There are many delicious recipes for seafood. Maybe you’re steaming a live lobster or doing a whole roasted salmon. You may even try serving up your own Calabash style seafood with a platter of fried fish. Now, what are you going to eat alongside it? You’ve got nothing to worry about on that score. We are sharing some side dishes for fish and seafood that will round out your meal perfectly.
Fish is light, flaky, and mild in flavor. That’s why it’s so important to pair it with the right side dishes to complement it and make a complete meal. The good news is fish goes well with a wide variety of sides. From fresh vegetables to starchy comfort foods you’ll find something delicious to serve alongside any fish fillet or seafood dish.
We researched popular recipes, asked experienced home cooks, and scoured food blogs to find the very best options. Keep reading for 15 fantastic side dish ideas for fish dinners.
Veggie Sides for Fish
Vegetables naturally pair well with mild tasting fish Their bright, fresh flavors won’t overpower the fish
These veggie sides are easy to make and packed with nutrients:
1. Oven-Roasted Asparagus
Roasting asparagus deepens its flavor and adds delicious caramelization. Toss asparagus spears with olive oil salt and pepper then roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. The salty, savory roasted asparagus complements grilled, baked, or pan-seared fish beautifully.
2. Steamed Broccoli
Nothing could be simpler than steaming broccoli to serve on the side. The green veggie’s subtle flavor won’t compete with the fish. To fancy it up, toss with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and parmesan.
3. Sweet and Spicy Green Beans
Green beans sautéed with soy sauce, garlic, honey, and chili sauce make a tasty Asian-inspired side for fish. The sauce adds lots of flavor without overpowering.
4. Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf made with asparagus and cashews adds texture and nutrition. Nutty, buttery pilaf is a satisfying accompaniment for mild fish like cod or tilapia.
Pasta and Grains
Carbs like pasta, rice, and potatoes pair extremely well with fish. The starchiness balances out the lightness of the fish.
5. Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe
This classic Roman pasta tosssed with olive oil, parmesan, and black pepper is simple yet sublime. The rich, briny cheese and pepper cuts through any fishy flavors.
6. Quinoa with Feta and Cucumber
Protein-packed quinoa makes a lighter alternative to starchy sides. Toss it with diced cucumber, feta, dill, and lemon for a Mediterranean flavor.
7. Garlic and Herb Linguine
Buttery, garlicky linguine is fantastic alongside scallops, shrimp, crab cakes, or lobster. The pasta also soaks up any delicious pan sauces.
8. Creamy Risotto
Risotto’s creamy texture and umami flavor complements seafood beautifully. Standard mushroom risotto, saffron risotto, or lemon risotto are all excellent choices.
9. Baked French Fries
Because who doesn’t love fries with fish? Double-fried fries come out crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Season with salt, pepper, or cajun seasoning.
Salads and Slaws
The crunch and acidity of salads balances the soft flakes of fish. Salads also add lots of freshness.
10. Classic Caesar Salad
A crisp Caesar salad with garlicky dressing and shaved parmesan is a match made in heaven for fish dishes. The briny cheese and lemon brighten up simply prepared fish.
11. Cucumber Tomato Salad
A fresh tomato salad tossed with olive oil, lemon, and parsley makes a light summer side. Grill the tomatoes for extra flavor.
12. Sweet Restaurant Coleslaw
Creamy, mayo-based coleslaw is a classic pairing with fried fish platters. For next level flavor, dress the slaw with honey, vinegar, and celery seeds.
13. Fruit and Nut Salad
For a unique salad, combine mixed greens with diced fruit, toasted nuts, cheese, and vinaigrette. Try curried cashews, pears, grapes, and feta or oranges, walnuts, and goat cheese.
Hearty Sides
If you want more of a comfort food feel, pick one of these satisfying sides.
14. Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes
Slices of russet potato baked with a creamy cheese sauce are French cuisine at its finest. The rich potatoes are fantastic next to simply broiled fish.
15. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese may seem like an unusual pairing for fish but it’s actually amazing. The creamy pasta and melted cheese perfectly offset fish. Add lobster for pure decadence.
Expert Tips for Picking Sides for Fish
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The lighter and more delicately flavored the fish, the more you’ll want bright, acidic sides like salads or lemony veggies. Bold salmon and tuna can handle heartier sides.
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Balance textures and flavors. Creamy risotto or mac and cheese balances flaky fish. Crunchy slaws or sautéed veggies pair well with softer fish cakes and chowders.
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Match intensities. Delicate sole or flounder deserves equally mild sides like steamed broccoli or rice pilaf. Robust fish like mackerel stands up to assertive flavors like Caesar salad.
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If the fish will be fried, baked, or served in a sauce, pick sides that won’t compete or overpower those flavors. Simple roasted potatoes or steamed asparagus works best.
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Consider your whole meal. If you’re already having buttery, cheesy pasta, forgo the equally rich au gratin potatoes and serve a fresh salad instead.
Make Your Fish Dinner Unforgettable
You can transform an ordinary fish dinner into an extraordinary one with the perfect side dishes. Use this guide to find a delicious accompaniment whether you’re enjoying grilled salmon, fried catfish, seared tuna, or shrimp scampi. From green veggies to creamy pastas, starchy potatoes to fresh salads, you’re sure to find a fantastic pairing. Serve up a complementary side, pop open a nice wine, and get ready to enjoy fabulous fish tonight!
Garlic & Herb Linguine
With cooked crab, shrimp, or scallops, this simple pasta would be great. It’s also very quick and easy to make.
You’ll need:
- 4 ounces of dried linguine (you can also use angel hair or spaghetti sauce)
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt, or to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil with a few tablespoons of salt in it. Add pasta and cook until firm, yet tender. Take the pasta out of the water and put it in a big bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic, parsley, and melted butter. Pour the mixture over the pasta and toss it to coat it. Add salt to taste.
- Top with sauteed or broiled scallops, shrimp, or crab.
Recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com
Grilled Tomato Caprese Salad
A tomato salad is the perfect summer side dish. Add Mediterranean flavor to your favorite seafood and fish recipes on a sunny day.
You’ll Need:
- 500g cherry tomatoes/vine tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Basil Dressing:
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 garlic clove minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Caprese salad:
- 150g Fior di latte/Buffalo Mozzarella
- 1/2 fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
- Pre-heat an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan.
- Put the tomatoes in a bowl and add the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the tomatoes until they start to burn and char. Take it off the heat and put it in a dish to cool down while you make the dressing.
- Use a blender or food processor to mix all the ingredients for the dressing. You can also chop everything by hand and blend it until it’s smooth with a hand-held blender.
- To put it together, tear up the mozzarella and put it on a big plate. Add the grilled tomatoes on top, and then drizzle the juices from the tomatoes over the cheese. Add the basil dressing and fresh basil leaves to the salad, then serve.