Beef short ribs are a true culinary delight – tender, rich, and bursting with savory flavor. Whether braised until fall-off-the-bone soft or slow-cooked to perfection, they’re a dish that deserves a spotlight. But to truly complete the meal, you need the perfect supporting cast: side dishes that complement their richness without overpowering them. Choosing the right accompaniments can elevate your short rib experience from simply delicious to absolutely unforgettable.
So, what exactly goes with beef short ribs? The goal is usually to balance the deep, fatty flavors of the meat with something that offers a contrasting texture, a touch of acidity, or a comforting element to soak up all that incredible sauce. Let’s explore some fantastic options that will make your short rib dinner a masterpiece.
Contents
Classic Comfort: Potato Perfection
You can’t go wrong with potatoes when serving beef short ribs. Their versatility makes them a perennial favorite, offering both comfort and a perfect canvas for savory juices.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This is arguably the most iconic pairing. Velvety, buttery mashed potatoes are ideal for soaking up every drop of the rich short rib gravy. They provide a smooth contrast to the tender meat and offer pure, unadulterated comfort.
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes: For those who love a bit of crunch, roasted potatoes are an excellent choice. Tossed with herbs like rosemary and thyme, they develop a golden, crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. They offer a delightful textural counterpoint to the soft ribs.
- Decadent Potato Gratin: If you’re looking for something a bit more indulgent, a potato gratin layered with cream, cheese, and thinly sliced potatoes brings a luxurious, cheesy richness that stands up beautifully to the short ribs.
- Creamy Polenta or Grits: For a twist on traditional potatoes, consider creamy polenta or grits. These warm, savory grain-based dishes offer a similar comforting texture to mashed potatoes and are equally adept at absorbing delicious sauces.
Vibrant Veggies: Balancing the Richness
Vegetables are crucial for cutting through the richness of beef short ribs, offering freshness, acidity, and often a pop of color to the plate. They help create a well-rounded and less heavy meal.
- Fresh Green Vegetables:
- Asparagus: Lightly steamed or roasted asparagus spears provide a delicate, slightly earthy flavor and a pleasing crisp-tender texture.
- Brussels Sprouts: When roasted, Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully, developing a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that complements the savory ribs.
- Green Beans: Simple sautéed or steamed green beans, perhaps with a sprinkle of toasted almonds, offer a fresh, bright element.
- Broccoli: Roasted or steamed broccoli florets add a touch of bitterness and texture that can be a welcome contrast.
- Sweet & Earthy Root Vegetables:
- Glazed Carrots: Carrots, gently cooked and glazed with a hint of butter and brown sugar, add a lovely sweetness that balances the savory meat.
- Roasted Root Vegetable Medley: A mix of roasted carrots, parsnips, and even celery root brings earthy depth and natural sweetness, plus varying textures.
- Heartier Vegetable Options:
- Creamed Spinach: For another rich pairing, creamed spinach offers a comforting, savory depth that works well if you’re leaning into indulgence.
- Sautéed Mushrooms: Earthy mushrooms, sautéed with garlic and herbs, can enhance the umami flavors of the short ribs.
Savory Grains & Other Starches
Beyond potatoes, various grains and starches can make fantastic partners, soaking up flavors and adding interesting textures.
- Mushroom Risotto: A creamy, savory mushroom risotto provides a luxurious and earthy base that pairs exquisitely with the deep flavors of beef short ribs. The Arborio rice soaks up all the wonderful essences.
- Fluffy Rice Pilaf: A well-seasoned rice pilaf, perhaps made with chicken or beef broth and a few herbs, is a lighter alternative to risotto but still excellent for capturing sauce.
- Light Couscous: For a quick and airy option, couscous provides a neutral base that beautifully absorbs the rich pan juices.
- Nutty Quinoa: A healthier and gluten-free alternative, quinoa offers a slightly nutty flavor and a satisfying texture, and it’s great at soaking up the savory liquids.
Light & Bright: Refreshing Salads
Sometimes, the best way to complement a heavy dish is with something light, fresh, and acidic. Salads offer a wonderful contrast that cleanses the palate.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette (lemon, Dijon, olive oil) is fantastic for cutting through the richness of short ribs. It adds a necessary fresh and tangy counterpoint.
- Tangy Coleslaw: A creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw offers crunch and tang, providing a refreshing break from the rich meat.
- Cucumber Salad: Light, refreshing, and often dressed with a simple vinegar or yogurt dressing, a cucumber salad can be a delightful, cooling side.
Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Side Dishes
When you’re trying to decide what goes with beef short ribs for your next meal, keep these tips in mind:
- Balance the Richness: Beef short ribs are incredibly rich. Aim for sides that are lighter, brighter, or more acidic to provide balance. Think fresh salads, bright vegetables, or tangy dressings.
- Complement Flavors: Consider the flavors in your short rib preparation. If it’s wine-braised, choose earthy sides like mushrooms or roasted root vegetables. If it’s spicier, a cooling, creamy side might be best.
- Vary Textures: A great meal offers a variety of textures. If your short ribs are melt-in-your-mouth tender, pair them with something crunchy (like roasted potatoes or green beans with almonds) or creamy (like mashed potatoes or polenta).
- Don’t Forget the Sauce: Short ribs almost always come with an incredible pan sauce or gravy. Choose sides that are excellent at soaking up these flavorful liquids – mashed potatoes, polenta, risotto, or crusty bread are perfect for this.
- Consider the Season: In colder months, hearty and comforting sides like potato gratin or root vegetables are ideal. In warmer weather, lighter salads and fresh green vegetables might be more appealing.
- Keep it Simple: You don’t need a dozen sides. One or two well-chosen accompaniments are often more than enough to create a memorable meal. Let the short ribs be the star.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best side dishes are the ones you and your guests enjoy the most! Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite flavors.
No matter which side dishes you choose, remember that beef short ribs are a celebration of flavor and comfort. With the right companions, you’re set to create an utterly delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will rave about.