Short ribs are awesome. They're tender, flavorful, and just hit the spot. We've all been there, thinking, "What on earth do we serve with these bad boys?" We got you covered.
It's not just mashed potatoes, okay? We're talking sides that will make your short ribs pop. We're talking flavor explosions.
From creamy polenta to roasted veggies, we've listed some dynamite pairings. So grab a plate and let's get to it.
Top 12 Side Dishes for Short Ribs
Here are some of our top picks for what to serve with short ribs:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Creamy Parmesan Polenta | Polenta, parmesan, butter | Creamy, cheesy | Moderate | 30 min |
| Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower | Cauliflower, garlic, butter | Garlicky, creamy | Easy | 45 min |
| Balsamic Glazed Beets | Beets, balsamic vinegar | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 1 hr |
| Sautéed Kale with Bacon | Kale, bacon, garlic | Savory, smoky | Easy | 20 min |
| Cheesy Grits | Grits, cheese, cream | Creamy, cheesy | Moderate | 30 min |
| Braised Red Cabbage | Red cabbage, vinegar, apples | Sweet, sour | Moderate | 1 hr |
| Rosemary Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Sweet potatoes, rosemary, oil | Earthy, herbal | Easy | 45 min |
| Mushroom Risotto | Arborio rice, mushrooms, cheese | Creamy, umami | Moderate | 1 hr |
| Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Brussels sprouts, garlic, parmesan | Savory, nutty | Easy | 30 min |
| Creamy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, horseradish, cream | Creamy, spicy | Moderate | 45 min |
| Lemon Herb Quinoa | Quinoa, lemon, herbs | Bright, herbal | Easy | 30 min |
| Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries | Squash, cranberries, maple | Sweet, tart | Easy | 1 hr |
1 - Creamy Parmesan Polenta
Creamy parmesan polenta will be the creamy hug your short ribs need. It's smooth, buttery, and boasts a bold parmesan punch. Ingredients? Simple. We're talking cornmeal, chicken broth, butter, and parmesan.
It's easy to whip up in no time. The rich flavors ooze comfort without overwhelming the main event. Tops with a drizzle of olive oil.
2 - Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
Forget regular mashed potatoes. Roasted garlic mashed cauliflower is creamy and rich, with a delicious garlic kick. It's lighter than potatoes, but just as satisfying.
Ingredients? Simple stuff. Cauliflower, roasted garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
We blend it until it's silky smooth. The roasted garlic adds depth and warmth.
Perfect for pairing with short ribs without overpowering them.
3 - Balsamic Glazed Beets
Beets get a gourmet touch with balsamic glaze. Sweet, tangy, and earthy. We can't get enough. This dish pairs perfectly with short ribs. The glaze caramelizes beautifully.
Ingredients: beets, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Roast the beets for a deep flavor. Glaze adds a sweet, tangy kick. Quick and delicious.
It's a moment of culinary bliss.
4 - Sautéed Kale with Bacon
Okay, we're talking sautéed kale with bacon. It's got that crispy bacon crunch and the earthy goodness of kale. It's simple but packed with flavor. Ingredients: kale, bacon, garlic, olive oil, and salt.
Bacon gives it that smoky taste. Kale adds a healthy twist. Quick tip: sauté the bacon first. Use its rendered fat for cooking kale. That's how we roll.
5 - Cheesy Grits
Let's talk cheesy grits, the ultimate sidekick for short ribs. Creamy, rich, and indulgent. Grits create a smooth, buttery base. Add cheddar and you've got magic. Ingredients? Simple: grits, milk, butter, sharp cheddar, and salt. We whip them until they're creamy and luscious.
Sharp cheddar gives it a tangy kick. It balances the richness perfectly. We can't resist a second helping.
6 - Braised Red Cabbage
Braised red cabbage is our go-to for a tangy, colorful side. It's a balance of sweet and sour that complements short ribs perfectly.
Ingredients? Red cabbage, apple cider vinegar, red onions, sugar, apples, salt, and pepper. Each bite blends soft cabbage with a slight vinegar and apple sweetness.
We've tried it before, and the flavors sync wonderfully. One of our faves.
7 - Rosemary Roasted Sweet Potatoes
We love rosemary roasted sweet potatoes. Crispy edges, soft centers, and a herby kick. Our secret?
Fresh rosemary and a dash of sea salt. Ingredients are simple: sweet potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Each bite is a mix of sweet and savory. The rosemary adds a fragrant depth.
Perfect for pairing with short ribs.
8 - Mushroom Risotto
It's creamy, earthy, and oh-so-satisfying. We've got creamy Arborio rice, sautéed mushrooms, and a splash of white wine.
With mushrooms, butter, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, and Parmesan. The flavors? Rich and savory, with a hint of umami.
We love how it's perfect with short ribs. Effortlessly delicious.
9 - Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
You know what's better than Brussels sprouts? Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts. They're crispy and savory with that perfect mix of garlic and parmesan. We blend olive oil with garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss the sprouts and roast them until golden.
They have a cheesy tang and a garlicky undertone. A simple, tasty side dish. One bite and you'll get hooked like us on this combo! Anything with garlic and cheese is a hit in our book.
10 - Creamy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Horseradish Mashed Potatoes are our new favorite. They're rich and creamy with a spicy horseradish zing. Ingredients: potatoes, horseradish, butter, cream, salt.
We whip the potatoes until fluffy. Add a generous scoop of horseradish. The result? A perfect blend of creaminess and heat. So simple and tasty, we always go for seconds.
11 - Lemon Herb Quinoa
Lemon herb quinoa brings fresh zest with a herby touch. We love that pop of lemon. Ingredients: quinoa, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, and olive oil.
It's light yet flavourful. It balances rich meats. Fluffy quinoa absorbs tangy lemon. Herbs add freshness. Garlic brings depth.
We've made this for rib nights. Perfect alongside those hearty short ribs.
12 - Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries
Butternut squash and cranberries. It's a mix of sweet and tart. Squash gets tender with a caramelized hint. Cranberries add a tangy burst.
We're using squash, cranberries, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast everything until the edges brown. Results? A heavenly blend of softness and zing.
We tried this at a potluck. It was a hit. An easy and festive side.
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.
