What to Serve with Jamaican Beef Patties: 15 Delicious Side Dishes

Jamaican beef patties are a hugely popular handheld snack and appetizer, with their spicy, aromatic beef filling encased in a golden flaky pastry. Their bold flavors beg for the right accompaniments to enhance the overall experience. Whether enjoying patties as a snack, appetizer, or entree, pairing them with complementary sides is key.

After analyzing numerous recipes and menus I’ve compiled a list of 15 of the most popular and delicious options for sides to serve with Jamaican beef patties. These sides run the gamut from traditional Jamaican fare to internationally inspired dishes that add intrigue and variety.

Traditional Jamaican Sides

Rice and Peas

Rice and peas appears frequently as an ideal pairing. This classic Jamaican side dish offers a creamy, rich backdrop to the spicy patties. Made with rice, coconut milk, kidney beans, scallions, and warm spices like thyme, rice and peas balances the bold beef filling. Its traditional roots and hearty flavors make it a go-to choice.

Fried Plantains

Another classic: fried sweet plantains. Their sweet, caramelized flavors contrast beautifully with the savory spice of the patties. This beloved Caribbean side adds natural sweetness and vitamins to complement the meaty pastry.

Festival

Festival, a fried Jamaican sweet dough, makes a crispy, indulgent accompaniment. This sweet street food soaks up the juices of the patty and offers a delightful texture contrast. It brings tradition and accessibility, enhancing the meal.

Callaloo

Callaloo, a leafy green similar to spinach, cooked down with spicy and aromatic flavors, provides additional regional authenticity. Its bold, earthy taste pairs nicely with the patties.

Crunchy, Crispy Sides

Coleslaw

A crisp, tangy coleslaw serves as a bright, revitalizing counterpart to the richer patties. The crunch factor makes it a popular choice, and you can customize it to add your own flair.

Potato Wedges

Crispy potato wedges, spiced or plain, provide a hearty starchy side to fill out the meal. Easy to make, they satisfy cravings for an indulgent treat.

Plantain Chips

Crunchy plantain chips make for an addictive pairing. Their saltiness plays off the spices in the patty. You can prepare them from scratch or use store-bought to keep it simple.

Crinkle Cut Fries

What’s a savory snack without fries? Crinkle cut fries are extra crispy and flavorful. Fry or bake them up with spices for the perfect crunchy, salty accompaniment.

Fresh, Bright Sides

Tossed Green Salad

A light green salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and acidity to balance the savory richness of the patties. The crunch of lettuce and veggies makes a nice textural contrast.

Mango Salsa

Mango salsa’s sweet, tropical flavors liven up the beefy patties. The burst of fruity brightness paired with a hint of heat complements nicely.

Avocado Slices

Creamy, fresh avocado slices offer another fruit-infused side. Their cool, rich flavor offsets spiciness and adds vitamins and healthy fats. Simply seasoned, they let the patties shine.

Pineapple Slices

Sweet, juicy pineapple makes another nice fruity pairing. Grilled pineapple adds a hint of smokiness while fresh pineapple keeps it light. Either way, it contributes refreshing notes.

Hearty, Savory Sides

Jerk Chicken Wings

Jerk chicken wings offer another hit of protein and spice – a hearty match for patties. Their characteristic seasonings pair well with traditional Jamaican flavors. Grilled or baked, they satisfy.

Curry Goat

For an extra savory, stew-like side, try curry goat, a beloved Caribbean dish. The tender meat and warming spices complement the patties beautifully. This substantial side dish takes the meal up a notch.

Creative, Global Accompaniments

The sides above cover traditional and classic pairings, but don’t be afraid to get creative with globally inspired sides as well. Consider options like roasted jerk vegetables, Mexican street corn salad, empanadas, roti flatbread, coconut rice, or steamed cabbage. Mix up flavors, colors and textures to take your patty pairings to new heights.

Tips for Pattie Meals

• Focus on contrasts in flavors, textures, colors, and ingredients. Sweet fruit sides, for instance, offset spicy patties nicely. Crunchy sides like slaws and chips provide textural interest compared to the soft patties.

• Go for nutrition and freshness with sides like salads and fresh fruits and veggies. This balances the patties’ richness.

• Stick to one or two classic Jamaican sides then get creative with globally inspired ones. This allows you to experience traditional pairings while also trying new exciting combinations. Popular global flavors include Mexican, Indian, and Thai.

• Consider sides you can make ahead of time, like coleslaw and plantain chips. Other sides can cook alongside the patties for easy entertaining.

• For appetizers, pick sides you can eat out of hand, like chips and dip. For main dishes, include a starch like rice or potatoes plus veggies.

• Cold drinks like Jamaican sodas, beer, and fruity cocktails help offset the heat of the patties. Iced tea is also refreshing.

Jamaican beef patties are so versatile – you really can’t go wrong by pairing them with dishes that look and taste delicious. Use this list as a starting point for inspiration, then improvise with seasonal ingredients and global recipes. With the right sides, patties become a fun, complete meal.