What To Serve With Pork Shoulder? 17 Best Side Dishes

Pork shoulder is a flavorful and tender cut of meat that can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as slow-roasted, smoked, or braised.

To fully appreciate this delicious dish, it's essential to pair it with side dishes that complement and enhance its rich flavors.

In this post, you will find 15 fantastic side dishes that are perfect for serving alongside pork shoulder, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable meal.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with pork shoulder are mashed potatoes, tostadas, garden salad, mashed sweet potatoes, fried rice, roasted Brussels sprouts, french fries, cornbread, baked beans, apple slaw, grilled asparagus, creamed spinach, and roasted root vegetables.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic, comforting side dish that pairs wonderfully with pork shoulder. The creamy, smooth texture of the potatoes provides a delicious contrast to the savory, tender meat, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

2. Tostadas

Tostadas are a crispy, flavorful side dish that adds a touch of Mexican flair to your pork shoulder meal. The crunchy corn tortillas can be topped with various ingredients such as beans, cheese, and salsa, providing a delicious contrast to the tender, savory pork.

3. Garden Salad

A garden salad brings a refreshing crispness to the table alongside pork shoulder. Mix a variety of fresh greens like spinach, arugula, and romaine with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions. Dress it lightly with olive oil and lemon juice or balsamic vinaigrette. This salad not only adds a burst of freshness but also balances the richness of the pork with its bright flavors and crisp textures.

4. Fried Rice

Fried rice is a versatile, flavorful side dish that pairs well with pork shoulder. The combination of rice, vegetables, and savory seasonings creates a delicious accompaniment that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a tasty and nutritious side dish that adds a touch of earthiness and crunch to your pork shoulder meal. The caramelized, slightly charred sprouts complement the rich flavors of the pork, offering a delightful balance.

6. Pork Tacos

Pork tacos are a fun and tasty way to enjoy your pork shoulder in a new format. Serve the tender, flavorful pork in warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, and cilantro for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

7. Cornbread

Cornbread, with its sweet, buttery flavor and soft, crumbly texture, is a comforting side that complements pork shoulder beautifully. Its slight sweetness and moist interior make it the perfect sponge for the juicy, flavorful pork. Serve it warm, with a dab of butter on top, to add a cozy, comforting element to your meal, enhancing the hearty, home-cooked vibe of the pork shoulder.

8. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes are a delicious, slightly sweet side dish that complements the flavors of pork shoulder. The creamy, smooth texture of the sweet potatoes adds a comforting and satisfying element to the meal, while their natural sweetness enhances the savory pork.

9. Baked Beans

Baked beans are a hearty, flavorful side dish that adds depth to your pork shoulder dinner. The slow-cooked beans, infused with a blend of spices and smoky flavors, create a delicious accompaniment that enhances the overall dining experience.

10. Apple Slaw

Apple slaw is a refreshing, tangy side dish that pairs well with pork shoulder. The crisp apples and shredded cabbage, combined with a zesty dressing, offer a palate-cleansing contrast to the rich, tender meat.

11. Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that complements the flavors of pork shoulder. The tender, smoky asparagus spears add a touch of freshness and a slight charred flavor that enhances the savory notes of the pork.

12. Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes offer a delightful textural contrast with their crispy edges and fluffy centers. Boil small potatoes until tender, then smash them lightly and roast with olive oil, coarse salt, and rosemary until golden brown. These potatoes not only bring a satisfying crunch to your meal but also a creamy, savory depth that pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of slow-cooked pork shoulder.

13. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob, grilled or boiled, adds a sweet, juicy element to the meal. Brush it with melted butter and sprinkle with a touch of salt and chili powder for a bit of spice. The kernels burst with sweetness and provide a lovely, natural contrast to the savory pork shoulder. This simple yet classic side dish introduces a playful texture and a pop of color to your plate, making it a summery, joyful addition to any meal.

14. Spinach

Sauteed spinach is a rich, velvety side dish that adds a touch of luxury to your pork shoulder meal. The creamy, savory spinach offers a satisfying contrast to the tender, flavorful meat, creating a delectable combination.

15. Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables are a colorful, hearty side dish that brings warmth and depth to your pork shoulder dinner. The caramelized vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, provide a natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the pork.

16. French Fries

Crispy, golden French fries are a simple yet satisfying side dish that complements pork shoulder. The salty, crunchy fries are a classic pairing with meat dishes, making them a popular choice for a casual and tasty meal.

17. Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a tangy, crispy side dish that pairs wonderfully with pork shoulder. The slightly sour flavor of the green tomatoes and their crunchy, fried exterior offer a unique and palate-cleansing contrast to the savory pork.

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