Enhance BBQ Experience: 8 Tasty Side Dishes for Pork Ribs

Pork ribs are a dish that is popular all over the world.

The main ingredient of pork ribs is porcine, which has tender meat and a crunchy coat.

Pork ribs have a rich flavor, and it is tasty as well.

The taste of pork ribs can be enhanced by proper seasoning and marinating the meat before cooking.

Various delicious pork ribs recipes can be prepared at home with a few ingredients, including garlic, fennel seeds, mustard oil, lemon juice, and salt.

The pork rib meat is soft to be easily cut with a knife without any trouble.

Pork ribs go well with any side dishes like vegetables, salad, sauce, or even gravy.

Popular side dishes that can be served along pork rib include mashed potatoes, fries, coleslaw, beans, broccoli, carrots, etc.

In this article, we will list some popular side dishes that can be served along with pork rib.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Pork Ribs?

Although meats are the main element in many dishes, side dishes are essential for completing a meal.

One of the most popular types of meat is pork ribs.

They’re incredibly flavorful and fall off the bone when cooked properly.

However, for such tender deliciousness, it’s essential to serve complimentary side dishes with them.

Since ribs are usually served with a sauce, it’s best to choose side dishes that aren’t too watery.

Sauces can easily overpower the flavor of vegetables and other foods.

Another point to consider when choosing side dishes is how well they work with the flavors of pork ribs.

Ribs can come in a variety of tastes and cooking styles which results in different types of sauces.

For example, if your pork ribs are served with a barbecue sauce, you want to ensure the side dish doesn’t compete with that flavor.

One last thing to remember is to keep the portion size of the side dishes small, so you don’t take away from the main event, the ribs.

What to Serve with Pork Ribs – 8 BEST Side Dishes

Below are eight different side dishes that are complementary to pork ribs.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to have all eight of them; just one or two are fine.

The key is making sure they don’t overpower the flavor of the ribs and vice versa.

1 – Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side dish for pork ribs.

It’s crunchy, emphasizing fresh vegetables and sometimes fruit, which provides the perfect contrast to the tender meat of the ribs.

However, coleslaw can be spicy or tangy, so it’s essential to ensure it doesn’t clash with any sauces that might be served with the ribs.

There are many coleslaw recipes, but they all include cabbage, carrots, and mayonnaise.

It’s important not to cook the veggies or use too much mayonnaise, so the dish doesn’t become watery.

2 – Baked Green Beans

Green beans are another common side for ribs, and they’re easy to make.

They pair well with either spicy or tangy flavors and can be served warm or at room temperature.

To make baked green beans, you’ll need fresh or frozen green beans, some olive oil, salt, and pepper.

You can add other spices like garlic if desired.

First, you’ll toss the green beans in a bowl with olive oil and garlic, then season them with salt and pepper to taste.

Finally, bake them at 375 degrees for 30-45 minutes until they’re crisp but tender.

If you want something a little more flavorful, consider glazed green beans by adding honey or maple syrup to the mix.

This recipe is simple and can even be made in a slow cooker.

3 – Pickled Onions

Pickled onions are tangy and provide a nice contrast to the meatiness of pork ribs.

They’re very easy to make but can be used in lots of other dishes too.

To make pickled onions, you’ll need red or white onion, apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar, and water.

You can also add spices like peppercorns, red pepper flakes, or bay leaves.

First, slice the onion into thin rounds and place it in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Next, bring the remaining ingredients to a boil and pour them over the onions.

Finally, let them sit for at least three days before using or try adding other flavors like spices or herbs.

4 – Baby Kale Salad

Baby kale salads are full of texture and flavor and work well with the smokiness of barbecue sauce.

They’re also healthy, which makes them an excellent alternative to coleslaw.

You’ll need kale, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, and lemon juice or vinegar to make a baby kale salad.

You can add cheese, nuts, or seeds if desired. First, you’ll need to tear the kale leaves into pieces.

Then for the dressing, mix lemon juice or vinegar with salt and pepper, olive oil, and honey.

Toss the veggies in the dressing, then serve them on a plate with avocado slices on top.

You can also add nuts or cheese as desired.

5 – Honey Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins are another classic side for ribs.

These can be made ahead of time and frozen until you’re ready to use them.

To make cornbread muffins, you’ll need all-purpose flour, yellow or white cornmeal, baking powder, salt, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.

You can also add jalapeño peppers if desired. First, you’ll mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

Then you’ll make a well in the middle and pour in the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter.

Mix everything until it forms a thick batter, then transfer it to muffin tins lined with parchment paper.

Finally, bake them at 400 degrees until they’re golden brown.

6 – Mango Avocado Salad

Mango avocado salad is another healthy alternative to coleslaw.

It’s also unusual, which makes it a good choice for more adventurous eaters.

To make mango avocado salad, you’ll need mango, avocado, fresh lime juice, red onion, cilantro, and salt.

You can also add chili powder if desired. First, you’ll cut the avocado and mango into bite-sized chunks.

Then you’ll toss them with a dressing made from lime juice, salt, and chili powder if desired.

Finally, sprinkle it with cilantro and red onion to serve.

7 – Creamy Polenta

Creamy polenta is a dish that’s loved by many but rarely served at barbecues.

The comforting consistency and rich flavor make it a great companion to smoky ribs.

To make creamy polenta, you’ll need water or chicken broth, salt, cornmeal, and garlic powder.

You can also add other flavors like Parmesan cheese, mushrooms, or onion if desired.

First, bring the water or broth to a boil in a pot. Then slowly whisk in the cornmeal and cook it until it forms a thick paste.

Finally, stir in salt and garlic powder as desired, then serve.

8 – Fruit Salad

Fruit salads can be healthy, fun to eat, and easy to prepare.

They’re also often regarded as unconventional side dishes for ribs, even though they work well.

To make a fruit salad, you’ll need berries, grapes, kiwi, orange slices, and honey.

You can also add other fruits like mango or pineapple if desired.

First, mix everything together in a bowl, then drizzle it with the honey.

You can also add different flavors like mint or lemon juice for extra zest.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pork ribs are always well-received, and you can serve them with a variety of side dishes at your next barbecue.

This list includes four classic sides and four more creative options.

All the recipes are quick and easy to make so that you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with guests.

So buy some pork ribs, gather your favorite sides and enjoy.

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