The best sides to go with fish tacos! Make your meal more interesting with simple, tasty sides that go well with your favorite fish taco recipe.
These easy-to-make side dishes will take the taste of your favorite fish taco to a whole new level. Your family will love them! They will improve the texture and flavor of your meal, making you happy and wanting more. [feast_advanced_jump_to].
Fish tacos are a favorite weeknight meal in my home. Who can resist the flavor combo of lightly fried fish, creamy sauce, fresh pico de gallo, and warm tortillas? As delicious as classic fish tacos are, the experience can be taken to the next level with sensational sides.
The right accompaniments lend texture color and variety to balance your tacos. I’ve experimented with all kinds of sides over the years. Here are my top 13 recommendations for complementing fish tacos and taking your meal over the top!
Types of Sides to Consider
Before diving into specific recipes let’s overview the types of sides that pair beautifully with fish tacos
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Beans – Black or refried beans add protein.
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Rice – Mexican rice provides a mild base.
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Soup – Tortilla soup has similar Tex-Mex flavors.
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Salad – Crunchy, fresh slaws or salsas.
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Vegetables – Grilled veggies, roasted corn, etc.
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Fruit – Pineapple, mango, or avocado.
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Chips – For scooping and snacking.
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Bread – Warm tortillas, cornbread, etc.
Aiming for a mix of textures and flavors will take your tacos to new heights!
13 Sensational Fish Taco Sides
Now let’s get to the good stuff – here are 13 of my go-to pairings for amazing fish tacos:
1. Refried Beans
Warm, creamy refried beans are a no-brainer pairing. Mash pinto or black beans with onion, garlic, and spices for a protein-packed accompaniment.
2. Mexican Rice
For an easy yet tasty base, make a batch of boldly-seasoned Mexican rice. I love mine with tomato paste and garlic.
3. Fish Taco Slaw
Crunchy slaws with lime dressing and spices complement tacos perfectly. Shred cabbage, carrots, radish, and cilantro for fiber and crunch.
4. Tortilla Soup
Tomato-based tortilla soup features similar Tex-Mex flavors as fish tacos. Try this hearty 30-minute homemade version.
5. Mexican Shell Soup
For another soup option, sopa de conchitas features shrimp, rice, tomatoes, and epazote herb. The shellfish tie in with the tacos’ fish.
6. Pico de Gallo
Fresh pico makes a flavorful topper for tacos, and also shines as a side. Mix tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño for a mini salad.
7. Restaurant-Style Salsa
For a quick blender salsa, blend tomatoes, onion, garlic, lime, and cilantro. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping.
8. Guacamole
Creamy, bright guacamole adds healthy fats and cools spicy tacos. Simply mash avocados with garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
9. Street Corn
For a Mexican-inspired veggie side, top grilled corn on the cob with crema, lime juice, chili powder, and queso fresco.
10. Cilantro-Lime Rice
Cook white rice in cilantro-lime broth for vibrant, fragrant rice loaded with flavor. Toss in corn for extra texture.
11. Roasted Veggies
Roast cauliflower, sweet potato, peppers, or other veggies in the oven to bring out natural sweetness. Season with cumin, chili powder, and garlic.
12. Mango salsa
For a fruity twist, make fresh mango salsa by dicing mango with red onion, chili, cilantro, and lime juice. Sweet, spicy, and refreshing!
13. Homemade Tortilla Chips
Warm, just-fried tortilla chips can’t be beat alongside fish tacos. Fry quartered corn tortillas in hot oil and sprinkle with salt.
Taco Night Simplified
With a well-stocked pantry, most of these sides can be prepped in 30 minutes or less. I like to make a big batch of Mexican rice or beans to have leftovers throughout the week.
Preparing 1-2 basic sides builds a complete, satisfying fish taco meal. Varying the combinations keeps dinners exciting.
Some nights I’ll do pico de gallo and guacamole for a fresh veggie pairing. Other times refried beans and tortilla chips hit the spot. The options are endless for mixing and matching complementary sides.
The beauty of tacos is their versatility – feel free to get creative with your own favorite flavors too! From classic beans and rice to fun mango salsa and elote, the sides really make the meal.
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 15 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
Fish Tacos Side Dishes
Due to their delicious mix of tender fish, tangy flavors, and soft tortillas, fish tacos have earned their reputation as a beloved food. The perfectly seasoned and cooked fish is the star of the show, but for a well-rounded meal, you should pair it with side dishes that go well with it. Whether you’re throwing a fun fiesta or just want to make your weeknight dinner more interesting, picking the right sides can make the whole meal better.
Mexican corn dip tastes just like Mexican street corn. It’s a family favorite that goes away way too quickly. This easy side dish features Mexicorn, roasted green chilies as well as shredded cheese.
Savor the addictive fiery heat in every bite. The sweet heat of this side dish will add a twist to your snacking.
Crisp, hand-torn romaine lettuce is mixed with a homemade Caesar salad dressing that is creamy and classic. Crumbly croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and crunchy capers are then added to make the salad look even better.
Sit and let it marinate for a couple of minutes. The contrasting textures and tasty flavors of this side dish is always a hit! A healthy choice too.
The refreshing flavors and creamy texture of the avocado will create a delightful taste in your pallet. Perfect for dipping or topping. Your choice.
This beautiful and fragrant side dish will bring out the flavors in your main dish and keep your taste buds in check with each bite.
The upgraded version of your classic coleslaw. The mix of tastes, the sour kick from the spices, and the bright colors will make you hungry and take your hunger to the next level.
If you want to make roasted chili corn salsa, this is the recipe for you. It’s a sweet corn salsa with mild to medium heat, like these at restaurants. Fiery poblano peppers, frozen sweet corn, red onion, cilantro, and fresh lemon and lime juice are what I use to make my own chipotle corn salsa. You can eat the corn salsa with tortilla chips, a burrito bowl, or any other Mexican dish you like.
With just a touch of seasoning and fresh vegetables cooked to perfection, this dish will make any meal more interesting.
This healthy side dish pops of green on your plate and tastes a little garlicky. It’s really tasty and hard to resist. No need to feel guilty on your second plate.
A perfect companion to your fish taco. The tangy and flavorful taste will make your meal superb. The taste will be even better if you put it in the fridge while you work on another dish.
You can’t say no to the natural sweetness of the sweet potato or its crispy edges. They will make your taste buds dance with joy. Crunchy goodness in every bite.
The sweet and buttery corn smell tastes great with your meal, and the soft, moist texture is something you will definitely enjoy.
A cool side dish with a zesty and spicy dressing that will make your taste buds dance and make you want more of that kick.
Dive into the creaminess of perfectly mashed avocado, sprinkled with spices and herbs. Indulge in the Mexican flavorful delight in every bite.
If you want to add a burst of juicy, tropical sweetness to your fish tacos, try this smoked pineapple. The smoky flavor goes well with every bite.
A colorful side dish that is rich in protein. Have this salad while enjoying both taste and nutrition. No worries!.
Jicama and carrots that have been thinly sliced and perfectly seasoned with a tangy and zesty dressing that will make your meal taste better and be more refreshing.
You will love this side dish if you like onions! It’s full of flavor and has a kick of zestiness and a little spice. It goes great with your fish taco.
This corn casserole has all your favorite flavors of Mexican street corn. Scoop it up with chips and serve it warm, fresh out of the oven. You will love this street corn casserole recipe because it has corn, chipotle pepper, Cotija cheese, and just a touch of lime and hot sauce.
This pie has two crusts and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg that will make you want another piece.
The sourness, sweetness, and twist of flavors in this side dish make it a great addition to any meal and will wake up your taste buds. A healthy treat for you too.
The sweet and juicy watermelon and the wonderful flavors from the herbs and spices make for a tasty treat that will please your taste buds.
A crunchy side dish with a satisfyingly light sweetness and a crispy texture. It’s lightly salted and fried until golden brown. One of the best to serve with grilled fish tacos!.
This salty, rich side dish is made from mashed Pinto beans and seasonings. It goes well with any meal.
A combination of shredded cabbage and carrots together with a tangy dressing. You will never go wrong with this quick and easy, refreshing and crunchy side dish. It can always make you want more.
Awaken your taste buds with a burst of flavors in every bite of this refreshing mix of sweet and sour. Chef tip: dont skip the fresh cilantro!.
This infused rich-in-flavor rice, perfectly simmer in well-seasoned broth is always a great choice as an accompaniment. You will not believe that it has only a few ingredients.
The crunchy texture of the cabbage and carrots, along with the bright flavors in this dish, will definitely make your meal more enjoyable. Perfect accompaniment for almost every dish.
Tangy, sweet and a little spicy. This irresistible accompaniment will wake your palate and level up your meal. Perfect if you need a fresh summer flavor.
A delicious and healthier accompaniment. The crispy texture and the delightful sweetness make it a perfect side dish for your meal. No guilty feeling too!.
Sour, sweet, salty and savory. This healthy dish will bring you excitement in every bite. Plus, a healthy choice too.
The smoky and sweet taste of this accompaniment will make you crave for more without feeling guilty. You will not believe that a plain asparagus can taste this good.
Upgrade your taste buds with this flavorful, fragrant and zesty dressing. Best if rested for a couple of minutes before serving to enhance the taste even more.
Burst with smoky and sweet-savory goodness that will elevate your dining game. The little spicy kick will tickle your palate.
Simple yet delicious accompaniment. The naturally sweet and ripe tomatoes, red onions, and herbs give this dish a fresh taste, and it only takes a few minutes to make.
Full of flavor and spice. This dish will bring some spice to any boring meal and will make you want for more. The combination of colors and aroma adds to it’s addicting taste.
This nutritious dish is grilled to perfection. With the smoky vegetables, herbs, spices, and tangy dressing, this dish is sure to please your taste buds.
A simple and refreshing recipe that could be your next favorite. This tasty dish has just the right amount of sour and spicy to take your meal to a whole new level.
With a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, the grilled zucchini that has been seasoned with salt and black pepper will make you drool. Slice the zucchini into strips to make it more appealing.
Crispy fries with flavorful Mexican toppings. This dish will has an irresistible bold taste that will surely please your palate. It’s aroma is to die for too.
The unique flavor from roasting the poblano peppers gives your meal a little kick and a smoky goodness. Perfect grilling really enhances the taste.
And it’s so easy to make! This dish tastes naturally sweet, rich, and creamy, and even kids will love it! It might even become the next big thing in the kitchen!
Golden and crispy. You can almost smell the herbs and garlic in the soft zucchini shreds, and the vegetable’s natural mild sweetness will make your mouth water.
Most of the time, mild white fish that is good for grilling or frying is used in fish tacos. These types of fish are usually seasoned with different herbs and spices, then grilled, baked, or deep-fried. They are then served in a tortilla with toppings like salsa, avocado, lime, shredded cabbage, and different sauces. Mahi-Mahi: This fish, which is also called dorado or dolphin fish but is not related to the mammal dolphin, is often used in fish tacos because it has a firm texture and a mild flavor. Tilapia: This fish is easy to find and doesn’t cost much. It has a neutral flavor that soaks up the flavors of the sauce or seasoning. Cod: Cod is often used in fish tacos, especially in places where British or Nordic culture is strong. It has a delicate flavor and flakes nicely when cooked. Halibut: Halibut is a bit more expensive, but its flaky texture and slightly sweet flavor make it a great choice for fish tacos. Snapper: You can also use red snapper or other types of snapper. They have a slightly sweeter taste than some other white fish.
What To Serve With Fish Tacos ~ You Can Make The Tacos ~ But What Do You Serve The With?
What is a good side dish for a fish taco?
If you love onions this side dish is perfect for you! Burst with flavors with a kick of zestiness and a little bit of spice, this is perfect for your fish taco. 20. Mexican Street Corn Casserole (Elote) This corn casserole has all your favorite flavors of Mexican street corn. Scoop it up with chips and serve it warm, fresh out of the oven.
What fruit goes well with fish tacos?
It’s out of this world. Tropical fruits are your best bet when it comes to this recipe. Pineapple, mango, and watermelon will serve you well. This is one of the best healthy sides to whip out on a hot summer’s day to pair with some fresh fish tacos.
What to serve with tacos?
Condiments like pico de gallo salsa and guacamole are perfect for adding a little extra kick. Light salads or bean-based dishes are both great too. You can enjoy either one as a side or inside the flour tortillas as part of the taco, so everyone can make the taco that suits them.
What to eat with fish tacos?
It’s refreshing, no-cook and ready in all of five minutes—the ideal side for grilled fish tacos, if you ask us. Feel free to swap the feta for another cheese, like crumbled queso fresco or cotija. 2. Avocado Rice It’s creamy and rich but somehow still light and fresh. That’s the magic of avocados for you. (It’s also only seven ingredients, NBD.) 3.