fbpx

What to Serve With Braised Short Ribs: 15 Best Side Dishes

Elevate your meal of braised short ribs by pairing them with delicious side dishes. Creamy mashed potatoes absorb the savory gravy beautifully, while garlic roasted Brussels sprouts add a crunchy contrast. For a velvety touch, creamy polenta, enhanced with Parmesan or Gruyère, fits perfectly. Buttery green beans, brightened with lemon zest and toasted almonds, provide a invigorating crunch. Caramelized carrots offer a sweet-savory balance to the rich meat. Discover more about bacon-wrapped asparagus, fluffy buttermilk biscuits, and other flavorful sides that can transform your meal into a gourmet experience. Continue to uncover more delightful pairings.

Mashed Potatoes

comfort food in winter

Pairing braised short ribs with creamy mashed potatoes creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that elevate the dining experience. The rich, tender meat of the short ribs complements the smooth, buttery mashed potatoes perfectly.

For an enhanced flavor profile, consider adding garlic or chives to the potatoes.

Serving suggestions include a generous scoop of mashed potatoes topped with a drizzle of the short ribs' savory gravy.

Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

deliciously roasted vegetable dish

Garlic roasted Brussels sprouts bring a delightful crunch and a burst of robust flavor that perfectly complements the richness of braised short ribs.

Preparation techniques like roasting at high heat guarantee crispiness, while flavor enhancements such as minced garlic and olive oil elevate their taste.

This side dish's balance of texture and savory notes creates a harmonious pairing with the tender short ribs.

Creamy Polenta

savory comfort food dish

When seeking a complementary side for braised short ribs, creamy polenta offers a velvety texture and subtle flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.

This dish can be elevated through various cheese varieties, such as Parmesan or Gruyère, adding depth.

Simple cooking techniques, like continuous stirring and slow simmering, guarantee a smooth consistency, making it an ideal partner for the rich, savory ribs.

Buttery Green Beans

crunchy farm fresh green beans

A vibrant side dish, buttery green beans bring a crisp texture and a touch of elegance to complement the hearty richness of braised short ribs.

Tossed with a hint of lemon zest and sprinkled with toasted almonds, these green beans offer a delightful balance of flavors.

The citrusy zest brightens the palate, while the almonds add a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Caramelized Carrots

roasted root vegetable delight

Caramelized carrots, with their natural sweetness enhanced through slow cooking, provide a delightful contrast to the savory depth of braised short ribs.

Glazing techniques such as using butter and brown sugar create a rich, glossy finish that captures the carrots' essence.

This side dish pairs beautifully, balancing the hearty flavors of the main course with an inviting, sweet-savory flavor combination.

Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

delicious baked cauliflower dish

Complementing the rich flavors of braised short ribs, a cheesy cauliflower gratin introduces a creamy, indulgent side dish that enhances the meal's overall complexity.

The nutty flavor of roasted cauliflower melds beautifully with a rich cheese sauce, while a golden breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch.

This dish, both comforting and sophisticated, provides a perfect balance to the hearty main course.

Wild Mushroom Risotto

delicious mushroom risotto recipe

Wild mushroom risotto offers an earthy, luxurious accompaniment to braised short ribs, enriching the dining experience with its creamy texture and deep umami flavors.

Utilizing seasonal ingredients enhances the dish's freshness and appeal.

The risotto's velvety consistency provides a delightful texture contrast to the tender meat, creating a harmonious balance on the plate that is both satisfying and elegant.

Roasted Root Vegetables

nutritious fall side dish

Roasted root vegetables provide a robust and hearty side dish that perfectly complements the rich flavors of braised short ribs.

Choose a seasonal selection to guarantee peak freshness and quality.

Combining carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes creates delightful flavor combinations.

The natural sweetness of the vegetables, enhanced by roasting, balances the savory depth of the meat, making it an ideal pairing.

Sautéed Spinach

healthy green leafy vegetable

Sauteed spinach offers a nutritious and vibrant side dish that enhances the rich, savory flavors of braised short ribs. This green vegetable is packed with health benefits, providing vitamins and minerals essential for a balanced diet.

The mild, slightly earthy taste of spinach creates a delightful flavor pairing with the hearty meat, making it a perfect complement to your meal.

Truffle Mac and Cheese

delicious truffle infused comfort food

For a luxurious and indulgent side dish, truffle mac and cheese brings a creamy, aromatic element that pairs beautifully with the rich, hearty flavors of braised short ribs. Its flavor profile, enhanced by truffle oil, offers a sophisticated twist.

Preparation tips include:

  • Using high-quality cheeses like Gruyère and cheddar for depth.
  • Finishing with a breadcrumb topping for added texture.

Herb-Infused Rice Pilaf

aromatic rice with herbs

Herb-infused rice pilaf, with its aromatic blend of fresh herbs and perfectly cooked grains, offers a light yet flavorful complement to the richness of braised short ribs.

Utilizing aromatic spices and simple cooking methods, this dish enhances the meal without overpowering it.

The gentle flavors of the pilaf balance the robust taste of the ribs, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

delicious and easy appetizer

Bacon-wrapped asparagus provides a delightful combination of savory and crisp textures, making it an ideal side dish for braised short ribs. To enhance this pairing, consider a light white wine, which balances the richness.

Cooking tips include blanching the asparagus before wrapping it in bacon to guarantee tenderness. This simple yet elegant dish adds a touch of sophistication to your meal.

Buttermilk Biscuits

southern comfort food classic

Buttermilk biscuits offer a warm, flaky complement to the hearty flavors of braised short ribs. Their tender, buttery layers add a delightful contrast, bringing southern charm to the meal.

The flaky texture of these biscuits soaks up the rich, savory gravy, enhancing every bite. Serve them fresh from the oven for a comforting addition that perfectly balances the robustness of the short ribs.

Quinoa Salad

healthy recipe with quinoa

Quinoa salad offers a light and nutritious contrast to the rich flavors of braised short ribs, enhancing the meal with its fresh and invigorating ingredients.

The quinoa benefits include being high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice.

Salad variations can include a mix of colorful vegetables, herbs, and a tangy vinaigrette, providing a rejuvenating and balanced complement.

Can the Same Side Dishes for Waffles and Sausage Also Pair Well with Braised Short Ribs?

Yes, the best side dishes for waffles like fruit salad, bacon, or scrambled eggs can also pair well with braised short ribs. The sweet and savory flavors of waffles and the hearty richness of short ribs are complemented by these versatile side dishes.

Coleslaw

crunchy cabbage salad side

Coleslaw brings a revitalizing and crunchy texture that pairs exceptionally well with the tenderness of braised short ribs. Coleslaw variations, such as classic cabbage or tangy apple, can add unique flavors to your meal.

The choice of coleslaw dressings, whether creamy mayo-based or light vinaigrette, further enhances the dish. This invigorating side helps balance the richness of the short ribs, creating a delightful dining experience.