What Sides Go with Corned Beef? Your Ultimate Guide

The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Corned Beef Sides

So, you’ve got that beautiful, savory corned beef cooking, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether it’s for St. Patrick’s Day, a cozy Sunday dinner, or simply because you love its rich, salty flavor, one thing’s for sure: corned beef truly shines when paired with the right supporting cast of side dishes. But with so many options, what sides go with corned beef best?

Fear not, fellow food lover! We’re here to guide you through a world of delightful pairings, from timeless classics to fresh, exciting options, ensuring your corned beef meal is nothing short of spectacular. Get ready to explore sides that complement every bite!

The Essential Classics: Tried and True Pairings

Some combinations are classics for a reason – they just work perfectly. These traditional choices are hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully complement the rich taste of corned beef.

Cabbage: The Unsung Hero

You can’t talk about corned beef without mentioning cabbage! This cruciferous wonder is practically corned beef’s best friend. Whether you prefer it simply boiled until tender, roasted until slightly caramelized for a sweeter, nuttier flavor, or quickly sautéed with a touch of butter and caraway seeds, cabbage provides a fantastic, earthy balance to the meat’s saltiness. It also soaks up all those delicious cooking juices beautifully.

Potatoes: A Versatile Staple

Potatoes are a must-have, offering comfort and absorbing flavors like no other. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve them:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and utterly comforting, perfect for soaking up any gravy or jus.
• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, often roasted with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost.
• Boiled Potatoes: Simple and straightforward, letting their natural earthiness shine, especially when cooked in the corned beef broth.
• Colcannon: An iconic Irish dish, this is mashed potatoes lovingly combined with kale or cabbage and often spring onions or chives. It’s a flavorful and textural delight!

Carrots: Sweet & Earthy

Sweet carrots are a vibrant addition that provides a lovely contrast to the savory beef. They can be boiled with the corned beef, glazed with a touch of honey or brown sugar, or roasted alongside other vegetables to bring out their natural sweetness and tenderness. Their bright color also adds visual appeal to your plate.

Beyond the Basics: More Delicious Vegetable Options

While the classics are fantastic, don’t shy away from exploring other vegetable companions that can elevate your meal.

Hearty Root Vegetables

Beyond carrots, other root vegetables offer a similar comforting and earthy profile:

• Parsnips: With their unique sweet and slightly peppery taste, parsnips are wonderful roasted or mashed.
• Turnips & Rutabagas: These offer a slightly sharper, earthier flavor than potatoes and can be boiled, roasted, or mashed for a hearty side.

Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Perfection

Roasted Brussels sprouts, especially when tossed with a bit of bacon or pancetta, offer a delightful crispness and savory depth that pairs wonderfully with corned beef. Their slightly bitter edge is a great counterpoint to the rich meat.

Green Beans: Simple & Satisfying

Quickly steamed or sautéed green beans, perhaps with a hint of garlic or slivered almonds (green bean almondine), provide a fresh, vibrant crunch and a pop of green that brightens up the plate.

Asparagus: Elegant & Fresh

For a touch of elegance, roasted or grilled asparagus spears offer a tender, slightly sweet, and earthy flavor. They’re particularly good if you’re looking for a lighter, spring-like accompaniment.

Broccoli & Spinach: Healthy & Flavorful

• Broccoli: Steamed or roasted broccoli florets add a nutritious and slightly bitter counterpoint that cleanses the palate.
• Spinach: Creamed spinach offers a rich, decadent side, while simply sautéed spinach with garlic provides a quick and healthy option.

Hearty Starches & Breads

Sometimes you need something extra to soak up those delicious juices!

Rice: A Global Touch

While not traditional Irish, a simple bowl of fluffy white or brown rice can be a fantastic base, especially if you plan on serving your corned beef with a flavorful gravy or sauce.

Irish Soda Bread & Rye Bread: The Perfect Mop-Up

A crusty slice of Irish soda bread, with its dense texture and subtle tang, is ideal for mopping up every last drop. Rye bread also makes a great choice, especially if you’re leaning towards a deli-style presentation.

Lighter & Fresher Choices

Sometimes you need a little freshness to cut through the richness of corned beef.

Coleslaw: A Crunchy Counterpoint

A creamy coleslaw or a tangy vinegar-based version offers a refreshing crunch and a hint of acidity that brightens the entire meal. It’s a great palate cleanser.

Simple Garden Salad: Refreshing Greens

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a wonderful way to add a crisp, vibrant element and a burst of freshness to your plate.

Don’t Forget the Condiments & Sauces!

These little extras can make a big impact, adding layers of flavor.

• Mustard Magic: A robust whole-grain mustard or a zesty Dijon provides a sharp, pungent kick that perfectly complements the rich corned beef.
• Horseradish Power: Creamy horseradish sauce or grated horseradish offers a fiery warmth that’s incredibly satisfying with corned beef.
• Creamy Dill or Parsley Sauces: These herb-infused, often cream-based sauces can add a lovely freshness and depth, especially with fresh dill or parsley from your garden.
• Irish Parsley Sauce: A traditional choice, this often involves a simple white sauce infused with fresh parsley, adding a mild, herbaceous note.

Choosing Your Perfect Sides: A Few Friendly Tips

With so many tempting choices, how do you decide?

• Consider the Occasion: Are you hosting a traditional St. Patrick’s Day feast, a casual family dinner, or a more elegant gathering? This can influence your choices.
• Balance Flavors & Textures: Aim for a mix! If your corned beef is rich and tender, add something crunchy (like roasted Brussels sprouts) or tangy (like coleslaw) to create an exciting experience for your taste buds.
• Harmonize Cooking Methods: Many vegetables can be cooked right in the pot with your corned beef during the last hour or so, soaking up all that incredible flavor. Others might benefit from roasting or sautéing separately.
• Trust Your Taste Buds: Ultimately, the best sides are the ones you and your loved ones enjoy the most!

Frequently Asked Questions About Corned Beef Sides

Can I cook vegetables with the corned beef?

Absolutely! Many root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and even cabbage can be added to the pot with your corned beef during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. They’ll soak up all the delicious broth and become wonderfully tender and flavorful.

What about the cooking liquid? Should I use it?

The cooking liquid (or broth) from your corned beef is packed with flavor! You can use it to boil your potatoes and vegetables, add it to gravy, or even serve a small amount alongside the meat as a jus.

Is there a vegetarian side that mimics the traditional feel?

Colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale) is a fantastic option that brings a traditional Irish touch without meat. Roasted root vegetables also offer a hearty, comforting feel.

How do I make Colcannon quickly?

Simply mash your cooked potatoes, then fold in finely shredded, sautéed cabbage or kale, butter, milk (or cream), and season with salt and pepper. A sprinkle of chopped green onions adds extra flavor!

Enjoy Your Feast!

Whether you stick to the beloved classics or venture into new culinary territory, choosing the right sides will make your corned beef meal a memorable one. Happy cooking!