Corned beef is a salt-cured cut of beef, usually brisket, that has a rich, salty, and slightly tangy flavor. It’s often enjoyed around St. Patrick’s Day or as part of a classic Reuben sandwich. But what should you serve alongside corned beef to round out the meal? With its robust flavor profile, corned beef pairs well with a variety of sides that can complement, contrast, or accentuate the meaty main course.
In this article, we’ll explore 35 delicious side dish ideas to eat with corned beef. From traditional boiled cabbage to unexpected salads and grilled veggies, these recipes will take your corned beef dinner from boring to spectacular.
Traditional Accompaniments
Some classic side dishes have become strongly associated with corned beef through tradition and their complementary flavors. Here are some standard go-to pairings:
Cabbage
Cabbage is the quintessential vegetable served with corned beef, often boiled or braised right alongside the meat. The tangy notes of cabbage balance the salty savoriness. For something different, try roasted or grilled cabbage wedges.
Potatoes
However you prepare them – mashed, roasted, baked, or fried – potatoes are a natural fit with corned beef. Starchy spuds soak up the rich flavors.
Carrots
Typically boiled with the corned beef itself, carrots add a pop of color and natural sweetness. For more flavor, roast carrots with garlic, herbs, honey, or beef tallow.
Mustard
A smear of mustard, whether yellow, Dijon, honey, or whole grain, helps cut through the beef’s richness. Horseradish sauce is another classic condiment.
Rye Bread
A slice of hearty rye brings texture and soaks up juices. Try Jewish rye or caraway seed rye for authentic flavor.
Beer
A pint of Irish stout like Guinness or a malty bock pairs perfectly with corned beef’s salty umami,
Creative Ways to Serve Corned Beef
Looking to shake up your usual corned beef dinner? Try one of these more unique and inventive side dish ideas
Reuben-Style Sides
Incorporate flavors from a Reuben sandwich like sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing. Top potatoes or stuff cabbage rolls for a fun twist.
Crispy Potatoes
Fry up smashed, roasted, or cubed potatoes until golden and crisp. Toss with garlicky herbs for extra flavor.
Charred Veggies
Get some smoky char on Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, carrots or other robust veggies. Finish with a drizzle of lemon.
Fresh Salads
Brighten up your plate with crisp salads featuring lettuce, kale, peas, beets, or zucchini. Toss with a zesty vinaigrette.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
The creamiest, richest mashed potatoes smothered in melty cheese make an indulgent accompaniment.
Hearty Breads
In addition to rye, bake up flaky biscuits, soda bread, potato rolls, or buttermilk cornbread to serve alongside.
Pickled Veggies
Tangy pickled vegetables like sauerkraut, cucumbers, cauliflower, and giardiniera balance the rich meat.
Savory Sauces
Whip up pan sauces, gravies, compound butters, chimichurri, or horseradish cream to smother the beef.
Satisfying St. Patrick’s Day Sides
Want to create an Irish-inspired feast on St. Patrick’s Day? These sides have both traditional and modern flair:
- Colcannon – Mashed potatoes with sautéed cabbage and kale
- Irish brown soda bread – Crusty, wheaty quick bread
- Roasted root vegetables – Carrots, parsnips, turnips
- Braised leeks – Slow-cooked in broth with herbs
- Champ – Mashed potatoes with scallions
- Boxty – Fried potato pancakes
- Irish cheddar and stout fondue – For dipping bread chunks
- Haricots verts – Quick-cooked French green beans
- Shamrock salad – Lettuce with green goddess dressing
Balancing Flavors and Textures
The beauty of corned beef is that its pungent saltiness and mild acidity make it incredibly versatile. Balance out the meat with sides that offer sweet, creamy, crunchy, acidic, or salty contrasts in taste and texture. Get creative with your pairings! From traditional boiled cabbage to unexpected pickled beets or crispy Brussels sprouts, the options are endless for fantastic sides to serve with corned beef.
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What to Drink with Corned Beef
You’ve got your corned beef and sides all set, but what about the drinks? The right beverage can enhance the rich, salty flavors of corned beef and balance out your meal. Whether you’re sipping on something classic or trying a new pairing, here are the best drinks to serve with corned beef.
Corned beef and beer go hand in hand. A good stout like Guinness brings out the depth of the meat, while an amber ale or lager adds a crisp contrast. If you want something lighter, a pilsner works great, especially with mustard-based sauces.
Yes, corned beef pairs well with wine! A dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel holds up to the saltiness and fat, while a light-bodied Pinot Noir adds a smooth, fruity contrast. If you prefer white wine, go for a Riesling or Chenin Blanc—both offer a nice balance of acidity and sweetness.
Not a fan of alcohol? No problem. Try a refreshing sparkling apple cider for a crisp, tart contrast. A cold herbal iced tea with a splash of lemon keeps things light. Or, mix up a citrus-infused mocktail with fresh lime, mint, and soda water for a bright, refreshing sip.
What goes best with corned beef?
The top five accompaniments that pair excellently with corned beef include cabbage, often boiled or sautéed for a traditional touch; potatoes, in forms like boiled, mashed, or roasted; carrots, typically boiled alongside the meat; and sauces like tangy mustard or sharp horseradish to enhance the savory richness of the beef. And of course, Irish soda bread, a St. Patrick’s Day classic, serves as a hearty side. These options offer a balance of textures and flavors to complement the corned beef centerpiece.
How the World Eats Corned Beef | Indonesia, USA, Bahamas, Australia, Wales, Philippines, Puerto Rico
FAQ
What goes well with corned beef?
This tender, fall-apart corned beef and will make your St. Patrick’s Day dinner the talk of the town. Serve it with cabbage, potatoes, and carrots to make your holiday dinner complete.
How are you supposed to eat corned beef?
Traditionally, hot corned beef is served very simply, sliced and accompanied by boiled or steamed vegetables and a white sauce flavoured with horseradish. Cold corned beef is eaten sliced with salad or on sandwiches, often with mustard.
What meal can I make with corned beef?
- Baked Corned Beef Hash. …
- Corned Beef Hash. …
- Ultimate Corned Beef Sandwich. …
- Corned Beef Chilli. …
- Corned Beef Fritters. …
- Corned Beef Hash Pie. …
- Corned Beef Burgers. …
- Corned Beef and Beetroot Coleslaw Sandwich.
What to eat with corned beef?
Glazed carrots offer a little bit of sweetness to cut through the salty and sour flavors of the corned beef. Carrots are already slightly sweet on their own, but adding a glaze will make them even sweeter to compliment the strong flavor of the meat. This side dish is simple, easy, and excellent! 5. Blanched Green Beans
What side dishes go with corned beef?
Traditional Irish side dishes for corned beef include colcannon, roasted potatoes, Irish soda bread, and braised red cabbage. 3. Are there any lighter side dishes that pair well with corned beef? For a lighter option, consider serving corned beef with a fresh mixed green salad or steamed broccoli. 4. Can I serve corned beef with rice?
How do you eat corned beef sandwich?
28 Ways to Eat Corned Beef (That Aren’t Just Reuben Sandwiches) Slice the beef across the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Transfer them to the platter with the vegetables, and spoon a few ladles of stock over the meat and vegetables. Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve with mustard and/or horseradish sauce.
Can you use canned corned beef as a side dish?
The recipe often calls for canned corned beef, but you can serve it as a side dish for your home cooked meat for the same (or a better) effect. The creamy sauce has dijon mustard, dill relish, and celery seeds, so the flavor profile is the ideal accompaniment to corned beef. What to do with leftover corned beef?
Can you eat rice with corned beef?
While rice isn’t a traditional accompaniment for corned beef, you can certainly serve it with rice if you enjoy the combination. 5. What vegetables go well with corned beef?
What to serve with corned beef Spuds?
The garlic flavor in this recipe is good enough that the spuds could carry a meal by themselves, but pairing them with tender corned beef will take both components to the next level. A few sliced potatoes, some butter and herbs, and 30 minutes are all it takes to create this ideal side dish. Recipe: Garlic Herb Skillet Potatoes 4.