22 Side Dishes Perfect with Fried Fish
The best sides for fried fish can enhance its crispy texture and savory flavor, creating a balanced and memorable meal.
Pairing the right sides can bring contrast, adding freshness, richness, or a hint of sweetness to the plate.
These sides offer a variety of textures and flavors, from light and refreshing to creamy and comforting.
Creating the perfect meal is all about balance, making each bite more satisfying.
Take a look at the 22 best sides for fried fish to find your ideal match:
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower is a fantastic accompaniment to fried fish, highlighting its savory notes while adding depth to your meal.
This straightforward recipe shines with the right spices and a splash of lemon juice that enhances its natural flavor profile.
Opt for pre-cut cauliflower to save time; simply toss it in olive oil and salt before letting it roast until golden brown.
The crispy exterior combined with tender insides creates an inviting texture that pairs beautifully with your favorite seafood dish.
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed broccoli pairs wonderfully with fried fish. This vegetable retains its bright color and crunch, making it visually appealing on the plate while providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Whether served warm or at room temperature, steamed broccoli enhances the dining experience by adding a fresh contrast to crispy fish fillets. A touch of butter can elevate its flavor profile even further, introducing richness that balances beautifully with the dish's savory elements.
With such simple preparation, it's an effortless choice for any seafood lover looking to add healthy greens to their plate.
Peach Salsa
Peach salsa brings a delightful sweetness that enhances fried fish.
This refreshing condiment stands out due to its ability to balance flavors; you can easily add jalapenos or serrano peppers for an exciting kick if desired.
The versatility of peach salsa allows for personalization; incorporating cucumber adds an extra layer of freshness, making it ideal for gatherings and casual get-togethers.
Corn And Tomato Salad
Corn and tomato salad is a refreshing accompaniment that adds a burst of color to any meal.
This dish combines sweet corn with ripe tomatoes, creating a delightful contrast that's sure to please your palate.
Fresh herbs enhance the taste, bringing an aromatic quality that elevates every bite.
For those who appreciate depth in flavor, adding garlic and onion allows the ingredients to marinate beautifully, resulting in a harmonious blend after sitting for about half an hour.
Mac N Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with fried fish, offering a comforting contrast. This recipe stands out for its quick preparation time and the ability to please any palate.
You might choose to enhance it with crispy bacon or opt for kid-friendly cheddar, while gruyere can elevate the richness even further. The adaptable nature of mac n cheese means you can customize it according to your preferences without losing its satisfying essence.
When served alongside fish, this dish becomes an irresistible addition to any meal spread.
Coleslaw
Coleslaw stands out as a refreshing companion for fried fish, offering a contrast to the rich batter. The crispness of cabbage paired with your favorite mayo and mustard creates a tangy side that complements summer gatherings perfectly.
You can elevate its flavor profile by adding green onions or crunchy celery for an extra twist. Opting for lime or lemon juice instead of vinegar introduces a zesty brightness that's hard to resist.
Preparing coleslaw is incredibly simple; even on hectic days in the kitchen, you can whip up this dish just before serving your crispy fish masterpiece.
Salt And Vinegar Potato Chips
Salt and vinegar potato chips are a crunchy snack that elevates the classic chip experience with their zesty tang. Preparing these at home not only guarantees freshness but also allows you to personalize each batch according to your taste preferences.
The process involves thinly slicing potatoes, frying them until golden brown, and then tossing them in a perfect balance of salt and vinegar for an irresistible kick. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or on their own, they make an excellent companion to fried fish, enhancing every bite with vibrant flavors.
Homemade versions offer endless opportunities for experimentation; adjust the seasoning until it's just right for you!
Baked Beans
Baked beans are a robust companion to fried fish, offering a satisfying contrast that enhances your meal. This dish features the ideal balance of sweetness and tanginess, making it an essential side for any seafood feast.
With its adaptable seasoning options, you can tailor the flavors to align perfectly with your preferences. The comforting texture complements crispy fish wonderfully while adding a touch of heartiness to the plate.
A serving of baked beans ensures every bite is packed with flavor and warmth.
Wingstop Ranch Sauce
Wingstop ranch sauce is a creamy and tangy accompaniment that complements fried fish beautifully. Crafted easily at home, this dressing enhances the flavors of your crispy dish, providing a delightful contrast to the crunchy texture.
Known for its versatility, it pairs well not only with seafood but also with various breaded delights you might serve. Expect this beloved sauce to vanish quickly from the table; it's simply irresistible in any meal setting.
Stocking up on this recipe ensures you'll always have enough on hand when craving something special alongside your favorite fried fare.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Air fryer asparagus is a quick side dish that brings out the vegetable's natural crunch without lengthy cooking times.
Cooking it in an air fryer yields perfectly crispy spears, enhanced by simple seasoning for an added kick.
This versatile pairing complements not only breaded fish but also offers a refreshing contrast to grilled meats like steak.
With its ease of preparation, this side provides you with a delightful option whenever you're looking to elevate your meal experience effortlessly.
Arbys Horsey Sauce
Arby's horsey sauce adds a zesty kick that complements fried fish beautifully. This creamy condiment, infused with the bold flavor of horseradish, elevates your seafood experience effortlessly.
Crafting this beloved sauce at home is surprisingly simple and quick; you won't need to hunt for hard-to-find ingredients if you opt for a pre-made option instead. With its delightful balance of spice and creaminess, having some on hand will enhance your meals over several days since it stores well in the fridge.
Perfect as a dipping sauce or drizzled atop your favorite catch, it's an essential addition to any fried fish feast.
Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is a creamy condiment that elevates fried fish with its tangy flavor profile.
This versatile dip mimics the richness of mayonnaise while incorporating pickles for an added crunch and zest.
A splash of lemon juice enhances its brightness, making it an ideal companion not just for seafood but also for various breaded dishes.
Seafood Sauce
Seafood sauce is an exceptional accompaniment for fried fish, delivering a rich burst of flavor that enhances the dish. Crafted from a diverse array of spices and seasonings, this sauce complements light and fresh seafood beautifully.
Preparing it at home allows you to tailor the ingredients according to your preferences, ensuring every dip is just right for you. Having some extra on hand not only elevates future meals but also adds versatility to your culinary repertoire.
This zesty condiment is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen lineup whenever you're serving up delicious fried fish dishes.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are savory cornmeal fritters that offer tasty contrast to fried fish.
Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior create an enjoyable texture, making them the ideal companion for your meal.
Elevate these treats by adding shrimp or simply topping with butter for extra flavor.
Whether you choose to whip them up from scratch or opt for frozen varieties, they effortlessly enhance any seafood platter while keeping preparation easy and convenient.
Fried Corn With Bacon
Fried corn with bacon is a savory delight that brings a satisfying crunch alongside your favorite fried fish.
The sweetness of the corn pairs beautifully with the rich, smoky notes of crispy bacon.
A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds an aromatic touch that enhances this simple yet flavorful dish.
Onion Rings
Onion rings are a crispy accompaniment that enhances the experience of enjoying fried fish.
Their golden-brown exterior and tender onion inside create an appealing contrast, making them a favorite among many.
A well-seasoned batter can elevate their flavor profile significantly, allowing you to customize your rings according to your taste preferences.
Pairing these crunchy delights with a homemade dipping sauce adds another layer of enjoyment when served alongside your fish dish.
Sous Vide Zucchini
Sous vide zucchini is a method that transforms this often tricky vegetable into a tender and flavorful side dish.
By sealing the zucchini with oil, lemon juice, and spices in a bag, you create an environment where it cooks evenly while retaining its nutrients.
After sous vide cooking, giving the zucchini a quick sear adds an appealing char that enhances both flavor and presentation.
This healthy option not only complements fried fish beautifully but also provides versatility for meal prep throughout the week.
Easy Green Peas With Mint Vinaigrette
Easy green peas with mint vinaigrette are a refreshing side dish that brings a burst of flavor to any fried fish meal.
This quick recipe highlights the natural sweetness of peas while introducing a zesty mint sauce that enhances their taste without overpowering it.
Using either fresh or frozen peas simplifies preparation, allowing you to whip up this delightful accompaniment in just minutes with the help of your blender.
The bright notes from the vinaigrette not only elevate the humble pea but also provide an invigorating contrast to crispy fish dishes, making it an ideal choice for elevating your dining experience at home.
Crispy Potato Wedges
Crispy potato wedges are a fantastic alternative to traditional french fries when paired with fried fish. This straightforward dish involves tossing potato wedges in olive oil before baking them until golden and crunchy.
Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme enhances the flavor, though they're perfectly satisfying on their own too. The result is a delightful contrast of textures, featuring a crisp exterior and tender inside that complements your main course beautifully.
A side of homemade sauce elevates these wedges further, making them an appetizing companion for any seafood meal.
Microwave Mashed Potatoes
Microwave mashed potatoes offer a quick side that perfectly complements fried fish. This convenient dish allows you to enjoy creamy, smooth potatoes in just minutes without sacrificing flavor.
With the option to enhance them with salt, pepper, or garlic, these mashed potatoes can easily be tailored to suit your taste preferences. Adding cheese brings an indulgent richness that elevates this classic side even further.
Just remember to stir occasionally while heating for a lump-free texture that will pair beautifully with your crispy catch of the day.
Simple Skillet Green Beans
Simple skillet green beans are a flavorful addition to any fried fish meal.
These tender yet crisp vegetables complement the richness of fried fish perfectly, offering a delightful contrast in texture.
Just sauté them in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper, allowing you to retain their natural freshness while achieving those desirable crispy edges.
This side dish is not only easy to prepare but also enhances your dining experience without overwhelming the palate, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings at home.
Air Fryer French Fries
Air fryer french fries offer an efficient way to enjoy crispy, golden potatoes.
The simplicity of slicing fresh potatoes and placing them in the air fryer makes this method incredibly appealing for those busy weeknights.
Just a dash of salt enhances their natural flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorite spices for an added kick that suits your taste buds.
These fries pair beautifully with fried fish or any main dish you have on hand, making them a versatile choice for casual meals or gatherings alike.