Short ribs are a beef cut taken from the plate primal of the cow. They are meaty, flavorful, and often braised or roasted until fall-off-the-bone tender. While the short ribs themselves are delicious, having a good side dish or base to serve them over is key to a great meal. There are many classic and creative options for serving short ribs that can complement their richness and tenderness.
Common sides for short ribs
Some of the most popular accompaniments for short ribs include:
- Mashed potatoes – The smooth, creamy potatoes pair nicely with braised short ribs.
- Rice – Rice soaks up the delicious braising liquid and adds bulk and fiber.
- Polenta – The sweet corn flavor of polenta balances the richness.
- Pasta – Short rib ragu tossed with pappardelle or rigatoni is a classic Italian take.
- Root vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, turnips develop a wonderful glazed flavor when braised with short ribs.
These traditional sides are homey, comforting choices that most people find familiar and appealing. Their relatively neutral flavors let the short ribs take center stage while providing a starchy base or vehicle to sop up the luscious braising sauce.
Creative options
While traditional sides are popular for good reason, there are also many creative ways to serve short ribs that can expand your horizons:
- Cauliflower mash – For a low carb, high protein alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Polenta cakes – Crispy, pan-fried polenta cakes offer a nice contrasting texture.
- Orzo or couscous – These small pastas are flavor sponges for the braising liquid.
- Risotto – Short rib risotto makes the meat and sauce the star.
- Grits – Cheesy grits are a delicious southern-inspired match.
- Creamy polenta – The soft texture and corn flavor are a match made in heaven.
- Israeli couscous – These large, chewy pearls have an enticing toothsome bite.
- Farro – The pleasantly chewy texture of farro is a great foil for tender short ribs.
- Barley – Beefy short ribs pair nicely with the hearty, earthy taste of barley.
- Quinoa – Fluffy quinoa soaks up the braising liquid beautifully.
- Creamy Parmesan risotto – The creamy rice is elevated by the umami of Parmesan.
From alternative grains to cheesy polenta, there are so many interesting ways to serve up short ribs besides the standard potatoes, rice or pasta.
Choosing a Base for Your Short Ribs
With so many options for bases and side dishes to serve with short ribs, how do you choose? Here are some tips for pairing:
Consider the flavors
Think about the dominant flavors in your braise and choose a base that will complement or contrast nicely. For example, short ribs braised in a sweeter sauce with dried fruits would pair well with something earthy like farro or quinoa. Spicy short rib chili would taste great over cooling polenta.
Pay attention to textures
The luxuriously tender meat and sauce deserve a base with some pleasing textural contrast. Soft, creamy mashed potatoes or polenta offer one type of texture. Al dente pasta or chewy farro offer a different experience. Crunchy polenta cakes or crispy roasted potatoes can provide a nice counterpoint.
Mind the cooking method
If your short ribs are braised in a lot of liquid, a base that will absorb some of that delicious sauce is key. Rice, polenta, pasta, and grains are perfect. If you want the meat, not the liquid, to be the star, something drier like mashed potatoes or a simple salad may suit better.
Consider ease of preparation
Short ribs often require lengthy braising, so select a base you can make with minimal fuss. Mashed potatoes, polenta, couscous, and simply prepared grains are all relatively hands-off. Save the risotto or homemade pasta for another night.
Don’t forget greens
Some bitter greens help cut through the richness of short ribs. Quick-cooking greens like spinach or kale sautéed with garlic round out the meal nicely.
Think about what’s on hand
Check your pantry and use up ingredients you have. Got some leftover rice or quinoa? Or a bag of uncooked barley? Those would be easy choices. Out of potatoes but have can of chickpeas and spices for hummus? There’s your base.
Classic Pairings for Braised Short Ribs
If you want tried-and-true combinations, here are some classic side dishes and bases that are proven matches with braised short ribs:
Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, creamy mashed potatoes are the quintessential partner for braised short ribs. They soak up the delicious braising sauce beautifully. For richer ribs, try loaded mashed potatoes with sour cream, cheese, and bacon. For lighter ribs, go easy on the butter and milk for fluffier, less dense spuds.
Rice Pilaf
Simple rice pilafs let the short ribs take center stage but provide a starch to round out the meal. Cooking the rice in the braising liquid adds extra flavor. Opt for varieties like basmati, jasmine or Arborio.
Buttered Noodles
Tender egg noodles or pappardelle drenched in the braising sauce make a fast, hearty pairng. The butter adds richness to balance the short rib flavor. Top with fresh parsley or chives.
Creamy Polenta
Warm, creamy polenta is the perfect blank canvas for rich short rib braises. Stone ground cornmeal makes the creamiest texture. Top with grated Parmesan for added flavor.
Root Vegetables
Roots like carrots, parsnips, turnips and celery root develop a wonderful glazed flavor when braised right along with the short ribs. They add homey comfort and more nutrition.
Global Inspiration for Short Rib Bases
While American and European-style sides are most common, culinary cultures around the world provide more creative, internationally-inspired possibilities for short rib bases.
Asia
In Asia, short ribs pair beautifully with:
- Steamed rice
- Ramen noodles or rice noodles
- Soba noodles
- Udon noodles
- Thai sticky rice
The neutral flavors of these traditional Asian grains and noodles allow the short rib flavor to shine. A bowl of rice or ramen provides familiar comfort.
Mexico
Give your short ribs a Mexican makeover by serving them over:
- Corn tortillas
- Fried tortilla chips
- Crispy tostadas
- Mexican rice
- Cilantro lime rice
The short ribs become taco filling over warm tortillas or tostadas. Chili-spiced rice adds zest. Tortilla chips provide crunch.
Middle East
In the Middle East, try these short rib accompaniments:
- Couscous
- Freekeh
- Bulgur
- Tabbouleh
- Pita bread
These dishes bring more whole grains and texture contrast to sop up the braising sauce beautifully.
India
Indian-inspired short rib ideas include:
- Basmati rice
- Naan bread
- Papadums
- Paratha flatbread
- Cauliflower rice
Naan is perfect for dipping and scooping up those saucy ribs. Cauliflower rice makes a lower carb base.
Choosing Your Short Rib Side Dish
With this wide world of possibilities, how do you select that perfect partner for your short ribs? Here is a process to help decide:
1. Consider the braise
Is your braise…
- Rich, hearty, and beefy?
- Light and brothy?
- Sweet and fruity?
- Sour and tomatoey?
- Warmly spiced?
The predominant flavors in your braise should guide your pairing.
2. Contemplate textures
Do you want…
- Something soft and soothing?
- A little toothsome chew?
- Some crunch or contrast?
Factor in your desired textures.
3. Consider nutrition
Do you need something…
- Hearty and filling?
- Vegetable-based?
- Lower in carbs or calories?
- Gluten-free?
Factor in any dietary needs or restrictions.
4. Mind the clock
Choose a base you can make in the time allotted, considering:
- Active cooking time
- Total time (inactive time for things like boiling grains)
- Prep and cook coordination with the ribs
Match the side dish timeline to your schedule.
5. Use what’s on hand
Check your kitchen to see what ingredients you already have, like:
- Grains
- Potatoes
- Pasta
- Beans
- Veggies
Maximize ingredients you have before buying more.
Putting it All Together
Using the tips above, here is an example thought process for selecting a short rib pairing:
“My short ribs are braised in a rich red wine sauce and veal stock. I want something hearty and filling but not too heavy since it’s a summer meal. Maybe some cheese polenta to complement the sauce? But I also have a bag of farro I could make instead. The farro sounds fresher for summer and would provide a nice chewy contrast to the tender ribs. Since the farro takes about 30 minutes, I can start it when I begin browning the ribs. I have veggies I can sauté to go with it for a one-pot meal. Farro it is!”
No matter your preferences, season, or ingredients on hand, there are so many wonderful options for serving delicious braised short ribs. With the guidelines above, you’re sure to find a base to suit your meal perfectly. Happy rib pairing!
Recipes and Pairing Inspiration
For even more ideas, check out these recipes for short ribs with creative bases and sides:
Short Ribs Over Grits
[Insert summary of recipe, cooking time, key steps, etc.]
Braised Short Ribs with Parmesan Polenta
[Insert summary of recipe, cooking time, key steps, etc.]
Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs with Root Vegetables
[Insert summary of recipe, cooking time, key steps, etc.]
Spicy Short Rib Chili over Lime Rice
[Insert summary of recipe, cooking time, key steps, etc.]
Short Rib Ragu with Pappardelle
[Insert summary of recipe, cooking time, key steps, etc.]
Asian Braised Short Ribs with Soba Noodles
[Insert summary of recipe, cooking time, key steps, etc.]
The Best Bases for Short Ribs
Here is a summary of go-to bases for serving braised short ribs:
| Base | Texture | Flavor Profile | Good for Diet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Smooth, creamy | Rich, neutral | Comfort food |
| Rice Pilaf | Fluffy | Neutral, absorbs sauce | Gluten-free |
| Pasta | Soft, toothsome | Contrasts richness | Vegetarian |
| Polenta | Smooth, creamy | Earthy, compliments meat | Gluten-free |
| Couscous | Fluffy, a little chewy | Light, bright | Fast to make |
The options range from creamy mashed potatoes to chewy couscous, providing an array of textures to suit any preferences. The neutral bases like potatoes, rice, and pasta allow the short rib flavor to take center stage. Polenta and couscous offer more unique flavors to complement the braised ribs. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to end up with a hearty, delicious short rib dinner.
Conclusion
Short ribs demand a worthy base or side dish to soak up their luscious braising sauce and complete the meal. From comforting mashed potatoes to international couscous, there are endless possibilities to explore. Consider the flavor profiles, textures, preparation time and your personal dietary needs to pick your perfect match. Get creative with globally-inspired sides or stick with tried-and-true classics. Either way, with a well-chosen base, your braised short ribs will become a fabulous, mouthwatering dinner to remember.