What To Serve With Prime Rib? 7 Easy Side Dishes with Recipes - Fitibility (2024)

Prime rib is one of those fancy dinners that everyone loves to make every once in a while. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just want to surprise your loved one, then this is the perfect meal to prepare.

However, you do not want to mess up when it comes to a side dish that compliments it.

Here we will show you the best side dishes for Prime Rib! You can make one or more of these without issues.

What Is A Prime Rib?

The prime rib is a classic roast beef made with the primal cut from the beef rib. This dish usually entails roasting the meat with the bone in it and then serving it “au jus,” which means only using the cooking juices. The term prime is a designation that means the meat is graded as the top level.

In this case, this cut of beef receives the grade of prime because it contains the most amount of marbling of fat within the muscles. This means that this cut of beef is very tender and flavorful. For the most part, beef prime rib also comes from a younger animal, so the meat remains soft.

For the most part, a prime rib is cooked medium-rare, so that the meat remains as tender as possible. There are various cooking techniques, but most involve using high heat at some point and using the oven to finish off the meat. The flavor of this cut is very juicy and almost buttery, and it is usually only seasoned with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts

One medium slice of roasted prime rib with bone (42 g) has the following nutritional content (*):

• 66.8 calories
• 26.9 g water
• 12.5 g protein
• 1.87 g fat
• 0 g carbohydrate
• 0 g fiber
• 6.72 mg calcium
• 1.2 mg iron
• 6.3 mg magnesium
• 113 mg phosphorus
• 160 mg potassium
• 163 mg sodium
• 11.3 µg selenium
• 33.2 mg choline
• 31.9 mg cholesterol

While prime rib contains a medium-high amount of fat, it is not necessarily unhealthy. You can prepare your prime rib in a healthier way to avoid adding more fat. However, this cut of meat is higher in standard, flavor, and it contains more protein and nutrients.

Best Prime Rib Sides You Can Try

Below are some options for side dishes that you can eat with prime rib at any time!

#1. Creamed Asparagus and Mushrooms

This creamed asparagus and mushrooms are a traditional side dish when it comes to beef prime rib. You can swap some of the ingredients depending on what you have available at home.

Ingredients:

• A bunch of asparagus
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow these steps to prepare your creamed spinach and mushrooms:

1. Start by placing your asparagus in a pot with water. Cook them until they become a bit tender, which should take at least 10 minutes.
2. Add the oil to a medium skillet. Once it begins to get warm, add the garlic, and cook for a minute or two.
3. Add the mushrooms, and cook until tender. It should take about 5 to 8 minutes.
4. Once the mushrooms are tender, add the asparagus to the skillet as well.
5. Stir in the cream, salt, and pepper. Allow for the sauce to thicken by simmering everything for a few minutes.
6. Serve your creamed asparagus and mushrooms warm with prime rib on the side.

#2. Roasted Garlic Potatoes With Onions

Potatoes are always a good idea when it comes to pairing a side dish with beef. This recipe is fairly easy to prepare, but it adds crunch and flavor. It’s one of my favorite prime rib dinner sides.

Ingredients:

• 10 red potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup chopped Vidalia onions
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow these steps to prepare your roasted garlic potatoes with onions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F
2. Wash and clean your potatoes. Cut them into quarters or halves.
3. Line a baking sheet with tin foil, place your potatoes, and sprinkle half of the oil and garlic on top.
4. Arrange the onions in between the potatoes too. Sprinkle the rest of the spices, salt, and pepper over your potatoes and onions.
5. Bake the potatoes and onions for 30 minutes or until tender and golden.
6. Serve your potatoes warm with the prime rib on the side.

#3. Herb and Lemon Couscous

This herb and lime couscous is a perfect side dish to serve with your steak. This recipe will add flavor but remain subtle to not overwhelm the prime rib at all.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• ½ teaspoon dry parsley
• ½ teaspoon dry thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Follow these steps to prepare your herb and lime couscous:

1. In a large pot, add the water and broth. Bring to a boil, then add the couscous and the rest of the ingredients. Allow the liquid to continue on a rolling boil, then remove it from the heat.
2. Cover your couscous and let it stand for about 5 to 8 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.
3. Once ready, add the lemon juice, and mix well. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve your couscous warm or cold next to the prime rib.

#4. Cauliflower Casserole

This cauliflower casserole is another homey dish that will make you feel warm and satisfied. This dish requires a few ingredients and brings all the flavors you want.

Ingredients:

• 1 cauliflower head, broken into smaller pieces
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow these steps to prepare your cauliflower casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 330 degrees F.
2. Place the cauliflower in a large saucepan with some water. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes or until tender. Drain the cauliflower and set it aside.
3. In a bowl, mix the cauliflower, sour cream, half of the cheese, breadcrumbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
4. Grease a baking dish and transfer your cauliflower mix into it. Add the rest of the cheese on top.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top looks golden and crispy.
6. Serve warm with prime rib on the side.

#5. Pea and Bacon Risotto

This pea and bacon risotto adds more flavor and density to your meal. You can make this within a few minutes and elevate your prime rib.

Ingredients:

• 4 strips cooked bacon
• 2 cups frozen or canned peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 2 cups arborio rice
• ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow these steps to prepare your pea and bacon risotto:

1. If you have not prepared the bacon, be sure to cook it separately.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil, garlic, and rice. Once the rice is coated with oil, add the broth, salt, and pepper, and simmer.
3. Cook the risotto until it becomes creamy and tender, which should take 25 to 30 minutes.
4. Once ready, stir in the peas, bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
5. Serve warm with fresh parsley on top.

#6. Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts

This maple glazed Brussel sprouts are a fantastic addition to your prime rib meal because they add sweetness and crunch. You can make them any time, and they go well with many other meat dishes.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Brussel sprouts, halved
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow these steps to prepare your maple-glazed Brussel sprouts:

1. In a large skillet begin to heat your vegetable oil, and add your Brussel sprouts. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until brown.
2. Add the maple syrup and cook your Brussel sprouts until they turn crispy and tender. This could take up to 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the vinegar and garlic powder. Continue to mix everything.
4. Serve the Brussel sprouts with the prime rib on the side.

#7. Beets and Feta Salad With Pistachios

Beets and feta are a perfect mix of flavors and can match the tenderness of your prime rib easily. You can add pistachios for an extra crunch and flavor, but you can also swap them for another nut of your choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound red beets, cooked and peeled
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup pistachios
• Salt and pepper to taste

Follow these steps to prepare your beets and feta salad with pistachios:

1. Start by cooking your beets first until they are tender. Peel and chop them into circles or cubes.
2. Transfer the beets to a large bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the pistachios and toss once more.
4. Place in the refrigerator for a few hours. Serve cold.

How Can I Pick The Perfect Sides with Prime Rib?

Prime rib is considered a delicacy and the epitome of gourmet beef. You can find the best cuts at the best restaurants or treat yourself to this meal at home. It is still important to serve a flavorful, delicate side dish as well to complement it.

If you are trying to get your prime rib to shine above all, then you should go with a delicate dish. Try the herb and lemon couscous and creamed asparagus and mushrooms. You can also try creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash dishes.

For a more filling meal when you want to serve your side dishes potluck style, you can make something more hearty. Try the cauliflower casserole and maple glazed Brussel sprouts. You can also serve the roasted garlic potatoes with onions if you want.

When you are not sure what to prepare, go with a simple but elevated side dish. You can choose the pea and bacon risotto, the beets and feta salad with pistachios, or the herb and lemon couscous.

These are all different flavors, but they can accompany your prime rib very well.

Conclusion

Buying and preparing your prime rib is not an easy process, but it is a delicious meal that you should enjoy every time. Accompany your tasty meat with one of these choices and elevate the meal too.

You can switch some of the ingredients in each of these side dishes and shake things up every once in a while.

See more:

• What To Serve With Ribs?
• Side dishes for brisket

*image by Wirestock/depositphotos