8 Side Dishes To Serve Up Shredded Pork

Shredded pork is a staple in plenty of kitchens, therefore, finding a good side for this dish is a common question that many housewives have asked themselves.

In this blog post, I will give you some of my favorite side dishes that are probably yours too after reading it.

Let’s get started!

What is shredded pork?

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Shredded pork, also known as pulled pork, is a delicious and versatile type of meat that can be used in numerous recipes.

Normally, a lean or well-marbled cut of pork is slow-cooked (roasted or braised) to make it easier to be pulled apart with two forks or your hands.

Shredded pork is a great dish to make for a crowd or to have on hand for quick weeknight meals.

It is often used as an ingredient for recipes like sandwiches, tacos, salads, or just eating straight out of the plate as the main course

What to consider when choosing a side dish to serve with shredded pork?

Here are some things that you should keep in mind when choosing a side dish for shredded pork:

Choose a side that will complement the flavor profile of shredded pork

Shredded pork can come in different flavors because it can be cooked or mixed with any spice, sauce, or herb.

Therefore, when choosing a side for this dish, you should choose something that can complement the flavor profile of shredded pork, instead of overpowering it.

For example, if your pulled pork is slightly sweet or spicy, go with something tangy to accompany it.

If your shredded pork is slightly sour, a sweet-flavored side dish will be more suitable.

Consider your guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences

The second thing to remember when picking a side dish for shredded pork is to consider the dietary restrictions or preferences of everyone in your family or your party if you are the main cook.

This will make sure that no one will be allergic or unhappy with the food you serve on the table.

Choose a side dish that can make your meal look more appealing by providing a contrasting color

Last but not least, the tip is to choose a side dish that has a contrasting color to your shredded pork, which is brown, to have a balanced and appealing meal that everyone wants to take a bite at first glance.

You can consider some types of leafy greens to both add nutrients and a visually beautiful look to your meal.

8 best side dishes to serve with shredded pork

Here are the most classic side dishes that have been tried and true on the side of shredded pork, read on for some inspiration:

1.     Corn tortillas

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Firstly, you can serve your shredded pork with corn tortilla to complete a hearty and quick taco.

Wrap the tortilla over pulled pork with other ingredients like chopped vegetables and herbs, and you can create a Mexican signature dish in no time at all.

Pulled pork tacos can be enjoyed as a delicious snack or even to alternate your complex lunch or dinner. 

2.     Baked beans

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The second suggestion for you is to serve your shredded pork with baked beans.

Baked beans are a Southern staple, and they are often made from black beans.

The tender, starchy texture and sweet earthy flavor of baked beans will be sure a good accompaniment for savory pulled pork.

Plus, they can satisfy your hunger without breaking your budget.

3.     Creamed corn

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Creamed corn is another palatable and affordable side dish to pair with shredded pork.

Basically, the sweet and buttery flavor of corn goes well with any meat-based dish.

The only problem is to choose what recipe to make from these corn kernels.

Creamed corn is available in a can that is sold in most grocery stores, but you totally can make your own creamed corn without any fuss.

4.     Basmati rice

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You can also serve your shredded pork with basmati rice.

This popular Indian grain is simply cooked with water until it is soft and cooked through.

Serve your savory and flavorful shredded pork over hot steaming basmati rice will help you have a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.

5.     Cornbread

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Cornbread is another classic dish in Southern cuisine, and it pairs well with shredded pork too.

This is one of the easiest baking recipes that even a novice home cook can master.

The aromatic sweet flavor of corn and other dairy products results in a perfect companion for savory shredded pork.

6.     Collard greens

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Shredded pork is one of the most popular dishes in Southern cuisine, so do collard greens.

Plus, the flavors of these dishes pair well with each other, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t have them in your meal.

Collard greens are often slow-cooked and then can be served alongside or mixed with shredded pork.

You can have a nutritious and filling meal with this combination.

7.     Coleslaw

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If none of the aforementioned suggestions works, then serve your pulled pork with coleslaw.

This is an easy-to-make, simple, but appetizing salad that is made of shredded cabbage, carrot, and mayonnaise.

It has a refreshing, tangy, but still, creamy taste to balance out the richness of pulled pork.

To reduce all the hassle in cutting or shredding these vegetables, you can buy the coleslaw mix that is sold in many grocery stores.

8.     Salad

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Besides coleslaw, other types of salad can work with pulled pork too.

You can opt for a simple green salad or fruit salad for a nutritious and refreshing side dish to enjoy with shredded pork.

Otherwise, a salad that also contains grains can help fill your empty stomach and keep you fuller longer.

The bottom line

There are numerous ways to serve up shredded pork, but the eight aforementioned side dishes are the most common, easy to make, and their flavors won’t disappoint you.

They are all tried and true, and I can be sure that you will love them just as much as I do.

Which recipe will you choose to make first and serve with your next batch of shredded pork?