Short ribs are a flavorful and tender choice for a special meal. They're loved for their deep, meaty flavor, but what really makes them shine are the sides you pair them with.

In this post, you will find 20 delicious side dishes that complement short ribs perfectly.

These sides range from simple and healthy options to more indulgent treats, ensuring there's a perfect match for everyone's taste.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with short ribs are polenta, sweet potato French fries, rice pilaf, blooming onion, sautéed mushrooms, green beans, honey glazed carrots, corn on the cob, coleslaw, cucumber salad, mashed potatoes, shrimp skewers, roasted potatoes, gravy, and rosemary bread.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Polenta

Polenta is a fantastic choice to go with short ribs. Its creamy and smooth texture pairs beautifully with the tender meat. You can cook it with a bit of butter and cheese to make it extra rich and comforting. It's perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the ribs. For a twist, you can also let it cool, cut it into slices, and then grill or fry it for a crispy outside and soft inside.

2. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a great way to add a sweet and crispy element to your meal. They're easy to make, either baked in the oven for a healthier option or fried for extra crispiness. Season them with just salt, or get creative with spices like paprika or cinnamon for an extra flavor kick. Their natural sweetness is a perfect counterbalance to the savory richness of the short ribs.

3. Blooming Onion

A blooming onion is a fun and impressive side. It's a large onion cut to resemble a flower, battered, and deep-fried until golden. Serve it with a creamy dipping sauce. Its crispy texture and sweet, savory flavor make it a crowd-pleaser and a great partner to the rich, flavorful short ribs.

4. Sauteed Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms are a simple yet elegant side. Just cook them in butter or olive oil with garlic until they're tender and browned. Their earthy flavor and juicy texture go wonderfully with the deep, meaty taste of the short ribs, adding a layer of complexity to the dish.

5. Green Beans

Green beans are a fresh and healthy addition. You can steam or sauté them with a bit of garlic and lemon zest for a bright and flavorful side. Their crisp texture and fresh taste provide a nice contrast to the tender, rich short ribs, making your meal more balanced and enjoyable.

6. Rice Pilaf

Rice pilaf is a light yet flavorful side that complements the richness of short ribs. It's made by sautéing rice with onions and garlic before cooking it in broth for extra flavor. You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch. This dish not only adds a comforting element to your plate but also helps balance the heavy meat with its subtle and delicate flavors.

7. Canned Asparagus

Canned asparagus, when prepared well, can be a convenient and tasty side. Drain and rinse the asparagus, then quickly sauté it with butter, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon juice. This simple preparation brings out the best in canned asparagus, providing a soft and slightly tangy complement to the rich short ribs.

8. Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots are sweet and slightly caramelized, adding a lovely color and flavor to your plate. Cook the carrots until tender, then glaze them with a mix of honey, butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Their sweetness pairs wonderfully with the savory short ribs, adding a nice contrast.

9. Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a luxurious and comforting side. It combines creamy arborio rice with earthy mushrooms, cooked slowly with broth and finished with Parmesan cheese. This rich and flavorful dish complements the meaty short ribs beautifully, making for an indulgent meal.

10. Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Whole roasted cauliflower is a show-stopper. Season the cauliflower head with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roast it until it's tender and golden. It's a healthy, vegan-friendly option that brings a nutty and savory flavor to balance the richness of the short ribs.

11. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob brings a sweet and juicy element to your meal. Boil, grill, or roast the corn, then brush it with butter and sprinkle with salt. Its natural sweetness and fun, hands-on eating experience make it a favorite, especially in the warmer months.

12. Coleslaw

Coleslaw, with its crunchy cabbage and carrots in a creamy or vinegar-based dressing, offers a cool and tangy contrast to the warm, rich short ribs. It’s a classic side that adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.

13. Cucumber Salad

A cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side. Thinly slice cucumbers and toss them with vinegar, oil, and herbs, maybe adding some onions or tomatoes. This salad is perfect for cutting through the heaviness of the short ribs, offering a crisp and clean flavor.

14. Velveeta Hamburger Helper

Velveeta Hamburger Helper brings a cheesy, comforting twist to your meal. This cheeseburger macaroni is a quick and easy side that combines pasta with creamy Velveeta cheese and ground beef. The rich, cheesy flavor makes it a satisfying accompaniment to the savory short ribs.

15. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side that never disappoints. Creamy and buttery, they're perfect for soaking up the sauce from the short ribs. Add a touch of garlic or cheese for an extra flavor boost. Their smooth texture complements the tenderness of the meat beautifully.

16. Rosemary Bread

Rosemary bread is a fragrant and flavorful addition to any short rib meal. The earthy aroma of rosemary combined with the soft, warm bread creates a comforting side dish. It's perfect for dipping into the rich sauces of the short ribs, or simply enjoyed on its own, perhaps with a bit of butter. The rustic taste of rosemary bread not only complements the meaty flavor of the ribs but also adds a gourmet touch to your meal.

17. Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers add a light and elegant touch to your meal. Season and grill the shrimp until they're juicy and slightly charred. Their delicate, sweet flavor provides a nice contrast to the hearty short ribs.

18. Roasted Potatoes

Roasted potatoes, seasoned with herbs and olive oil, are a simple yet delicious side. Roast them until they're crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Their robust flavor and satisfying texture pair well with the meat.

19. Gravy

A rich gravy can enhance the flavors of your short ribs. Use the meat juices, add some flour and stock, and simmer until thickened. Season to taste. It's great for drizzling over the ribs and sides like mashed potatoes or polenta.

20. Grilled Scallops

Grilled scallops offer a luxurious addition to your meal. Season them lightly and grill until they have a nice sear on the outside but are still tender inside. Their delicate, buttery flavor complements the deep, meaty taste of the short ribs.

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