What to Serve with Ropa Vieja? 15 Best Side Dishes

Ah, the beauty of side dishes! They can make a good meal great. We all know those moments when our main dish is just a little sad without the perfect accompaniment.

There’s no shame in admitting that sometimes we pick our dinner just for the sides. Ropa vieja deserves some stellar partners. Picture this: tender, flavorful shredded beef, ready to be complemented by dishes that balance it out beautifully.

We love playing around with our options. From crispy plantains to vibrant salads, we can’t wait to share the 15 best side dishes that will lift your ropa vieja game. Grab your plate, and let’s get right to it!

Top 15 Side Dishes for Ropa Vieja

Here’s a quick rundown of the best side dishes to serve with ropa vieja:

Dish	Main Ingredients	Flavor	Difficulty	Time
White Rice	Rice, water, salt	Plain, neutral	Easy	20 mins
Fried Plantains (Tostones)	Green plantains, oil, salt	Crispy, savory	Medium	25 mins
Black Beans	Black beans, onions, garlic, spices	Savory, hearty	Medium	45 mins
Avocado Salad	Avocado, tomatoes, lime, cilantro	Fresh, tangy	Easy	10 mins
Cuban Yuca with Mojo	Yuca, garlic, olive oil, citrus	Tangy, garlicky	Medium	30 mins
Sweet Fried Plantains (Maduros)	Ripe plantains, oil	Sweet, caramelized	Medium	20 mins
Grilled Pineapple	Pineapple, brown sugar, cinnamon	Sweet, tangy	Easy	15 mins
Cuban Bread	Flour, yeast, sugar, lard	Soft, buttery	Medium	2 hrs
Coconut Rice	Rice, coconut milk, sugar	Sweet, creamy	Medium	30 mins
Corn and Red Pepper Salad	Corn, red peppers, cilantro, lime	Fresh, sweet	Easy	15 mins
Cilantro Lime Quinoa	Quinoa, cilantro, lime, olive oil	Fresh, tangy	Medium	20 mins
Mango Salsa	Mango, red onion, cilantro, lime	Sweet, tangy	Easy	10 mins
Sautéed Peppers and Onions	Bell peppers, onions, garlic	Savory, sweet	Easy	15 mins
Cuban Style Potatoes	Potatoes, garlic, onions, cumin	Savory, spiced	Medium	35 mins
Garlic Butter Shrimp	Shrimp, garlic, butter, parsley	Savory, buttery	Medium	20 mins

These side dishes complement the bold, flavorful profile of Ropa Vieja, offering a mix of traditional Cuban sides and fresh, tangy options to create a balanced meal.

1 – White Rice

So, white rice. It’s a side dish staple for a reason. We love how it soaks up all the flavours and pairs seamlessly with almost anything.

Cook it right, and you get the perfect fluffy texture. A dash of salt can make a huge difference.

Experiment with adding butter or herbs for extra flavour. Leftovers? Great for fried rice the next day.

This simple dish is always a win and keeps our plates looking good.

2 – Fried Plantains (Tostones)

Fried plantains (tostones) are a total treat. They’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. Perfect for snacking or as a side.

We love how easy they are to whip up. Just slice, fry, and smash! They go well with practically everything. Pair them with some dipping sauce for extra fun.

A little salt enhances their flavour. We’ve even thrown in some spices for a kick. Trust us; they’re a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

3 – Black Beans

Next up, black beans! These little gems are super versatile and add serious flavor to any dish.

They’re a classic side for ropa vieja. We love how easy they are to prepare. Just heat them up, and they’re ready to go.

Feel free to jazz them up with spices. A hint of cumin or a squeeze of lime works wonders.

Leftovers make a fantastic filling for tacos or burritos. Black beans keep it real with their hearty texture. They’re a staple we can’t get enough of!

4 – Avocado Salad

Let’s talk about avocado salad. It’s fresh and super easy to prepare. We just chop up ripe avocados, toss in some diced tomatoes, onions, and maybe a squeeze of lime.

The flavors combine beautifully. Add salt, pepper, and a bit of cilantro for some zing. It pairs well with other dishes, especially our beloved ropa vieja.

Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weekday meal, this salad keeps things simple and tasty. Gotta love that creamy texture!

5 – Cuban Yuca with Mojo

Yuca with mojo is our go-to side dish!

It’s tasty and fun to make. Yuca has a starchy vibe that fills us up.

Mojo sauce? A total flavor boost. We love the combination of garlic and citrus.

Cooking yuca is simple. Boil it until tender and add that bright sauce.

It’s perfect for soaking up flavors from other dishes.

We always keep leftovers for quick meals. Try it with everything. It’s a must-have for our spread!

6 – Sweet Fried Plantains (Maduros)

Sweet fried plantains (maduros) are pure magic. They transform from hard to sweet and caramelized in no time. We love how easy they are to cook. Just slice, fry, and enjoy.

These beauties can be crispy or soft, depending on how we make them. Salt them for a kick, or drizzle honey for more sweetness. They’re perfect as a side or a snack. Leftovers? Great for breakfast! Just pop them in the toaster and they’re ready to go.

7 – Grilled Pineapple

On its own or with other dishes, it’s a sweet treat that we can’t resist.

It’s juicy and adds that tropical flair. Perfect for summer barbecues or just as a side on any regular day.

We love grilling it; that caramelization brings out the natural sugars.

Pair it with some protein for a fresh twist. Trust us, it’s a fun way to mix things up.

It’s also super easy. Just slice, toss on the grill, and enjoy!

8 – Cuban Bread

Cuban bread is super versatile. It’s perfect for sandwiches or just for dipping. The crust is crunchy while the inside is soft and fluffy.

We love it fresh out of the oven. Slather on some butter for an easy treat. It also makes a great base for pan con lechón, pulling flavors together seamlessly.

Keep it simple. Just pair with your favorite meats or cheeses. It’s an underappreciated side that truly complements any meal.

9 – Coconut Rice

Coconut rice is a fun twist on regular rice. It adds a mild sweetness and creaminess. We cook it in coconut milk for that tropical vibe.

It pairs well with many dishes. Think about bringing in those flavours to curries or grilled meats.

For a little jazz, we toss in a pinch of salt. It makes a big difference. Add some shredded coconut for texture too. Leftovers can also make an awesome base for breakfast.

10 – Corn and Red Pepper Salad

Corn and red pepper salad’s a bright, colorful side that’s refreshing.

We can whip this up in no time. Just toss corn, diced red peppers, some lime juice, and a little salt. The crunchy texture stands out.

It’s just as good cold as it is at room temperature. We often add black beans for protein, making it a nice forkful of goodness. Simple and quick, this salad complements just about anything.

11 – Cilantro Lime Quinoa

Cilantro lime quinoa is where it’s at! It’s a zesty twist on your boring old rice. We whip this up with quinoa, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

It’s easy peasy and super tasty. This dish shines when served cold or at room temperature.

Add some black beans for texture. We love it topped with avocado too. Perfect for summer BBQs or as a simple side for any meal.

Cilantro lime quinoa keeps things fresh and fun on our plates!

12 – Mango Salsa

Mango salsa is the life of the party. It’s fresh, fruity, and brings some zing. We mix ripe mangoes, red onion, jalapeño, and lime juice for a vibrant burst of flavor.

This salsa is perfect on tacos or grilled meats. It brightens up any dish. For a twist, add some diced avocado.

We love it served cold. It’s incredibly easy to whip up. Just chop, stir, and you’re ready to go. Perfect for warm days or casual get-togethers!

13 – Sautéed Peppers and Onions

Sautéed peppers and onions are super chill and packed with flavour. They’re quick to make and pair with just about anything. We like to use a rainbow of bell peppers to make our dishes pop.

The trick? Season them early. A sprinkle of salt really brings out their sweetness. Pro tip: Let them get a little char for that tasty caramelization.

These guys shine in fajitas or as a tasty topping for burgers. They’re our go-to for instant deliciousness!

14 – Cuban Style Potatoes

Cuban style potatoes are pure comfort food. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, a winning combo. We boil and season them perfectly before frying, bringing all that buttery goodness to life.

Add garlic for extra flavor. These little guys shine as a side or even as a snack. We love them topped with a sprinkle of parsley for that fresh touch. Great for gatherings. They disappear fast, no matter the occasion.

15 – Garlic Butter Shrimp

Garlic butter shrimp is our jam!

It’s super tasty and a breeze to whip up. We just sauté shrimp in butter and garlic.

The aroma is mouthwatering. A splash of lemon juice adds a kick.

We love to serve it over rice or pasta.

It pairs well with fresh herbs like parsley. Leftovers? They heat up nicely for lunch.

This dish shines in quick weeknight meals or fancy dinners.

It never fails to impress! Perfect for seafood lovers.