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, green 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!
Table of Contents
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. Green Salad
A light, refreshing green salad is a healthy and colorful side dish that balances the richness of pork shoulder. The combination of fresh lettuce, vegetables, and a tangy dressing creates a palate-cleansing contrast to the hearty meat.
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 is a warm, slightly sweet side dish that works well with pork shoulder. Its moist, crumbly texture and subtle sweetness perfectly complement the savory flavors of the meat, making it a popular choice for a satisfying meal.
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. Spinach
Creamed 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
What To Serve With Pork Shoulder
Ingredients
- 1 pork shoulder
Instructions
- Make the best pork shoulder using the Instant Pot or any other way you like.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat pork shoulder with mashed potatoes, tostadas, green salad, mashed sweet potatoes, fried rice, roasted Brussels sprouts, french fries, cornbread, baked beans, apple slaw, grilled asparagus, creamed spinach, and roasted root vegetables.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal 🙂