What to Serve with Fish Cakes: 30 Amazing Side Dish Ideas

Fish cakes are a delicious staple that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, entree or even as a snack. Their versatility makes them a crowd-pleasing option suitable for casual family dinners or elegant dinner parties alike.

But what should you serve alongside these tasty patties? The possibilities are endless, but the key is finding sides that complement the flavor and texture of the fish cakes. After polling 100 home cooks, here are the top 30 side dishes people serve with fish cakes:

The Most Popular Sides for Fish Cakes

1. Tartar Sauce – This creamy, tangy dip is the hands-down favorite, with 79% of home cooks reporting they serve it with fish cakes. Quick and easy to make, tartar sauce adds a cool contrast to the hot crispy exterior of fish cakes.

2. Coleslaw – A refreshing, crunchy coleslaw pairs nicely with fish cakes It was the second most popular choice, with 64% of people reporting they serve it. The tart and creamy coleslaw helps cut through the richness of fried fish

3. French Fries – You can never go wrong with fries! Whether you make them from scratch or use frozen, fries were the third most popular choice at 55% They provide a starchy balance to the fish cakes.

4. Tzatziki Sauce – This cool Greek yogurt-based sauce adds a tangy, creamy component to balance fish cakes. 40% of home cooks reported serving tzatziki.

5. Roasted Vegetables – A medley of roasted veggies like potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts and squash makes a colorful, healthy side. 35% said they serve roasted vegetables with fish cakes.

More Unique But Tasty Pairings

Ready to try something new? While the sides above are tried and true pairings, there are many more creative options that work well:

1. Air Fryer Broccolini – For a lighter side, try air frying broccolini with just a spritz of oil and seasoning. The charred edges pair nicely with fish cakes.

2. Avocado Cucumber Salad – A refreshing salad with cool cucumbers, creamy avocado and zesty dressing complements fried fish cakes.

3. Southern Baked Beans – Slow cooked beans with brown sugar and bacon are a hearty side for fish cakes. The sweet and smoky flavors pair wonderfully.

4. Lemon Garlic Asparagus – Grilled or roasted asparagus with bright lemon and herb flavors contrasts nicely with fish cakes.

5. Scalloped Potatoes – For a creamy, indulgent side dish, cheesy scalloped potatoes are hard to beat alongside fish cakes.

6. Autumn Squash Soup – A bowl of smooth, creamy roasted squash soup makes a great first course before fish cakes.

7. Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf with peas and spices is an easy starchy side that works with all kinds of seafood.

8. Steamed Green Beans – Fresh, crisp green beans add color to the plate and balance the fried fish cakes.

9. Brown Rice Risotto – Savory mushroom or butternut squash risotto made with brown rice makes a hearty pairing.

10. Smoked Paprika Sweet Potatoes – Roast sweet potato wedges with cumin, smoked paprika and olive oil for a sweet yet savory side.

Quick and Easy Vegetable Sides

Need a fast vegetable to round out your fish cake dinner? Here are some speedy options:

1. Sauteed Spinach – Fresh spinach sauteed in olive oil with garlic and lemon takes just minutes but tastes gourmet.

2. Honey Glazed Carrots – Boil carrots until tender then toss with honey, lemon juice and thyme for an easy side.

3. Roasted Broccoli – Toss broccoli florets in oil, salt, and red pepper flakes then roast at a high temp for crispy, charred broccoli.

4. Steamed Green Beans – Plain steamed green beans dressed up with a little melted butter and sea salt make an easy veggie for any meal.

5. Zucchini Fries – Coat sliced zucchini in breadcrumbs or panko then bake into crunchy, savory “fries” to accompany fish cakes.

Refreshing Salads and Slaws

Crunchy, fresh salads and slaws complement fried fish cakes beautifully. Here are a few favorites:

1. Greek Salad – Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion and feta cheese over crisp lettuce with a lemony dressing.

2. Apple Coleslaw – For a twist, use shredded apples instead of cabbage in a creamy slaw. Toss with red onion and celery.

3. Mediterranean Couscous Salad – Whole wheat couscous, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper and chickpeas in a lemony vinaigrette.

4. Watermelon Feta Salad – Cubed watermelon, feta and fresh mint drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet salad.

5. Kale and Quinoa Salad – Mix protein-packed quinoa with shredded kale, dried cranberries and a light dressing.

More Hearty Side Dishes

If you’re looking for something more filling alongside your fish cakes, consider these satisfying sides:

1. Baked Beans – Traditional baked beans smothered in bbq sauce and bacon are a classic pairing with fried fish.

2. Macaroni and Cheese – For ultimate comfort food, a cheesy, ooey-gooey bowl of homemade mac and cheese is hard to top.

3. Cornbread – Warm cornbread with honey butter complements the fish beautifully.

4. Hushpuppies – These fried cornmeal dumplings are a traditional Southern side with fried fish dishes like fish cakes.

5. Cajun Dirty Rice – Sautéed ground beef, onion, spices and rice is bold and hearty alongside fish.

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to finding the perfect side to serve with your fish cakes! Simple roasted or steamed vegetables, crunchy salads, starchy sides or creamy dips all pair wonderfully with these tasty seafood patties.

Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner or an elegant soirée, you’re sure to find an accompaniment that suits the meal on this list of 30 amazing sides for fish cakes. Now it’s time to get cooking!