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! 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!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Ropa Vieja
Here are 13 tried and true side dishes that will elevate 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
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Cuban black beans are a side dish that often steals the show. They’re not just pretty; they’re packed with flavor and so easy to make.
We cook them low and slow to let those spices shine. A good mix of garlic and cumin is key.
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)
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Arroz con pollo is like a party on a plate. We get tender chicken with seasoned rice that just vibes together. It’s got that golden hue from saffron 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
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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.
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. We can’t resist pairing them with almost anything.
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.
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. Just watch out for any leftover sauce—it’ll vanish before you know it.
5 – Cuban Mojo Pork
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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. They add a zesty kick. Slice it thick and let those juices flow.
Leftovers? Great for tacos or rice bowls. 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 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 profile.
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, 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. But let’s be real, we could eat this by the spoonful.
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 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. 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. 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, vibrant, and super easy to make.
We chop up ripe avocados 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, 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 great 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 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!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.