While short ribs taste delicious on their own, there is nothing better than eating them with a side dish – you’re sure to be rewarded with a delightful feast!
There is nothing better than short ribs, not only do they look extravagant but they also taste amazing, too!
Plus, who can resist the melt-in-your-mouth tender beef flavored to perfection in a buttery, rich gravy? Even the thought of it is making us hungry!
We certainly don’t mind putting in the extra effort to make these short ribs if it means we’ll be rewarded with this mouth-watering masterpiece.
While the meat-to-bone ratio may not be something we’re particularly fond of – we want more! –, that only means more room in our stomachs for some delicious short rib sides.
With this in mind, we have compiled a list of sides that go perfectly with short ribs. Whether you prefer crunchy, creamy, or light – there is something for everyone!
If you’re unsure what to make with your side ribs, then don’t worry! These 16 sides are sure to complete your meal and transform it into something extravagant.
Let’s get straight into it!
1. Brussels Sprouts
Crisp and golden on the outside, yet tender and soft in the middle – with as little as four ingredients, these delicious brussels sprouts will be ready in 30 minutes!
Don’t let the Brussels sprouts haters tell you anything less than that they are the most delicious side dish for short ribs!
Brussels sprouts have never been more exciting than they are in this recipe. These crispy balls of goodness have always had a bad reputation, however, this recipe is sure to change your views.
Roasting your brussels sprouts is the best way to make the most out of the amazing flavor. You’ll be rewarded with earthy, nutty, and creamy flavors all in one bite.
2. Roasted Carrots
Since your main dish already contains an assortment of flavors, you’ll want an equally delicious side that won’t overpower your entree.
This is where roasted carrots come in!
Not only do roasted carrots add a brilliant vibrancy to your plate, but they also balance out the meaty flavors with their sweet and earthy tones.
The key to making the best-roasted carrots is a very hot oven – this means they’ll be beautifully brown on the outside yet deliciously tender in the middle.
Plus, this side dish couldn’t be easier to prepare! Simply coat your carrot slices in olive oil and stick them in the oven – you’ll be rewarded with golden brown yumminess!
3. Noodles
These noodles are so delicious, you’ll find yourself pairing them with every recipe you make! In addition to being incredibly tasty, they have a tender texture similar to dumplings.
Noodles make for a filling, starchy side dish that pairs perfectly with short ribs – especially if you combine it with a flavorful braising sauce.
Since short ribs are incredibly rich, the noodles help to balance out these flavors. Whether you opt for linguine, egg noodles, or spaghetti – you’ll be rewarded with a tasty treat.
You could even give your dish an Asian twist by using ramen or even soba noodles!
4. French Bread
With every short rib dish, you’ll need something to soak up all those delicious gravy flavors – and what better way to do so with French bread?!
You can’t beat the chewy and crusty textures – sweet, nutty, savory, and buttery, you simply can’t go wrong.
5. Mashed Potatoes
Nothing can compete with the creaminess of mashed potatoes. When drenched in the same gravy as your short ribs, the result is a dreamy comforting masterpiece that won’t stay on the plate for long.
The combination of juicy ribs and creamy mashed potatoes loaded with butter and sour cream is like a match made in heaven!
Just the thought of these two dishes has our mouthwatering, just think what the actual combination will taste like!
6. Creamy Polenta
This cheesy, creamy polenta is easier to make than you may think! Despite what you have heard, you don’t need to constantly whisk your polenta for 30 minutes straight.
Simply ensure you’re cooking it gently over low heat and whisking occasionally to achieve great results.
It is fluffy, creamy, and light – the perfect combination for your tender beef. If you’re looking to make your polenta extra creamy, add more cream cheese and butter, and you’ll thank us later!
7. Macaroni Salad
This macaroni salad is so delicious that you won’t want to eat it just as a side dish. Before you know it, you’ll be devouring a whole bowl!
No matter the time of the day – breakfast, lunch, or dinner, we could eat macaroni salad any time of the day.
However, this side dish goes wonderfully with short ribs, too. The combination of tender meat and creamy macaroni is a mixture of flavors to die for.
8. Potato Salad
This potato salad is another recipe that is sure to make your short rib dinner a thousand times better.
You can’t beat tender potatoes covered in an extra creamy sauce – this is definitely a salad you don’t want to miss out on.
9. Corn On The Cob
Nothing goes better with the savory short ribs than the sweetness of a corn cob.
The best part? It is incredibly simple to make – you won’t have to worry about your short ribs going cold while making this side dish.
10. Caprese Quinoa Salad
When eating something hearty and rich, sometimes you need something green to help balance out the flavors.
This Caprese quinoa salad is one of the best ways to do this.
11. Sauteed Mushrooms
If you’re looking to give your hearty and rich beef a deliciously savory and earthy twist, then you can go wrong with mushrooms.
Not only are the flavors a match made in heaven but the dish itself is also incredibly easy to make.
All you have to do is saute the mushrooms in some butter, then your side dish is complete!
12. Broccolini
You already know broccoli, however, have you ever tried broccolini? If not, now is the best time to do so.
It’s like broccoli but only a hundred times better! It contains the same nutritional contents, however, it cooks much faster.
Simply saute your broccoli in olive oil, throw in some garlic and you’re done!
13. Butternut Squash Risotto
We all know that short ribs aren’t the healthiest of recipes to eat every single day. However, ward off any guilt feelings with this incredibly healthy butternut squash risotto.
In addition to being healthy, it also tastes amazing – you’ll be eating it by the spoonful before you know it!
14. Raspberries With Whipped Cream
Looking for the perfect after-dinner dessert to go with your short ribs? Then you won’t be disappointed with these raspberries and whipped cream recipes.
Since short ribs can be a heavy main course, afterward you’ll want something refreshing and light to balance everything out.
This raspberry and whipped cream dessert is the perfect option to achieve this.
The secret ingredient in this recipe – apart from the deliciously fresh berries – is the whipped cream spiked with booze. The Grand Marnier contributes a huge deal here.
What’s even better is this dessert only takes 15 minutes to make.
15. Lemon Bars
When deliberating about the perfect dessert to compliment your short ribs, you can’t go wrong with some deliciously sweet and refreshing lemon bars.
These contain the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors – the perfect palate cleanser after a meal.
In addition to this, the buttery and crumbly shortbread crust is sure to have you going back for more.
16. Wine Pairings
For the most delicious short ribs, you’ll also need the perfect wine pairing to make the experience more decadent.
If you’re feeling fancy, then you can’t go wrong with fragrant red wine. Here, the robust and deep flavors complement the beef to perfection.
From Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon – any of these options will go delightfully well with your short ribs.
Final Thought
There is nothing more comforting than a plate full of short ribs. However, what makes this meal one hundred times better is a delicious side dish.
Whether you’re craving something simple or something decadent, there is sure to be something on this list that would interest you.
Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some inspiration for some short rib side dishes – you’ll never be short of side dishes to make again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite their name, short ribs are anything but short. Compared to any other types of ribs, they are probably the ones containing the most amount of meat.
They are served in two particular ways: the Flanken and English cut. Short ribs can be made from the plate, brisket, chuck, or rib areas of a cow.
16 Delicious Side Dishes For Short Ribs
Short ribs are so flavorful and succulent, that you could easily serve them by themselves. However, a delicious side dish makes them even better. Find out more here.
Ingredients
Directions
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