What to Serve with Ropa Vieja? 13 Best Side Dishes

Who doesn't love a good side dish? Ropa Vieja is the main star, but that doesn't mean we can't pick some fabulous supporting acts! (Ropa Vieja is a Cuban shredded beef stew made from slow-simmered shredded beef in a tomato-based sauce.)

We all know a plate feels empty without some tasty extras.

Remember that one dinner when our friend brought their famous cilantro lime rice? We were practically fighting over the last scoop!

Sides can really make or break a meal. From crunchy veggies to fluffy grains, we've got a lineup of 13 of the best side dishes to serve alongside Ropa Vieja.

Get ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself because food should always be fun! Let's get into it!

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Top 13 Side Dishes for Ropa Vieja

Here are 13 tried and true side dishes that will improve your Ropa Vieja to new heights:

Dish	Main Ingredients	Flavor	Difficulty	Time
Cuban Black Beans	Black beans, spices, onions, bell peppers	Savory, spicy	Medium	45 mins
Arroz con Pollo	Rice, chicken, saffron, vegetables	Savory, aromatic	Medium	1 hr
Fried Plantains	Plantains, oil	Sweet, crispy	Easy	20 mins
Yuca with Garlic Sauce	Yuca, garlic, olive oil	Savory, garlicky	Medium	30 mins
Cuban Mojo Pork	Pork, citrus juices, garlic, spices	Tangy, savory	Medium	2 hrs
Tostones (Twice-Fried Plantains)	Plantains, oil	Crispy, savory	Medium	30 mins
Mango Salsa	Mango, onions, cilantro, lime	Sweet, tangy	Easy	15 mins
Sweet Plantain and Black Bean Salad	Plantains, black beans, corn	Sweet, savory	Medium	25 mins
Cuban Style Corn Pudding	Corn, milk, sugar, eggs	Sweet, creamy	Medium	45 mins
Cilantro Lime Rice	Rice, cilantro, lime	Fresh, tangy	Easy	20 mins
Avocado and Tomato Salad	Avocado, tomatoes, lime, cilantro	Fresh, tangy	Easy	10 mins
Sautéed Garlic Spinach	Spinach, garlic, olive oil	Savory, garlicky	Easy	15 mins
Cuban Grilled Corn	Corn, butter, Cuban spices	Savory, smoky	Medium	20 mins

1 - Cuban Black Beans

Cuban black beans are a side dish that often steals the show and for more ideas see baked beans side ideas.

We cook them low and slow to let those spices shine. A good mix of garlic and cumin is key, providing an earthy, slightly smoky base.

Don't overlook the toppings. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime brightens everything up.

And trust us, they're great on leftovers, too. Slap these on rice, and you're golden!

2 - Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)

Arroz con pollo is like a party on a plate and is one of many Arroz con Pollo side pairings.

It's got that golden hue from saffron (from the Crocus sativus flower) or turmeric, depending on the chef's mood.

We often toss in peas and peppers for some colour. This dish fills us up without making us feel sluggish.

We've had nights where we prepped too much and just did, like, breakfast burritos the next day.

3 - Fried Plantains

Fried plantains are like nature's little miracle. They're sweet, crispy, and just waiting to be devoured.

We slice them thick and fry until golden brown. The texture can be crunchy on the outside and soft inside, with caramelized sweetness.

A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavor nicely. Dipping them in a garlic sauce?

Always a good idea.

They work well as a side or a snack, and they also make a crunchy addition to crispy sides for Korean fried chicken.

4 - Yuca with Garlic Sauce

Yuca with garlic sauce can be the MVP of any meal. It's starchy, filling, and pairs well with almost everything.

We boil it until it's just right and then get serious with a garlicky drizzle that pairs well with garlicky sides for shrimp dishes.

This combination brings out all the flavors. Sometimes we even add a pinch of lime for that extra zing.

Yuca has that great texture; it's a bit like potato but with a twist-it's the starchy root of the cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). Just watch out for any leftover sauce-it'll vanish before you know it.

5 - Cuban Mojo Pork

Ever tried Cuban mojo pork? It's a flavor bomb!

Marinated in a mix of garlic, citrus juices, and herbs, it's a crowd-pleaser.

We slow-cook it until tender and juicy. The aromatics fill the kitchen, drawing everyone in.

Don't skip the oregano and sour orange juice (sour orange, or Seville orange, adds bright, bitter-citrus notes). They add a zesty kick.

Slice it thick and let those juices flow.

Leftovers? Great for tacos or rice bowls, and similar flavor matches can be found in savory sides for jerk pork.

It also pairs well with black beans. Trust us, you won't want to share.

6 - Tostones (Twice-Fried Plantains)

For those nights when we're feeling a little extra, tostones are the answer. It's like plantains, but make it fancy.

They're smashed (flattened to about ¼-inch thickness) and fried twice until they get crispy edges. Then, they're salted and served with another garlic-based sauce.

We love using plantains in different ways because depending on how ripe or green the plantain is, it can have a different texture and flavor.

7 - Mango Salsa

As a side dish or topping, mango salsa is a must-try. We get the tanginess from the lime and sweetness from those juicy chunks of mango.

Add in cilantro (a citrusy herb), red onion, and jalapeño for some heat, and this goes well with any meal.

It's great on Ropa Vieja because it balances out the savory flavor, and it also complements many mango salsa pairings for chicken.

8 - Sweet Plantain and Black Bean Salad

Sweet plantain and black bean salad is like a party in our mouths. It's bright, colorful, and a fun mix of flavors.

The sweetness of plantains pairs nicely with earthy black beans.

Add some lime juice (about 1 tablespoon per 2 cups) for an extra zing. Chill it for a while.

It helps the flavors blend better. We also like tossing in some diced red onion for crunch.

It's super easy to prep, and leftovers are just as good the next day.

9 - Cuban Style Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a warm hug on a plate. We mix sweet corn with creamy goodness, usually milk and a touch of sugar for classic majarete.

This dish is always a crowd favorite.

Getting that texture right is key. You want it moist but not soupy.

Baking it just long enough builds a nice crust on top.

Serve it hot, and watch it disappear. This dish pairs great with Ropa Vieja or can stand alone.

We find it comforting and satisfying.

A scoop of this can brighten any meal.

10 - Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro lime rice is a staple. It's fresh, zesty, and pairs well with everything.

We cook it fluffy and bright - a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio helps keep it light. The cilantro adds freshness, while lime gives a tangy kick.

Keep a close eye on the water. Too much makes it soggy is a bummer.

A dash of salt brings out the flavors. This rice complements rich dishes perfectly.

We often make extra for leftovers. It's surprisingly good cold in a salad.

11 - Avocado and Tomato Salad

Avocado and tomato salad is like a summer day on a plate. Fresh, bright, and super easy to make.

We chop up ripe avocados (Hass works well) and juicy tomatoes, then toss them together with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lime.

This combo shines without fuss. Add some red onion for crunch, and you've got a delight.

We like to serve it chilled, letting the flavors mingle.

It's a great side that complements everything from grilled meats to tacos.

12 - Sautéed Garlic Spinach

Sautéed garlic spinach is our go-to side when we need greens fast. It's quick to whip up and brings tons of flavor.

We toss spinach in hot oil (extra-virgin olive oil), add minced garlic, and it's ready in minutes. Season with a bit of salt and pepper for an easy finish.

Fresh spinach wilts nicely, making this side a good addition to any meal. We often add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

It's that simple.

13 - Cuban Grilled Corn

Last but not least, Cuban grilled corn. It's like regular corn on the cob, but with a spicy twist.

We slather it in butter and sprinkle chili powder (smoked paprika or cayenne for heat) for that extra kick. It's easy to make, and perfect for any gathering.

Our favorite part? The charred bits give it a smoky flavor that takes this side dish to the next level.

Plus, nothing beats sinking your teeth into juicy corn kernels on a hot summer day.

Slap some leftovers on rice, add some fried plantains or yuca with garlic sauce as sides, and you've got yourself a delicious Cuban feast!