Braised short ribs are a delicious, hearty meal that pairs well with a variety of side dishes and flavors. When planning what to serve alongside braised short ribs, there are a few key things to consider:
Starchy Sides
Braised short ribs have a rich, beefy flavor, so they pair nicely with starchy sides that can soak up the savory braising liquid. Here are some excellent options:
- Mashed potatoes
- Polenta
- Grits
- Risotto
- Buttery noodles
- Soft polenta
Mashed potatoes are a classic choice, as they provide a creamy, comforting complement to the tender meat. Polenta is also great for soaking up the sauce. Cook the polenta until it’s thick and creamy. Grits make a satisfying Southern-inspired pairing. For extra richness, stir in some grated cheese. Risotto is a more elegant rice dish that goes well with braised short ribs. Cook the risotto until it’s thick and creamy. Simple buttered noodles can also be an easy, delicious pairing option.
Vegetable Sides
While braised short ribs are protein-heavy, adding some vegetables helps balance out the meal. Here are some tasty veggie sides to consider:
- Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, turnips
- Sauteed greens like kale, spinach, chard
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Glazed carrots
- Buttered green beans
Roasted root veggies like carrots, parsnips and turnips develop a sweet, concentrated flavor when cooked. Sauteing hearty greens like kale or chard in olive oil or garlic packs flavor. Roasted Brussels sprouts char up nicely in the oven. Glazed carrots cooked in brown sugar, honey or maple syrup make a sweet counterpoint to the savory ribs. Simple green beans sauteed in butter round out the plate with freshness.
Breads
Some slices of crusty bread go perfectly with braised short rib’s rich sauce. Great options include:
- Crusty baguette
- Focaccia
- Dinner rolls
- Cornbread
- Biscuits
A crusty baguette is ideal for dipping in the sauce. Focaccia also soaks up sauce nicely. Fluffy dinner rolls or cornbread are nice accompaniments. Buttery biscuits make a savory, Southern-style pairing.
Salads
A fresh salad balances the richness of braised short ribs. Some crunchy options include:
- Arugula salad with parmesan
- Mixed greens with vinaigrette
- Wedge salad
- Caesar salad
- Spinach salad with nuts and berries
Peppery arugula tossed with creamy parmesan cheese makes a lovely complement. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette dresses up the plate. A wedge salad with blue cheese dressing offers bold flavor. Caesar salad with crunchy romaine and creamy dressing is always a crowd-pleaser. Baby spinach with nuts and berries makes for a colorful, antioxidant-rich accompaniment.
What to Drink
Picking the right beverage can really enhance the enjoyment of braised short ribs. Recommended drink pairings include:
- Full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec or Syrah
- Brown ale or porter beer
- Bold dark stout beer
A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet, Malbec or Syrah can handle the richness of the ribs. The intensity of brown ale or porter style beers also complement the meaty flavor. A robust dark stout beer makes a pleasant pairing as well. Avoid light or sweet wines, as they will be overpowered by the short ribs.
Dessert
While braised short ribs themselves are quite rich, a nice dessert can offer sweet closure to the meal. Options include:
- Vanilla ice cream or gelato
- Chocolate mousse
- Creme brulee
- Sticky toffee pudding
- Apple crisp
The simplicity of creamy vanilla ice cream or gelato provides a cooling contrast to the hearty ribs. Decadent chocolate mousse makes an elegant dessert. Creme brulee, with its crispy caramelized topping, offers an irresistible combination of textures. Sticky toffee pudding is a wonderfully indulgent way to satisfy a sweet tooth. For a lighter finish, warm apple crisp with oats and cinnamon is a tasty choice.
Full Menu Suggestions
Taking all this into account, here are some full menu suggestions that would pair beautifully with braised short ribs:
- Rustic Italian – Polenta, sauteed spinach, wedge salad, crusty bread, Cabernet, tiramisu
- Hearty Fall – Mashed potatoes, roasted root veggies, dinner rolls, brown ale, apple crisp
- Southern Comfort – Cheese grits, green beans, cornbread, sweet iced tea, pecan pie
- Steakhouse Style – Creamed spinach, roasted potatoes, Caesar salad, stout beer, chocolate mousse
Feel free to mix and match side dishes, beverages and desserts to create your ideal braised short ribs meal. The key is including an array of textures, flavors and colors to complement this succulent, fork-tender main dish.
Conclusion
Braised short ribs deserve an accompaniment as flavorful as the ribs themselves. Starchy sides like mashed potatoes or polenta pair nicely by soaking up the delicious braising liquid. Roasted vegetables, salads and crusty breads provide texture and freshness. Full-bodied wines, brown ales and robust stouts are excellent libation choices. Finally, a decadent dessert like chocolate mousse or apple crisp delivers a sweet, satisfying finish. With the right combination of sides, drinks and desserts, you’re sure to have a mouthwatering meal that makes those tender braised short ribs the star of the show.