This quintessential side goes with any main dish in Jamaican cuisine. Not only is it fluffy and moist, but it also tastes savory and creamy thanks to aromatics like garlic and onion and coconut milk. Its a perfect match for classic Jamaican dishes like curry chicken, fried seafood, or oxtail stew. Get the Rice & Peas recipe.
Tartar sauce can be bought in stores, but making it yourself is always better, both in terms of taste and flexibility. It’s not clear where the sauce came from, but it’s clear that this creamy, tangy, acidic condiment is a MUST for seafood and surprisingly goes well with a lot of other sides too. Get the Homemade Tartar Sauce recipe.
We used couscous as the base for a rainbow of colored vegetables (cucumbers, bell peppers, red onion!) that were tossed in a creamy lemon Dijon dressing. Plus, we added sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese for a tangy twist, as well as crunchy toasted almonds and earthy chickpeas. It’s simple and light, but still special enough for a celebration. Get the Summer Couscous Salad recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
It may sound like a lot of work to deep-fry potatoes, but we know how to make the tastiest fries ever without having to do it twice. With our method, all of the fries go in at the same time. When they come out, they’re ready to eat—after being slathered in salt, of course. Get the Perfect French Fries recipe.
To make this a truly vegan-friendly slaw, there is neither mayonnaise nor honey in the mix. Dijon mustard helps the oil and vinegar mix and gives the dish a bit of a kick in the back of your throat. Maple brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Get the Vinegar Coleslaw recipe.
Fried fish is a delicious, crispy, indulgent main dish When breaded and fried up golden and flaky, fish like cod, tilapia, catfish or flounder make for an easy, crowd-pleasing meal But what are the best side dishes to serve alongside it?
The options are endless, but there are certain classics that pair perfectly with fried fish to round out the meal. Here are 17 of the very best side dishes to consider serving with your fried fish fillets or fish fry.
1. French Fries
French fries may be the most classic fried fish pairing. Double fried for extra crispy fries are ideal. Season with salt and serve with ketchup or vinegar for dipping. Shoestring and steak fries also pair well.
2. Coleslaw
Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw is a staple pairing in fish shacks and fish fries across America. Cool and creamy, it balances the hot crisp fish perfectly. Try making it tangy, sweet, or spiced up with ingredients like apple, red onion or jalapeño.
3. Hushpuppies
These savory deep-fried cornbread nuggets often share ingredients with the batter coating fried fish, making them a natural pairing Jazz up the basic cornmeal hushpuppy with chopped onions, garlic, herbs, jalapeños or cheese
4. Mac and Cheese
For ultimate comfort food, try baked or stove-top macaroni and cheese alongside your fish The creamy pasta is rich and indulgent Add crispy breadcrumb topping for extra texture.
5. Steamed Vegetables
Balance the fried fish with simply steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, cauliflower or green beans. Drizzle lemon juice or top with chopped herbs. Steamed spinach also pairs nicely.
6. Rice
Plain white rice or flavored rice like cilantro-lime are a nice neutral base for the flavors of fried fish. Rice soaks up any sauce or drippings well. Rice pilaf loaded with veggies is another excellent option.
7. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed russets or colorful mashed sweet potatoes make a satisfying fried fish side. Top mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, scallions or sour cream for even more richness.
8. Salad
A fresh green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette cools things down. Spinach, mixed greens, kale or a wedge salad with bacon and blue cheese dressings all complement fried fish beautifully.
9. Corn on the Cob
In summer, grill or boil fresh sweet corn to serve alongside fish. Slather with butter and sprinkle on salt and pepper. Corn breadsticks also pair nicely.
10. Home Fries
Like French fries, home fries or cubed roasted potatoes get extra crispy and are perfect next to the fish. Toss potatoes in olive oil, garlic, rosemary before roasting in the oven.
11. Baked Beans
Sweet, saucy baked beans – whether made from scratch or your favorite canned brand – make a satisfying addition to a fish fry. Their subtle sweetness and smoky flavor offsets the fish.
12. Cornbread
Warm wedges of freshly baked cornbread round out the meal nicely. Try jalapeño cornbread for a kick or stick with classic buttery cornbread. Serve with honey butter.
13. Cole Slaw
Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw complements fried fish so well at fish fries. The tangy crunch cuts the richness. Make it with cabbage, carrots, onion, apple, and your favorite dressing.
14. Green Salad
A fresh and light green salad is a crisp contrast to hot fried fish. Spinach, kale, mixed greens, wedge salads, or Caesar salad are all great options to serve.
15. Collard Greens
Slow-simmered, soulful collard greens flavored with smoked ham hocks or bacon are perfect with a Southern fish fry. They cut through the richness of the fried coating.
16. Okra
Another veggie pairing popular in the South is fried okra, which provides fun textural contrast to flaky fried fish. Or, serve it stewed or pickled.
17. Baked Sweet Potato
For a healthier fried fish side option, bake sweet potatoes and then add butter, brown sugar, cinnamon or pecans. The natural sweetness balances the fish.
With so many excellent options, you could enjoy fried fish with a different side dish every week! From potatoes and slaw to corn, greens and more, find your favorite pairings.
Black Bean And Corn Salad
This salad is quick and easy to make. It goes well with fried fish, as a topping for tacos, or as an excuse to eat tortilla chips right away. This is like a mix of the best parts of a burrito bowl, without the rice and with a little honey-lime action to get you excited. Get the Black Bean And Corn Salad recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
You wont be able to keep hushed about these. Serve them with your favorite seafood or BBQ dishes. Get the Hush Puppies recipe.
In terms of American food that can be eaten all year, baked beans might be one of the most classic side dishes. They’re sweet, tangy, savory, and the best part, surprisingly easy to make. They also only need one pot to make, which makes them even better. Plus, one batch feeds a lot of people, and the oven does most of the work while you’re away. This is a winner that will become a family tradition for years to come. Get the Best Baked Beans recipe.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
As we all know, Chipotle has many toppings we love to load our bowl up with. If you want a second scoop of corn salsa because you can’t get enough of it, this is the recipe for you. It tastes great on its own with chips and is full of sweet corn, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and citrus juice. If you want the whole bowl, make your own with all your favorite toppings. Get the Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.
The Best Side Dishes to Eat With Fried Fish. Here’s what people say.
FAQ
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