ribs are a delicious and hearty dish, but what should you serve with them? This is a common question we get, and it’s understandable. Short ribs can be a bit overwhelming as the main dish, and they need some sides that can complement their flavors.
Most people think of short ribs, and they immediately think of BBQ. And while BBQ sauce is delicious, it’s not the only option for short ribs. Various flavors go well with short ribs, and we’re here to help you figure out what those are.
Here are 12 side dishes for short ribs that will make your mouth water:
Side Dishes For Short Ribs:
- Roasted Root Vegetables
- Bitter Salads
- Creamy Polenta
- Sauteed Mushrooms
- Roasted Carrots
- Noodles
- Cornbread
- French Bread
- Mashed Potatoes
- Potato Salads
- Fried Plantains
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables are a delicious and nutritious side dish for short ribs. They are packed with vitamins and minerals, and their roasted flavor pairs perfectly with the rich, flavorful meat.
Additionally, they help to cut down on the fat content of the meal, making it a healthier option overall.
When selecting roasted root vegetables for your short ribs, be sure to choose root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and turnips, which are all excellent choices. You can also add veggies like beets or parsnips for a heartier dish.
Bitter Salads
Bitter salads are the perfect partner for short ribs, as their bitterness helps offset the meat’s richness. Arugula, endive, and radicchio are all excellent choices for bitter salads.
Bitter greens are also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion. In addition, the bitter taste stimulates the appetite and promotes proper nutrient absorption.
Be sure to dress them lightly with a simple vinaigrette, as you don’t want to overwhelm the flavor of the salad.
Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta is a delicious and comforting side dish that is perfect for short ribs. It is made from boiled cornmeal, which is then combined with milk or water and simmered until it becomes thick and creamy.
Polenta is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which will help to fill you up and give you lasting energy. Additionally, it is a good source of fiber and protein.
To make this dish even more flavorful, you can stir in some shredded cheese, chopped herbs, or crumbled bacon.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Sauteed mushrooms are another excellent side dish for short ribs. They are rich in flavor and are packed with nutrition.
Sautéed mushrooms have a slight bitterness that pairs well with the sweetness of the short ribs. The mushrooms also help to round out the dish and add a hearty texture.
In addition, sautéed mushrooms are simple to prepare and can be made in advance. This allows you to focus on preparing the short ribs, which are the star of the show.
You can add some garlic or onion for extra flavor or keep it simple with just salt and pepper.
Roasted Carrots
Roasted carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish for short ribs. Carrots are packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamin A, and potassium.
They also have a natural sweetness that pairs well with the rich flavor of short ribs. When roasted, carrots become even sweeter and more flavorful.
To prepare roasted carrots, simply toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then, roast in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
You can add some chopped herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Noodles
This is a classic side dish that pairs well with short ribs. They are hearty and filling, but still light enough to complement the rich flavor of the meat.
Additionally, noodles are a great source of nutrition, providing complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber. Short ribs are a notoriously fatty dish, so the addition of noodles helps to balance out the meal and ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients you need.
When paired together, noodles and short ribs make for a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please any appetite.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a tasty and hearty side dish that is perfect for short ribs. It has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with rich, savory meat.
They are also packed with nutrients, and it is relatively low in fat, making it a healthy option as well.
To prepare cornbread, simply mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then, add milk and eggs and stir until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Serve warm with butter or honey.
French Bread
A popular side dish choice is French bread, and it also goes well with short ribs for a few reasons.
First of all, French bread has a light and fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with the rich flavor of short ribs. Secondly, French bread is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a good option if you’re watching your nutrition.
Finally, French bread is easy to prepare and can be quickly popped into the oven to heat up. This makes it a convenient option if you’re short on time.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are another great side dish that goes well with just about anything. They are creamy and smooth, with a subtle flavor that allows the other flavors of the dish to shine through.
When properly prepared, they should be light and fluffy, with a hint of butter and cream. The potatoes can be boiled or roasted, but boiling is faster and easier.
Be sure to use starchy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Russet, for the best results. Mashed potatoes can be served plain or with a variety of toppings.
Potato Salads
Potato salads are an easy side dish that is perfect for short ribs. Additionally, they can be prepped in advance, which frees up time to focus on preparing the main dish.
There are many different ways to make potato salad, so you can easily find a recipe to suit your taste.
However, we recommend using red potatoes, as they hold their shape well and have a slightly sweet flavor that pairs nicely with short ribs.
To prepare potato salad, simply boil the potatoes until they are tender. Then, add your desired toppings and dressings. Some popular toppings for potato salad include bacon, cheese, green onions, and sour cream.
Fried Plantain
Another side-dish idea you can go with is fried plantain. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and the natural sweetness of the vegetable pairs well with the savory flavors of short ribs.
Additionally, fried plantain is a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion.
The high heat used to fry plantain helps to caramelize the sugars in it, hence giving it a unique flavor that compliments the flavors of short ribs.
FAQ
What is a good side dish for short ribs?
Many different side dishes go well with short ribs. Some popular choices include cornbread, French bread, mashed potatoes, potato salad, and fried plantain.
What is the best starch to serve with short ribs?
Many different starches go well with short ribs. Some popular choices include cornbread and French bread.
What is the best way to prepare short ribs?
Short ribs can be oven-roasted, braised, or grilled. However, oven-roasting is the most common method. To oven-roast short ribs, simply rub them with a spice rub or marinade of your choice and roast in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about three hours.
What vegetable goes well with short ribs?
Many different vegetables go well with short ribs. However, some of the most popular choices include potatoes, carrots, and onions.
What is a good sauce for short ribs?
Several different sauces go well with short ribs. However, some of the most popular choices include BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
How many ribs do you need per person?
As a general rule, you will need two ribs per person. However, this may vary depending on the size of the ribs and the appetite of your guests.
Conclusion:
So these are 11 of my favorite side dishes to serve with short ribs. Experiment with these suggestions to find what you like the best. And don’t forget to share this article with your friends if you found it helpful! Thanks for reading!