Barbecued pork is a delicious staple of summertime grilling. The smoky, tender pork pairs perfectly with a variety of sides that complement and enhance the flavors. Knowing what to serve alongside your pulled pork or pork ribs can take your barbecue spread to the next level. This guide will explore myriad options for tasty BBQ pork accompaniments.

Perfect Pairings for Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is hands-down one of the most popular choices for barbecuing. The slow-cooked pork shoulder yields incredibly moist and fork-tender meat that pulls apart easily, ready to pile high on a bun or enjoy tossed with your favorite sides.

Coleslaw

A tangy coleslaw is one of the classic accompaniments for pulled pork sandwiches. The crunchy sweetness cuts through the richness of the pork. Opt for coleslaw made with a vinegar and sugar-based dressing or a mayo-based creamy slaw. Top your sandwich with a scoop of coleslaw or serve it on the side.

BBQ Baked Beans

No barbecue would be complete without baked beans. Look for beans simmered in a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce for a perfect match with pulled pork. The creamy beans pair nicely with the shredded meat. Bake your own using canned beans as a shortcut. Add bacon, onions, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard and your favorite BBQ sauce.

Macaroni and Cheese

For an indulgent pairing, try homemade macaroni and cheese alongside pulled pork. The cheesy pasta complements the smoky flavor of the pork. Make it extra decadent by using a mix of cheddar, Monterey jack and smoked gouda for the cheese sauce.

Collard Greens

Slow-cooked, seasoned collard greens are a classic southern side dish that complements pulled pork well. The hearty greens balance the richness. Cook them with smoked ham hocks or turkey for extra smoky flavor.

Cornbread

A moist skillet cornbread or jalapeño cheese cornbread makes an ideal accompaniment for pulled pork. The bread can be used to make sandwiches or enjoyed in bites along with the pork and other sides. Bake yours from scratch or use a cornbread mix for an easy version.

Potato Salad

Creamy potato salad is another traditional favorite pairing. The cool potatoes contrast nicely with the texture of pulled pork. Make yours with a mayo-based dressing, hard boiled eggs, onions, celery and a dash of mustard. Let the salad chill for a few hours before serving for the best flavor.

Black-Eyed Peas

Warm black-eyed peas, seasoned with smoked ham and simmered in a flavorful broth, pair wonderfully with pulled pork sandwiches. The creamy beans add nutrition and texture. Make the pea dish ahead of time so the flavors have time to mingle.

Corn on the Cob

For an easy vegetable side, look no further than sweet corn on the cob. Leave the corn unadorned and serve with flavored butters on the side, like honey butter, chili lime or BBQ spice butter. Grilling the corn adds extra smoky flavor that matches the pork perfectly.

Chili

For a fun twist, try topping pulled pork sandwiches with chili. The blend of spicy chili and tender pork is incredibly satisfying. Make a big batch of beef chili or white chicken chili and let guests assemble their own stacked sandwiches.

Crispy Onion Rings

Onion rings deliver texture contrast and addictive crunch when served with pulled pork sandwiches. Keep them hot and crispy by frying just before serving. Offer ranch or BBQ dipping sauce on the side.

Must-Have Side Dishes for Pork Ribs

Succulent pork ribs demand the perfect accompaniments to complement their bold, finger-licking flavor. These options do just that!

Cornbread

Cornbread is a BBQ classic for good reason. The slightly sweet bread adds texture and soaks up any extra juices and sauce from the ribs. Bake or grill cornbread in small individual portions for easy eating alongside a rack of ribs.

Cowboy Beans

Campfire-style cowboy beans, cooked with bacon, onions and beer or cola, pair perfectly with ribs. The blend of sweet and smoky flavors matches the grilled pork ribs. Baking the bean mixture gives it a thick consistency that complements the meaty ribs.

Potato Salad

Cool, creamy potato salad makes a nice contrast to hot, juicy ribs. The potatoes aid in cutting through the richness of the pork. Opt for a mayonnaise-based potato salad with hard boiled eggs, celery, onions and a dash of mustard. Let the salad chill for several hours prior to serving.

Coleslaw

A vinegar-based coleslaw adds refreshing tanginess and crunch when enjoying pork ribs. The lighter slaw balances the hearty, saucy ribs. Look for coleslaw made with a vinaigrette dressing and lots of shredded cabbage and carrots.

Collard Greens

Slow-cooked collard greens, seasoned with smoked ham hocks, are a favorite southern side dish with ribs. The hearty greens help balance the richness of the ribs. Let the greens simmer for hours until very tender before serving.

Macaroni Salad

Chilled macaroni salad makes a nice accompaniment for ribs when you want something creamy but lighter than baked beans. Toss small macaroni with mayo, celery, red onion, hard boiled egg and a dash of Dijon. Chill the pasta salad before serving.

Corn on the Cob

Buttery grilled corn on the cob tastes amazing with saucy ribs. Leave the corn unseasoned to let the natural sweetness shine through. Offer compound butters, like chili-lime or barbecue spice, to spread over the hot corn at the table.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Big baked sweet potatoes make an easy, nutritious side for ribs. Let guests top their potatoes with butter, sour cream, chives or other toppings. The natural sweetness balances the savory ribs. Wrap the potatoes in foil and bake them alongside the ribs.

Dinner Rolls

Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for pulling apart and dipping in any extra BBQ sauce left on your plate after the ribs. Bake yeast rolls, biscuits or cornbread muffins to serve alongside the ribs for easy sopping up of juices.

Fried Okra

For some southern flair, try crispy fried okra spears with pork ribs. The crunchy okra provides fun textural contrast and added flavor. Use cornmeal for dredging to achieve the crispiest coating. Ranch dressing is ideal for dipping.

Satisfying Salads and Veggies

Don’t forget your veggies when cooking up barbecue. These salad and vegetable side dishes pair wonderfully with all types of grilled and smoked pork.

Fresh Green Salad

A salad of crisp greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions hits the spot alongside ribs or pulled pork. The fresh components provide contrast to the richer meat. Make your vinaigrette with a smoky flavor, like bacon vinaigrette, for an extra matching element.

Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

For a heartier salad, try fresh spinach topped with warm bacon dressing. Slice hard boiled eggs over top for added protein. The smokiness of the dressing mirrors your barbecue flavors.

Grilled Vegetables

Fire up some veggies along with your pork for satisfying sides. Options like zucchini, bell peppers, squash, onions and eggplant all taste amazing grilled. Brush with oil and seasonings like garlic, oregano, salt and pepper before placing over the hot grill.

Caprese Salad

A classic caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil makes a fast, simple accompaniment. The bright flavors pair nicely with smoky barbecue flavors. Splash your salad with a balsamic reduction for a touch of sweetness.

Greek Salad

A Greek salad is another excellent choice, with its olives, feta cheese and red onions in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. The briny flavors complement pulled pork or ribs perfectly. Serve your salad chilled for maximum flavor.

Grilled Corn, Zucchini and Tomato Salad

For delicious smoky flavor, try grilling corn, zucchini and cherry tomatoes before tossing them into a salad. Add crumbled feta and fresh basil. The char on the veggies adds wonderful complexity.

Celery Root Remoulade

For something unique, make a remoulade of thinly sliced celery root tossed in a creamy dressing with cornichons, capers and herbs. The crisp texture and tangy flavor balances rich barbecue beautifully.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

Sweet watermelon teams up with salty feta for an unexpected salad pairing. Toss cubes of seedless watermelon with crumbled feta, fresh mint and a drizzle of olive oil and lime juice. The fruity flavors contrast pork nicely.

Savory Sauces and Relishes

Serve your pork with flavor-packed sauces and relishes on the side to allow guests to customize their plates.

Barbecue Sauces

Offering several barbecue sauce options encourages folks to try different flavors with their pork. Provide sauces in a range of styles like tangy vinegar-pepper, sweet and smoky, spicy chipotle, fruity and more.

Mustard Sauce

For a zesty accompaniment, make a quick mustard sauce by whisking yellow mustard, maple syrup, vinegar and pepper. The tang pairs brilliantly with pork. Use as a sandwich sauce or for dipping ribs.

Peach Chutney

A fruity peach chutney makes a delicious condiment for pulled pork sandwiches and ribs. Cook peaches with ginger, vinegar, brown sugar and spices for a sweet and slightly spicy relish.

Caramelized Onion and Bacon Jam

For an upscale pairing, try a rich caramelized onion and bacon jam. The salty, sweet and smoky flavors complement barbecue pork wonderfully. Store-bought jams work, too!

Pickles

Don’t forget the pickles! Dill pickle chips or spears taste fantastic with saucy, smoky meat. Offer sweet pickles, jalapeño slices and pickled vegetables too for tons of crunch and tang.

Pineapple Salsa

A fresh pineapple salsa, with onions, peppers and cilantro, provides a vibrant topping for tacos stuffed with pulled pork. The sweet and spicy salsa cuts through the richness. Make it ahead of time so flavors can mingle.

Guacamole

Creamy, fresh guacamole pairs perfectly with Mexican-style pulled pork tacos but tastes great alongside ribs and sandwiches too. Mash avocados with lime juice, cilantro, onions and diced tomatoes. Serve immediately before it turns brown.

Succulent Sandwich Toppings

Pile your pulled pork sandwiches high with tasty toppings! Here are some sensational options.

pickles

Tangy pickle chips provide texture and acidity to balance the richness of pulled pork. Opt for dill chips, sweet gherkins or hot and spicy pickle slices.

Coleslaw

A crunchy slaw is one of the best sandwich toppers. The crisp sweetness cuts through the pork. Spoon vinegar-based or creamy mayo coleslaw onto your sandwiches.

Caramelized Onions

Sweet caramelized onions lend fabulous flavor to pulled pork sandwiches. Cook down sliced onions until browned, softened and jammy. The richness pairs perfectly with the pork.

Bacon

Crispy cooked bacon adds fantastic flavor and texture when paired with pulled pork. Feel free to use bacon pieces or crumble full bacon strips over the pork before topping with your bun.

Sauteed Bell Peppers and Onions

For a quick sauteed veggie topping, cook a mix of sliced bell peppers and onions until softened and lightly browned. The veggie mix provides texture and brightness.

Fried Egg

For an indulgent sandwich, try topping pulled pork with a fried egg prepared over-easy. The runny yolk acts as a sauce over the tender meat. Absolutely delicious!

Pineapple Salsa

A fruity pineapple salsa makes pulled pork sandwiches even more crave-worthy. The sweetness goes perfectly with the pork. Top your sandwich or enjoy salsa on the side for dipping.

Jalapenos

If you like heat, add thinly sliced fresh jalapenos to your sandwich. You can also try pickled jalapeno rings for tangy spice. Just go easy on these hot peppers if serving to kids.

Avocado Slices

For a creamy, nutty element, add fresh avocado slices to your pulled pork sandwich. The rich avocado pairs wonderfully with the juicy pork. Add some lime juice to prevent browning.

10 More Sensational Side Dishes for Barbecued Pork

If you need even more ideas for your barbecue sides, consider these creative options:

• Grilled corn salad with zesty lime vinaigrette
• Loaded baked potato salad with bacon, cheddar and scallions
• Crispy baked onion rings with spicy ranch dip
• Sweet and spicy baked beans with maple syrup and hot sauce
• Twice baked potatoes with barbecue pulled pork and cheese
• Tangy broccoli salad with raisins and sunflower seeds
• Cheesy scalloped potatoes seasoned with smoked paprika
• Hawaiian macaroni salad with pineapple and ham
• Creamy potato gratin made with Gruyere and Parmesan
• Fresh fruit salad with juicy watermelon, grapes, berries and citrus

The possibilities for incredible sides to pair with your barbecue pork are nearly endless. Get creative with recipes that incorporate seasonal produce, different ethnic flavors and your favorite ingredients. Just remember to offer a nice balance of textures and flavors to complement the smoky, succulent pork. Happy grilling!

Frequently Asked Questions About Barbecue Side Dishes

1. What are the best classic side dishes for barbecued pulled pork?

Some of the most classic sides to pair with pulled pork include coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, macaroni and cheese and potato salad. These traditional options complement pulled pork sandwiches perfectly.

2. What are good veggie sides to serve at a barbecue?

Great veggie sides for barbecues include grilled corn on the cob, roasted potato wedges, grilled zucchini or squash, caprese salad, cornbread salad, crispy fried okra and fresh greens salads.

3. How can I make boring baked beans taste better?

To jazz up basic baked beans, try adding molasses or brown sugar, chopped bacon, diced onions, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce and spices like chili powder, garlic, pepper and cayenne. Simmer until thickened and flavorful.

4. What are some creative options besides coleslaw for pork barbecue sides?

Instead of regular coleslaw, try vinegar-based cucumber salad, jicama slaw with citrus vinaigrette, broccoli slaw with red onion and raisins, or creamy apple and fennel slaw. The lighter flavors pair nicely with pork.

5. What can I serve with ribs if a guest doesn’t like beans or coleslaw?

Great alternative sides for ribs include seasoned oven fries, macaroni salad, mixed fresh fruit, cornbread muffins, grilled vegetable kebabs, marinated Greek salad or zucchini with roasted red pepper sauce.

6. How can I make my coleslaw extra tasty?

To make coleslaw pop, add shredded carrots for sweetness and crunch. You can also add diced onion, toasted almonds or peanuts, raisins or dried cranberries, shredded cheese, fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.

7. What kind of potato salad goes best with pulled pork?

Creamy mayo-based potato salads with lots of mustard complement pulled pork well. You can also make German style with bacon and vinegar or get creative with potatoes by making a loaded baked potato version with Cheddar, scallions and bacon.

8. What can I grill along with ribs for extra sides?

Great veggie options to throw on the grill alongside ribs include whole corn cobs, thick tomato slices, wedges of zucchini or eggplant, sliced bell peppers, portobello mushrooms, winter squash halves and skewered veggie kebabs.

9. Besides sandwiches, how else can I serve pulled pork?

Get creative by stuffing pulled pork into empanadas, tacos, enchiladas or tamales. You can also top nachos, baked potatoes, mac and cheese or pizza with it. Fold into omelets, scrambled eggs or frittatas for breakfast.

10. What are some quick and easy sides I can pick up at the store?

Store-bought sides that pair great with BBQ pork include mini cornbread muffins, mixed green salad, freshly baked rolls, chips and guacamole, hummus with pita chips, and roasted root vegetables from the deli section. Pick up a few for fast sides!

Conclusion

When cooking up succulent pulled pork or fall-off-the-bone ribs, rounding out your barbecue meal with the right sides is key. Choose options that complement and enhance the flavors of your barbecued pork. Aim for a mix of classics like coleslaw and cornbread along with fresh, seasonal veggie dishes and creative salads. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on traditional sides too. With so many delicious sides to select, your guests will leave happy and satisfied after a stellar barbecue feast.

what-to-serve-with-fish-tacos.md

Human: Please write a detailed informational article about what to serve with fish tacos. The article should be approximately 3000 words and cover topics such as:

• Suggestions for side dishes and drinks that pair well with fish tacos
• What flavors complement cod, tilapia, mahi mahi or other white fish in tacos
• Traditional Mexican sides that are commonly served with fish tacos
• Creative ways to incorporate veggies, grains and other healthy sides
• Condiments, garnishes and sauces that go well with fish tacos
• How sides can enhance the flavors of tacos with cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado crema, etc.
• Tips for balancing nutrition and making the meal complete
• Fun drink options like margaritas, agua