When it comes to indulging in a hearty and satisfying meal, few dishes rival the succulent and tender delight of beef short ribs. But the art of culinary perfection doesn’t stop at the main course. It extends to the delectable companions that transform a good meal into an extraordinary one. So, what to serve with beef short ribs, you ask? In this gastronomic exploration, we will uncover the answer by delving into ten mouthwatering side dishes that elevate the dining experience and transform your meal into a well-rounded culinary masterpiece.
Beef short ribs are a culinary gem, renowned for their melt-in-the-mouth tenderness and rich, savory flavors. However, to truly savor their exquisite taste and create a memorable feast, it’s essential to find the perfect sidekicks that complement their excellence. In this article, we’ll guide you through a selection of ten delicious side dishes that harmonize with beef short ribs, making every bite a taste sensation and every meal a gastronomic journey.
Table of Contents
What to Serve with Beef Short Ribs?
Here’s what you can serve with beef short ribs:
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
Garlic mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting choice that perfectly complements the rich and savory flavors of beef short ribs. Here’s why they’re a fantastic pairing:
- Classic Comfort: Garlic mashed potatoes offer a familiar, cozy taste that many people love. They’re like a warm food hug.
- Rich and Savory Harmony: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes, coupled with the subtle kick of garlic, pairs beautifully with the succulent beef short ribs. It’s a culinary pairing made in heaven.
- Customizable Goodness: You can get creative with your garlic mashed potatoes. Add some chopped chives for a hint of freshness, roasted garlic for a deeper flavor, or Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist. These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your liking.
In simple terms, garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect partner for beef short ribs, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors, and the ability to personalize them to suit your taste.
2. Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze:
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze offer a delightful combination that beautifully complements the richness of beef short ribs. Here’s why they work so well together:
- Balancing Act: The roasted Brussels sprouts bring a nutty and caramelized flavor to the table. This nuttiness adds a wonderful contrast to the hearty and rich beef short ribs, ensuring your taste buds experience a well-rounded meal.
- Elegant Enhancement: The balsamic glaze is the secret weapon here. It doesn’t just add flavor; it elevates it. The sweet and tangy notes of the glaze enhance the entire dining experience, making your meal not just delicious but also elegant.
In a nutshell, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze create a harmonious balance of flavors, adding a touch of sophistication to your beef short ribs. It’s a combination that will leave your palate delighted and satisfied.
3. Creamy Polenta:
Creamy polenta is a versatile side dish that’s a perfect match for the tender meat of beef short ribs. What sets it apart as an excellent option is the following:
- Versatile Companion: Creamy polenta is like a chameleon; it adapts to any meal. When served with beef short ribs, its mild yet satisfying taste provides a fantastic contrast to the meat’s richness.
- Customizable Goodness: What’s even better is that you can customize your polenta. Consider adding cheese for a rich and creamy texture, herbs for a burst of freshness, or even a drizzle of truffle oil for a touch of gourmet luxury.
In a nutshell, creamy polenta is the versatile sidekick your beef short ribs need. It adds a layer of comfort and can be tailored to your taste, making it a delightful addition to your meal.
4. Crispy Onion Rings:
Crispy onion rings bring a delightful crunch and savory goodness that perfectly complements beef short ribs. Here’s why they’re a match made in culinary heaven:
- Satisfying Crunch: Picture the sound of that first bite into a crispy, golden onion ring. It’s pure satisfaction! The satisfying crunch of onion rings adds an exciting contrast to the tenderness of beef short ribs, making every bite an adventure.
- Homemade Goodness: While you can buy them ready-made, we encourage you to try making homemade onion rings. Create a well-seasoned batter, and you’ll discover a world of flavor that’s unmatched. Plus, the process can be a fun culinary adventure on its own.
In essence, crispy onion rings are a delightful accompaniment to beef short ribs, offering a crunchy contrast and a chance for some culinary creativity when you make them from scratch. Your taste buds will thank you!
5. Garlic-Herb Buttered Asparagus:
Garlic-herb buttered asparagus is an elegant and fresh side dish that beautifully contrasts the heartiness of beef short ribs. Here’s why it’s a splendid choice:
- Elegance in a Bite: Imagine slender asparagus spears, lightly sautéed in a fragrant garlic-herb butter. The result is an elegant side dish that adds a touch of sophistication to your meal, balancing the robustness of beef short ribs.
- Simple Preparation: Creating this flavorful side is surprisingly simple. Just sauté fresh asparagus in a mix of melted butter, minced garlic, and your favorite herbs. The result is a delightful dish that elevates your entire dining experience.
In essence, garlic-herb buttered asparagus is an easy way to add elegance and freshness to your beef short rib meal. It’s a flavorful contrast that enhances your culinary journey.
6. Tangy Coleslaw with Buttermilk Dressing:
Tangy coleslaw with buttermilk dressing is a refreshing and tangy side dish that provides the perfect contrast to the savory richness of beef short ribs. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- A Refreshing Contrast: Coleslaw brings a crisp and tangy quality to the table. The contrast it offers to the savory and hearty beef short ribs is nothing short of delightful. It cleanses the palate and keeps your taste buds on their toes.
- Creamy Buttermilk Dressing: What takes this coleslaw to the next level is the creamy and delightful buttermilk dressing. It adds a velvety, tangy layer of flavor to the crisp vegetables, creating a perfect harmony of taste and texture.
In sum, tangy coleslaw with buttermilk dressing is a delightful addition to your beef short rib meal. It offers a refreshing contrast and showcases the creamy goodness of buttermilk dressing, making your dining experience truly special.
7. Garlic Parmesan Knots:
Garlic Parmesan knots are like bite-sized flavor explosions that harmonize perfectly with the bold flavors of beef short ribs. Here’s why they’re simply irresistible:
- Mini Flavor Bombs: These little knots are packed with taste. The moment you bite into one, you’re greeted with an explosion of garlic and Parmesan goodness. They add an extra layer of excitement to your beef short rib experience.
- Irresistible Topping: What sets these knots apart is the irresistible combination of garlic butter and Parmesan topping. The garlic butter adds a rich, savory note, while the Parmesan provides a satisfying, cheesy finish. It’s a flavor duo that’s hard to resist.
In summary, garlic Parmesan knots are the perfect accompaniment to your beef short ribs, infusing every bite with flavor and offering a mouthwatering experience.
8. Buttery Corn on the Cob:
Sweet and buttery corn on the cob is a classic and comforting side that expertly balances the flavors of beef short ribs. Here’s why it’s a delightful addition:
- Classic Comfort: Corn on the cob is the embodiment of classic comfort food. Its natural sweetness and buttery richness offer a soothing counterpoint to the bold flavors of beef short ribs.
- Versatile Preparation: The beauty of corn on the cob lies in its versatility. You can grill it for a slightly smoky, charred flavor or boil it for a simpler, tender result. This adaptability makes it a versatile and essential addition to your meal.
In essence, buttery corn on the cob is a timeless classic that brings balance to your beef short rib feast. Its adaptability in preparation ensures it’s a perfect fit for any occasion.
9. Wild Mushroom Risotto:
Wild mushroom risotto is a creamy and earthy side dish that elevates the dining experience alongside beef short ribs. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Creamy and Earthy Delight: Imagine a creamy, velvety risotto infused with the earthy richness of wild mushrooms. This side dish adds depth and complexity to your meal, beautifully complementing the flavors of beef short ribs.
- Gourmet Appeal: Wild mushroom risotto carries an air of sophistication. It’s a dish that feels gourmet, and its exquisite taste is sure to impress. Moreover, its customizable nature allows you to tailor it to your preferences.
In summary, wild mushroom risotto is a culinary gem that enhances your dining experience alongside beef short ribs. Its creaminess, earthy flavors, and gourmet touch make it a fantastic addition to your meal.
10. Garlic-Herb Roasted Potatoes:
Garlic-herb roasted potatoes offer a delightful contrast in both texture and flavor, making them the perfect complement to beef short ribs. Here’s why they’re an excellent choice:
- Texture and Flavor Harmony: Roasted to crispy perfection on the outside and tender on the inside, these potatoes provide a delightful contrast to the succulent beef short ribs. The crispiness of the potatoes plays beautifully against the tenderness of the meat.
- Endless Seasoning Possibilities: What takes these roasted potatoes to the next level is their seasoning versatility. You can match the seasonings to the flavors of the main dish. Consider options like rosemary, thyme, or even a dash of paprika for a taste that harmonizes with your beef short ribs.
In essence, garlic-herb roasted potatoes are a delightful addition to your meal, offering a textural and flavorful contrast that enhances the overall dining experience. The possibilities for seasoning make them a versatile and tasty side dish.
FAQs
What’s a good side dish for short ribs?
When serving short ribs, a good side dish is one that complements the rich and savory flavors of the meat. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic provide a classic and comforting pairing for short ribs.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: The nutty and caramelized flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts, enhanced by a balsamic glaze, create a harmonious balance.
- Creamy Polenta: This versatile side dish pairs well with the tender meat of short ribs and can be customized with cheese, herbs, or truffle oil.
What goes with ribs as a side dish?
Ribs pair well with a variety of side dishes that can enhance your dining experience. Some popular options include:
- Crispy Onion Rings: The satisfying crunch and savory qualities of onion rings are a delightful accompaniment to ribs.
- Buttery Corn on the Cob: Sweet and buttery corn on the cob is a classic and comforting choice that balances the flavors of ribs.
- Tangy Coleslaw with Buttermilk Dressing: This refreshing and tangy coleslaw with a creamy buttermilk dressing offers a delightful contrast to the savory ribs.
What is a serving of beef short ribs?
A serving of beef short ribs typically consists of around 1 to 2 ribs, depending on the size and weight of the individual ribs and your personal preference. One serving may weigh approximately 8-10 ounces, which is usually sufficient for an average adult’s meal.
What is a good side dish for Korean short ribs?
Korean short ribs, also known as Galbi or Kalbi, have unique flavors due to their marinade. Here are some side dishes that pair well with Korean short ribs:
- Kimchi: The spicy and fermented flavors of kimchi provide a great contrast to the sweet and savory taste of Korean short ribs.
- Pickled Vegetables: Various pickled vegetables, such as daikon radish or cucumber, offer a refreshing and crunchy side.
- Steamed Rice: A simple bowl of steamed rice can balance the bold flavors of Korean short ribs and absorb the delicious marinade.
What vegetables go well with short ribs?
Several vegetables can complement short ribs. Some suitable choices include:
- Garlic-Herb Buttered Asparagus: This elegant and fresh side dish contrasts the heartiness of short ribs, adding a burst of flavor.
- Wild Mushroom Risotto: Creamy and earthy wild mushroom risotto enhances the dining experience alongside short ribs, offering a gourmet appeal.
- Roasted Potatoes: Garlic-herb roasted potatoes create a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, making them a perfect accompaniment to short ribs.
What to serve with beef short ribs healthy?
If you’re looking for healthier side options to pair with beef short ribs, consider the following:
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are a nutritious and flavorful choice.
- Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette provides a healthy and protein-rich side dish.
- Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli is a simple and nutritious option that pairs well with short ribs while keeping the meal on the healthier side.
What to serve with beef short ribs for dinner?
When serving beef short ribs for dinner, you can create a satisfying and well-rounded meal by including side dishes such as:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer comfort and flavor.
- Tangy Coleslaw with Buttermilk Dressing: A refreshing coleslaw with buttermilk dressing adds a tangy contrast.
- Freshly Baked Bread: A variety of bread, like baguette or sourdough, provides a comforting option for dipping into the succulent sauce of the short ribs.
Conclusion:
In summary, these ten delicious side dishes can take your beef short rib meal to the next level. They provide the balance and variety needed to create a memorable and well-rounded dining experience. We encourage you to try these side dishes and experiment with different combinations to find your personal favorites. Bon appétit! Your feedback, comments, and sharing of your favorite side dish combinations are warmly welcomed.