My Southern fried fish recipe is one of my favorite all time dishes to make. Out of all my Southern recipes, I love fried fish the most. Growing up in Washington, DC great fish and seafood was an everyday thing. I grew up with fresh fish on the menu all the time because my dad loved fishing. Today, It is not uncommon for me to have a fish fry on any given Friday or Sunday. Southern fried fish is a Soul Food classic dish that is a satisfying and comforting dish. It is simple to make and it require only a few ingredients. The key to making great soul food fried fish is to get the skin to be crispy without drying out the fish inside.
Fried fish is a delicious hearty main course. But what sides should you serve it with to round out the meal? The possibilities are endless but some classic combinations work especially well. Here are 10 of the best side dishes to serve with fried fish fillets or fish fry.
1. French Fries
French fries are the quintessential pairing for fish and chips. The hot crispy fries provide the perfect complement to moist, flaky fried fish. Twice-fried fries like these homemade ones develop an irresistibly crispy exterior while staying fluffy inside. Dust the fries with malt vinegar to echo the classic British fish and chips experience.
2. Coleslaw
Cool, tangy coleslaw balances the hot, crunchy exterior of fried fish It adds moisture and cuts through the richness Opt for a vinegar-based slaw like this cilantro lime one or a creamy mayo coleslaw. The crispy texture and bright vegetables make coleslaw an ideal fried fish side.
3. Hushpuppies
These savory cornmeal fritters are a staple of Southern seafood boils and fries. Hushpuppies lend themselves well to customization, so you can add minced garlic, diced onions, fresh herbs and more to suit your tastes. They have a similar batter to fried fish, so hushpuppies make a cohesive pairing.
4. Potato Salad
Creamy, chilled potato salad provides contrast to fried fish with its cool temperature and smooth texture. A vinegar-based dressing cuts through rich batter while eggs and mayo add protein. Potatoes provide staying power so you don’t feel weighed down. Try pairing your fish with rich Southern-style potato salad.
5. Collard Greens
Slow-cooked collard greens infused with smoked pork lend Southern flavor. The smoky, slightly bitter greens stand up well to fried seafood and make it feel like a complete meal. Collards also aid digestion and provide vitamin C.
6. Corn on the Cob
In summer, grill up sweet corn on the cob to accompany backyard fish fries. The natural sweetness balances salty batter, while thekernels’ texture plays off the crisp exterior of fried fish. Bring out corn’s flavor by slathering it in creamy butter.
7. Macaroni Salad
A cool, creamy pasta salad like this one with bell peppers, celery, onions and a tangy dressing makes a satisfying fried fish side. The soft pasta and crunch of the vegetables offers contrasting textures. Plus, macaroni salad is easy to make ahead for big dinners.
8. Cole Slaw
Crisp, fresh cole slaw pairs perfectly with the fried fish. The sweet and sour flavor offsets the oily fried coating. And the crunch of the cabbage complements the soft flakiness of the fish.
9. French Bread
A loaf of crusty French bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover juices or tartar sauce on your plate after the fish is gone. The bread also balances out the fried food with some lighter carbs. Dip it in vinegar for extra flavor.
10. Baked Beans
Baked beans offer protein, fiber, and a touch of sweetness from ingredients like brown sugar, ketchup, and molasses. Their smooth texture contrasts with the crunch of fried fish. Try homemade baked beans, or heat up a can to complement a crispy fish dinner.
Tips for Rounding Out Your Fried Fish Meal
When planning sides for fried fish, consider these tips:
-
Seek out contrasting textures – crunchy, creamy, snappy.
-
Vary temperatures with hot and cold sides.
-
Include bright, acidic components to cut fried richness.
-
Add vegetables and carbs to make it a balanced meal.
-
Pair regional sides like hushpuppies and coleslaw in the South.
-
Let seasonal produce guide your choices in summer.
-
Offer condiments like tartar sauce, hot sauce, and malt vinegar.
Fried fish deserves sides with big flavors that hold their own against the crispy coating and flaky fish. Round out your next fish fry with slaw, potatoes, beans, and other hearty accompaniments. Then invite some friends over to enjoy a delicious well-rounded meal.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag %soulfoodcooking% on Instagram and hashtag it with %soulfoodcooking%
Follow %soulfoodcooking% on Pinterest
How to Make Southern Fried Fish
- Heavy Pot or Electric Deep Fryer: If you don’t have an electric deep fryer, you can use a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet with high sides instead.
- Thermometer: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: To put the fish in the oil and take it out, use tongs or a slotted spoon. Deep-fried fish oil can get very hot, so be careful when putting your fish in and taking it out.
- Paper towels: Drain the fish of any extra oil using the paper towels.
The Best Side Dishes to Eat With Fried Fish. Here’s what people say.
What to serve with fried fish?
Here’s the short answer. The best side dishes to serve with fried fish are hush puppies, salt and vinegar fries, baked mac and cheese, and creamy potato salad. For vegetable side options, try creamed corn, minty peas, or braised greens. For salads, there’s kimchi slaw, a watermelon avocado salad, or a simple cucumber salad.
Which oil is best for deep frying?
Best oils for deep-frying are: olive oil, as it is resistant to heat because it’s high in monounsaturated fatty acids. Avocado oil also contains monounsaturated with some saturated and polyunsaturated fats mixed in, and has a high smoke point of 520°F (270°C). Both are the best options.
What are the best sides for fried fish?
If you are preparing for a fried fish dinner, your choices are endless with this list of the best Sides for Fried Fish. Roasted potatoes, French fries, chips, or coleslaw, you name it! From healthy side dishes to vegetable sides, to sides for southern-style fish or fried catfish, we’ll give you some finger-licking and fun suggestions!
What kind of fish can you fry?
You can fry nearly any type of fish. In the South, fried catfish is a hugely popular dish and catfish has a unique flavor. However, you can also fry whitefish and other types of fish. When it comes to the best sides for fried fish, you can serve nearly anything