Fried fish is a tasty meal on its own, but the right side dishes can take it to the next level. Whether you’re having a fish fry or just making dinner at home, good sides add variety and balance to your plate.
You have many options for sides to serve with fried fish. From classic choices like coleslaw and hush puppies to lighter fare like salads and roasted veggies, there’s something for every taste. The best sides complement the crispy fish without overpowering its flavor.
Coleslaw is a perfect side for fried fish. It’s crisp, cool, and refreshing. This tangy salad balances the richness of fried fish nicely.
You can make coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots. Mix them with a creamy dressing or a vinegar-based one. The choice is yours.
Add some extra crunch with chopped apples or nuts. For more flavor, try mixing in herbs like dill or parsley. Coleslaw is easy to make ahead and tastes even better after chilling.
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with fried fish. Its creamy texture and rich flavor complement the crispy exterior of the fish.
You can make it from scratch or use a boxed mix for convenience. Add some extra cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
For a twist, try mixing in some diced jalapeños or crispy bacon bits. This will add a nice kick to balance out the fried fish.
Serve it hot and gooey alongside your fish for a satisfying meal. Kids and adults alike will enjoy this tasty combination.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with fried fish. You can make these tasty cornmeal fritters at home with just a few simple ingredients.
Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Add buttermilk, oil, and an egg to create the batter. Stir in some grated onion for extra flavor.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet. Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. The outside will be crispy while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
Serve your homemade hush puppies hot alongside your fried fish for a true Southern meal.
French fries are a classic side dish for fried fish. You can’t go wrong with these crispy, golden potato sticks. They’re easy to make at home or find at most restaurants.
For the best fries, cut potatoes into even strips. Soak them in cold water to remove excess starch. Pat them dry before frying.
Double-frying gives you extra-crispy fries. Fry them once at a lower temperature, then again at a higher temp. Season with salt right after cooking.
Serve your fries hot alongside your fried fish. Add ketchup, malt vinegar, or tartar sauce for dipping.
Baked beans make a tasty side for fried fish. Their sweet and tangy flavor complements the crispy fish perfectly. You can easily heat up canned baked beans or make them from scratch.
For homemade baked beans, soak navy beans overnight. Then simmer them with bacon, onions, molasses, and spices. Bake the mixture until the beans are tender and the sauce thickens.
Canned baked beans work well too. Just warm them up and add extra seasonings if you like. Try mixing in some BBQ sauce or mustard for extra flavor.
Serve your baked beans hot alongside your fried fish. The combination of textures and flavors will make for a satisfying meal.
Tartar sauce is a classic pairing for fried fish. You can easily make it at home with a few simple ingredients. Start with mayonnaise as the base. Add chopped dill pickles or relish for crunch and tang.
Mix in some minced onion and fresh herbs like parsley or dill. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra zip, try adding a dash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard. Chill the sauce before serving to let the flavors meld. Spread it on your fish or use it as a dipping sauce.
Steamed broccoli is a healthy and tasty side dish for fried fish. You can easily prepare it in just a few minutes. The bright green florets add color to your plate and provide a nice contrast to the crispy fish.
To make steamed broccoli, cut it into small florets. Place them in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cook for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Season your steamed broccoli with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. This light and nutritious side won’t overpower your fried fish but will complement it nicely.
A garden salad is a fresh and light side dish for fried fish. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies. Start with a base of crisp lettuce, then add sliced cucumbers and juicy tomatoes.
Toss in some crunchy carrots and bell peppers for extra color and nutrients. Sprinkle on some croutons for a satisfying crunch. Drizzle with a tangy vinaigrette or creamy dressing of your choice.
This versatile salad complements the richness of fried fish perfectly. It’s quick to prepare and adds a healthy balance to your meal. Serve it chilled for a refreshing contrast to the hot, crispy fish.
Green beans make a tasty side for fried fish. You can prepare them in several quick and easy ways. Try steaming or sautéing them with a bit of garlic and lemon juice for extra flavor.
For a crisp texture, blanch the green beans briefly in boiling water. Then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps them bright green and crunchy.
You can also roast green beans in the oven with olive oil and seasonings. This brings out their natural sweetness. Sprinkle some sliced almonds on top for added crunch.
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty side dish for fried fish. To prepare them, cut the sprouts in half and spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast the Brussels sprouts in a 400°F oven for 20-30 minutes. Stir them once or twice during cooking. They’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
For extra flavor, try tossing the roasted sprouts with a fish sauce vinaigrette. Mix fish sauce, lime juice, and a bit of sugar. Drizzle this over the hot Brussels sprouts before serving.
Garlic bread makes a tasty side for fried fish. Its crispy exterior and soft interior offer a nice texture contrast. The garlic and butter flavors complement the fish well.
You can easily make garlic bread at home. Start with a loaf of French bread. Spread a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley on the cut sides.
Wrap the bread in foil and bake until warm and toasty. For extra crispiness, open the foil for the last few minutes. Serve your garlic bread warm alongside your fried fish for a satisfying meal.
Rice pilaf is a tasty side dish for fried fish. You start by sautéing onions in butter until soft. Then add rice and coat it with the butter.
Pour in stock and seasonings like parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer until the rice is tender.
The result is fluffy, flavorful rice that pairs well with crispy fried fish. You can customize your pilaf by adding vegetables or nuts for extra texture and taste.
Try serving your fish on a bed of rice pilaf for an easy and delicious meal. The mild flavors complement fried fish without overpowering it.
Onion rings are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with fried fish. You can make them at home or order them at many restaurants. They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
To make onion rings, slice onions into rings and dip them in a batter. Then fry them until golden brown. You can use different types of batter, like beer batter or buttermilk batter.
Serve your onion rings hot alongside your fried fish. They’re great for dipping in tartar sauce or ketchup. You can also try them with other dips like ranch or honey mustard.
Cucumber salad is a light and refreshing side for fried fish. It adds a crisp texture and cool taste to balance the warm, crispy fish.
To make it, slice cucumbers thinly and mix with red onion and dill. Add a simple dressing of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let it chill before serving.
This salad is quick to prepare and doesn’t need cooking. It’s a great option for hot summer days when you want something cool with your fish.
You can customize the salad by adding tomatoes or using different herbs like mint or parsley. The tangy flavor pairs well with most types of fried fish.
Creamed spinach is a tasty side dish that goes well with fried fish. You can make it by cooking fresh spinach leaves until they wilt. Then mix in some cream, butter, and garlic.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The result is a rich, smooth side that complements crispy fish perfectly.
For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for a bit of saltiness. Creamed spinach is quick to make and adds color to your plate.
Lemon butter sauce is a perfect companion for fried fish. You can easily make it at home with a few simple ingredients. Start by melting butter in a pan over low heat.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and stir well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or some chopped herbs like parsley or dill. Drizzle the warm sauce over your fried fish just before serving.
This tangy, rich sauce enhances the fish’s flavor without overpowering it. It also adds a touch of elegance to your meal.
Quinoa salad is a tasty and healthy side for fried fish. This protein-packed grain is easy to cook and absorbs flavors well.
You can mix in fresh veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers for crunch. Add some feta cheese and olives for a Mediterranean twist.
A simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs brings it all together. Quinoa salad can be served warm or cold, making it perfect for any season.
This light and refreshing side balances out the richness of fried fish nicely. It’s also a great option if you want to add more nutrients to your meal.
Buttered green beans are a tasty side dish for fried fish. You can make them easily in just a few minutes. Start by washing and trimming fresh green beans.
Boil the beans in salted water for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain them and return to the pan. Add a pat of butter and let it melt over the warm beans.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the beans to coat them evenly in the melted butter. The butter adds richness that pairs well with crispy fried fish.
You can garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice or some slivered almonds for extra flavor and crunch if you like.
Fried okra is a tasty Southern dish that goes great with fried fish. You can make it easily at home. Cut fresh okra into small pieces and coat them in a mix of cornmeal, flour, and spices.
Fry the coated okra in hot oil until golden brown. This takes about 3-5 minutes. The result is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
For a healthier option, try air frying okra. Coat it the same way, then cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Fried okra adds a nice crunch to your fish meal. Its mild flavor complements fried fish well without overpowering it.
Pairing Sides with Fried Fish
The right side dishes can take your fried fish from good to great. Let’s look at how to choose sides that complement the flavors and balance the textures of fried fish.
Complementary Flavors
Fried fish has a rich, savory taste. You’ll want sides that cut through that richness. Lemon-based dishes work well. Try a simple lemon rice or roasted lemon asparagus.
Acidic sides also pair nicely. Consider a vinegar-based coleslaw or a tangy tomato salad. These will help cleanse your palate between bites of fish.
For a bolder flavor, add some heat. Spicy corn on the cob or jalapeño hush puppies can give your meal an extra kick.
Don’t forget about herbs. A side of garlic parsley potatoes or dill cucumber salad can add freshness to your plate.
Balancing Textures
Fried fish is crispy on the outside and tender inside. You’ll want sides with different textures for contrast.
Creamy sides like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese offer a soft counterpoint. They’re comforting and help mellow out the crunch of the fish.
For something lighter, try a crisp green salad. The fresh crunch of lettuce and veggies balances the heavier fried fish.
Grilled or roasted vegetables are another good option. They have a firmer texture than the fish but aren’t as crunchy as the coating.
Lastly, don’t overlook bread-based sides. Soft dinner rolls or crispy garlic bread can add interesting texture variety to your meal.
Nutritional Considerations
Choosing sides for fried fish can impact the overall healthiness of your meal. Smart choices can help balance out the fried main dish.
Healthy Side Options
Pick veggie-based sides to add nutrients to your plate. Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a mixed green salad are great choices. These low-calorie options provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots also work well.
For starchy sides, opt for baked sweet potato wedges instead of fries. Brown rice or quinoa offer whole grains and extra protein. A corn and tomato salad brings fresh flavors and vitamins.
Caloric Balance
Fried fish is often high in calories and fat. Balance this by choosing lighter sides. Skip creamy coleslaw or mayo-based potato salad. Instead, try a vinegar-based slaw or a light cucumber salad.
Watch portion sizes of starchy sides like rice or potatoes. Fill half your plate with veggies to keep calories in check. Avoid breaded or fried sides that add extra fat and calories.
Drinking water with your meal helps fill you up. This can prevent overeating of higher-calorie options.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your fried fish dinner with these tips for presentation and seasonal pairings. Make your meal look and taste amazing with simple ideas you can use at home.
Presentation Ideas
Arrange your fried fish on a platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs. This adds color and freshness. Serve sauces like tartar or remoulade in small bowls on the side.
For a casual look, line baskets with parchment paper. Fill with fish and fries. Add coleslaw in a separate container.
Create a DIY fish taco bar. Put out tortillas, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and cilantro. Let guests build their own tacos.
Use colorful plates to make the golden-brown fish stand out. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or Old Bay seasoning for extra flair.
Seasonal Sides
In summer, pair fried fish with corn on the cob and a tomato salad. Add watermelon slices for a refreshing touch.
For fall, try roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. Serve with apple slaw for a crisp, seasonal flavor.
Winter calls for hearty sides. Think mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. Add cranberry sauce for a tart contrast.
In spring, lighten things up with asparagus and a mixed green salad. Roasted new potatoes make a great starchy side.
Year-round, you can’t go wrong with classic fries or hush puppies. These timeless sides work well in any season.
