When I think back to family dinners during colder months, memories of my grandmother’s short ribs immediately come to mind, and I often found myself wondering what to serve with short ribs to make the meal truly memorable.
Short ribs, cut from the chuck, brisket, or rib areas of the cow, have exceptional marbling and robust flavors that develop beautifully through slow cooking or braising. The fat content renders slowly, producing melt-in-the-mouth tenderness and richly flavored meat.
What Makes Short Ribs Special?
Each bite carries a depth of flavor unparalleled by many other beef cuts, making short ribs ideal for hearty, comforting meals. Their versatile nature allows them to pair effortlessly with diverse side dishes, enhancing their overall appeal and turning ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.
For those interested in preparing this dish from scratch, our flat short ribs recipe provides a step-by-step guide to achieving tender, flavorful results
Why Choosing the Right Side Dishes Matters
Selecting what to serve with short ribs significantly influences your meal’s success. Given their richness, short ribs benefit greatly from carefully chosen sides that either complement or contrast their savory depth.
The right accompaniments balance the dish, preventing it from feeling overly heavy, and adding textures or flavors that refresh the palate. Appropriate side dishes ensure each bite feels intentional and satisfying, providing both harmony and delightful variety.
In my experience, a thoughtful choice of sides transforms short ribs from a simple dish to a sophisticated dining experience that resonates with guests.
Classic Side Dishes to Serve with Short Ribs
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A Timeless Companion to Short Ribs
Creamy mashed potatoes consistently top the list when deciding what to serve with short ribs. Their velvety, buttery texture effortlessly complements the ribs’ robust flavors, absorbing savory juices and rich sauces.
Consider enhancing mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, fresh chives, or a hint of nutmeg for added depth, elevating their appeal and complexity.
Their simplicity and comfort make mashed potatoes an irreplaceable favorite in traditional short rib dinners. For a hearty side, our chicken and dumpling casserole brings a comforting touch to your short ribs dinner.
Roasted Root Vegetables: Earthy Complements to Short Ribs
Roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, beets, and turnips, provide earthy sweetness and vibrant color, making them ideal when considering what to serve with short ribs.
Their natural sugars caramelize in the oven, offering a satisfying contrast to the savory depth of the meat. To maximize flavor, drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting.
For a wholesome grain option, our gluten-free rice pilaf offers a flavorful accompaniment that complements the savory notes of short ribs.
Polenta or Creamy Grits: Rich and Satisfying Partners
Polenta or creamy grits, cooked to silky perfection, offer a luxurious foundation for short ribs, absorbing flavorful sauces and complementing their richness. These corn-based sides create a comforting contrast of textures, from creamy smoothness to a slight graininess.
Incorporating ingredients like Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or sautéed mushrooms enhances their appeal, making them indispensable in discussions about what to serve with short ribs.
Fresh and Light Side Dishes to Serve with Short Ribs
Green Salads: Balancing Richness with Freshness
Green salads featuring arugula, spinach, or mixed greens provide freshness and a crisp contrast essential when considering what to serve with short ribs.
The bright, peppery notes and tangy vinaigrettes of salads balance the ribs’ richness, refreshing the palate between bites.
Consider adding fruits like pears or apples, nuts, or cheese for enhanced texture and complexity. To add a refreshing contrast to the richness of short ribs, consider our dense bean salad recipe, which combines hearty legumes with crisp vegetables.
Citrus-infused Slaw: Brightening Up Your Short Ribs
A citrus-infused slaw, combining cabbage, carrots, citrus zest, and a tangy dressing, invigorates the palate, perfectly balancing the heaviness of short ribs.
This refreshing side adds acidity and brightness, essential when planning what to serve with short ribs for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Steamed or Sautéed Greens: Nutritious and Flavorful Options
Steamed or sautéed greens, such as kale, Swiss chard, or spinach, provide a nutritious and flavorful option, complementing short ribs beautifully.
Their slightly bitter flavor and robust texture offer the perfect balance to the ribs’ savory richness, enhancing the meal’s nutritional profile.
Elegant Side Dishes to Serve with Short Ribs for Special Occasions
Risotto: Creamy and Sophisticated Choice
Risotto, prepared with Arborio rice and cooked to creamy perfection, is an elegant choice for special occasions. Its creamy, luxurious texture beautifully complements short ribs, absorbing their rich sauces effortlessly.
Mushroom or truffle risotto further elevates the dining experience, making it ideal when deciding what to serve with short ribs for a sophisticated meal.
Garlic Buttered Mushrooms: Elevating the Dish with Earthy Depth
Garlic buttered mushrooms offer a savory, earthy accompaniment, perfectly matching the umami richness of short ribs. Their tender yet firm texture and flavorful profile make them a sophisticated and popular choice, enhancing any special occasion meal.
Potato Gratin: Luxurious and Indulgent
Potato gratin, layered with thin slices of potatoes baked in cream and cheese, provides indulgence and luxury to complement short ribs.
Its creamy texture and golden crust enrich the dining experience, making this dish a standout choice for elegant occasions.
International Flavors to Serve with Short Ribs
Asian-Inspired Rice and Vegetables: Soy, Ginger, and Sesame Accents
Asian-inspired rice and vegetables, flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, offer an exciting twist when choosing what to serve with short ribs. Their vibrant, savory flavors contrast wonderfully with the deep, hearty ribs, creating an engaging, flavorful meal.
Mediterranean Couscous or Quinoa: Fresh Herbs and Citrus Notes
Mediterranean-style couscous or quinoa dishes, infused with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and vegetables, bring bright, refreshing flavors that balance short ribs perfectly.
This combination creates a harmonious dining experience with satisfying texture and flavor diversity.
Explore global tastes by pairing short ribs with our Turkish bulgur wheat pilaf, a dish rich in texture and flavor.
Mexican-Style Beans and Corn Salad: Spicy and Refreshing Pairing
Mexican-style bean and corn salad, featuring ingredients like avocado, lime, cilantro, and jalapeños, adds zest and refreshment to meals featuring short ribs. Its spicy, tangy notes balance the savory richness, enhancing the overall appeal of the dish.
Nutrition Facts Table for Short Ribs Recipe
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Total Fat | 46g |
| Saturated Fat | 20g |
| Cholesterol | 140mg |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Potassium | 810mg |
Frequently Asked Questions About Serving Short Ribs (FAQs)
What is a good side dish with short ribs?
Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and polenta are excellent options.
What is traditionally served with ribs?
Traditional sides include coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread.
What does Ina Garten serve with short ribs?
Ina Garten typically serves short ribs with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
What to eat with braised short ribs?
Risotto, garlic mushrooms, or creamy polenta pair wonderfully with braised short ribs.
Braised Short Ribs with Roasted Root Vegetables (Alcohol-Free)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the short ribs dry and let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Season the short ribs generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides.
- Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom.
- Once the oil is hot, sear the short ribs in batches on all four sides until deeply browned. Transfer the browned short ribs to a plate and set aside.
- Add the diced onions and celery to the pot with the beef drippings. Season with a good pinch of salt. Cook until softened and slightly browned.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the tomato paste and flour until well combined with the vegetables. Let cook for another minute.
- Pour in 1/4 cup unsweetened pomegranate or red grape juice, 1/4 cup beef stock (to replace the wine), and the balsamic vinegar. Stir well and bring the liquid to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the remaining beef stock and return the short ribs to the pot. Add the sage, rosemary, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, leaving a slight crack for steam to escape.
- Braise the meat for 3 1/2 hours, until the short ribs are tender and falling off the bone.
- Stir in the lemon zest just before serving.
- Serve the braised short ribs over whipped potatoes and spoon some of the braising liquid over the top. Accompany with roasted root vegetables.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange the beets on one sheet pan, and the carrots and turnips on another.
- Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and toss well to coat all sides.
- Spread the vegetables into an even layer without overlapping.
- Season well with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
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