Ribs are one of the most popular meats to serve when entertaining, but they can be challenging to pair with sides. Whether you’re making ribs for a special occasion or a casual dinner, the right side dish can take your meal to the next level. Here are some side dish ideas that will perfectly complement ribs on the Food Network.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ribs. It’s easy to make ahead of time, and it’s a great way to add a creamy, colorful side to the meal. To make it, simply boil cubed potatoes in salted water until tender. Then, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, dill pickles, and seasonings in a separate bowl. Once the potatoes have cooled, combine everything together, along with chopped celery and hard-boiled eggs.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a great side dish for ribs because they are hearty and full of flavor. To make them, start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bacon in a pan until the bacon is crispy. Then, add in tomato sauce, molasses, honey, and seasonings. Pour this mixture into a casserole dish and top with baked beans. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the beans are bubbling and the sauce has thickened.
Green Beans
Green beans are a simple but tasty side dish for ribs. To make them, start by blanching the beans in boiling salted water for about two minutes. Then, sauté them in butter with garlic and shallots until they are crisp-tender. For a flavorful twist, add in some bacon or toasted almonds.
Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ribs. To make it, start by mixing together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and milk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and add in some shredded cheese, if desired. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic side dish that’s perfect for any rib dinner. To make it, start by cooking macaroni noodles according to package instructions. Then, make a cheese sauce by melting butter in a pan and adding in flour, milk, and shredded cheese. Once the cheese has melted, add in the cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Cole Slaw
Cole slaw is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with ribs. To make it, start by shredding cabbage and carrots in a bowl. Then, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the cabbage and carrots and stir to combine. Refrigerate the slaw for at least an hour before serving.
Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a great way to add a sweet and refreshing element to your rib dinner. To make it, start by chopping up fresh fruit such as apples, strawberries, and bananas. Then, mix together a dressing of honey, lime juice, and cinnamon. Toss the fruit with the dressing and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Fried Rice
Fried rice is a great side dish for ribs because it’s flavorful and easy to make. To make it, start by cooking long-grain rice according to package instructions. Then, heat some oil in a pan and add in chopped vegetables such as onions, carrots, and peas. Add in the cooked rice and stir to combine. Finally, add in soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings to taste.
Biscuits
Biscuits are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with ribs. To make them, start by whisking together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Then, cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add in milk, then knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it is smooth. Cut the biscuits into rounds and bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best side dishes for ribs?
The best side dishes for ribs are potato salad, baked beans, green beans, cornbread, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, fruit salad, fried rice, and biscuits.
How do I make fried rice?
To make fried rice, start by cooking long-grain rice according to package instructions. Then, heat some oil in a pan and add in chopped vegetables such as onions, carrots, and peas. Add in the cooked rice and stir to combine. Finally, add in soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings to taste.
How do I make potato salad?
To make potato salad, start by boiling cubed potatoes in salted water until tender. Then, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, dill pickles, and seasonings in a separate bowl. Once the potatoes have cooled, combine everything together, along with chopped celery and hard-boiled eggs.
How long do I bake beans?
Baked beans should be baked for about 40 minutes, or until the beans are bubbling and the sauce has thickened.
How do I make cornbread?
To make cornbread, start by mixing together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and milk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and add in some shredded cheese, if desired. Pour the batter into a greased pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
