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 and hearty main dish that is perfect for a casual dinner or lunch. The crispy, golden exterior pairs wonderfully with tender, flaky fish on the inside. However, the right side dishes can take your fried fish to the next level and make it a complete meal.
When choosing sides for fried fish, you’ll want options that complement the crispy exterior and moist interior. Sides that add color, crunch, creaminess, or tanginess help to balance the flavors and textures of the fish. You’ll also want sides that are easy to prepare so your meal comes together without too much fuss.
Here are 10 delicious sides to consider serving with fried fish:
1. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic pairing with fried fish The tangy dressed cabbage adds a bright, crispy contrast to the hot fish Try making coleslaw with shredded cabbage and carrots dressed lightly with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and a touch of sugar. Lime or lemon juice also gives coleslaw a tasty tang. Stir in some chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for extra flavor.
2. French Fries or Chips
You can’t go wrong pairing fried fish with french fries or chips. The combination of the two fried foods is heavenly French fries provide the satisfying crunch you crave with fried fish. Season the fries with salt, garlic powder, or cajun seasoning for extra flavor. British-style chips, cut a little thicker, are also delicious. Don’t forget to serve ketchup, aioli, or tartar sauce for dunking
3. Hushpuppies
Hushpuppies are a classic Southern side dish made of fried cornmeal batter. They are soft and almost cornbread-like on the inside with a crispy outer shell. Pair hushpuppies with fried fish for a meal reminiscent of beachside seafood shacks. Try seasoning the batter with minced onion, fresh herbs, roasted garlic, or jalapeños for savory depth.
4. Potato Salad
Creamy potato salad is another complementary side for fried fish. Potatoes hold their shape and provide soft, hearty bites along with the fish Use a mayo-based dressing or a tangy Greek yogurt dressing to coat cubed potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery, onion, mustard, and fresh dill The cool creaminess balances the hot, crispy fish.
5. Southern-Style Grits
Grits are a beloved Southern side dish made from ground corn. They have a smooth, creamy texture and pair perfectly with fried fish. Make grits extra creamy with butter and cheese or keep them lighter with broth. Serving cheesy grits alongside crispy fish fillets is pure comfort food. You can also top fish with a mound of garlicky grits.
6. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts make for a healthy and delicious side to fried fish. Roast halved sprouts with olive oil, garlic, and seasoning for caramelized, crispy edges. The roasted veggies add brightness and texture contrast. If you keep the sprouts on the crunchy side, they’ll provide the satisfying crispy-soft balance with the fish.
7. Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a quintessential comfort food side. The classic cheesy pasta bakes up creamy on the inside with a crispy top layer. Pairing mac and cheese with fried fish makes for an indulgent, deeply satisfying meal. Use a classic cheddar or American cheese sauce or kick things up with hot peppers, mustard, or unique cheeses.
8. Cauliflower Rice
For a lower carb option, try serving fried fish with cauliflower rice. Simply pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency. Then cook the cauliflower until tender. Season with herbs, garlic, or cajun spices. The “rice” soaks up any sauce and offers a lighter side to fill you up.
9. Avocado Rice
For a fresh spin on rice, mix in some diced avocado. The creamy richness compliments fried food. Make cilantro lime rice or coconut rice and stir in diced avocado just before serving. You can also top rice with slices of fresh avocado. The cool green rice brightens up a plate of fried fish.
10. Bread for Dipping
Don’t forget to serve some bread alongside your fried fish for dipping in any extra juices or sauce on the plate. Cornbread, biscuits, dinner rolls, or even thick sliced toast work well. The bread helps you get every last drop of flavor. Warm bread also rounds out the meal and gives you something soft and carb-y along with the fish.
Fried fish deserves equally delicious accompaniments to make it a well-rounded meal. Sides like coleslaw, fries, hushpuppies, and mac and cheese are tried and true pairings. Or go for lighter options like roasted veggies when you want balance. Whatever combination of sides you choose, a meal of fried fish promises satisfaction. Focus on complementary flavors, textures, colors, and ease of preparation with your side dishes. With an array of side options, fried fish makes for a versatile entree any night of the week.
Instant Pot Black Beans
Want black beans that taste like they came from a restaurant but don’t have time? Your Instant Pot can cut the cooking time from all day to no more than 35 minutes. Get the Instant Pot Black Beans recipe.
One of our favorite things to eat with pulled pork or something crunchy like fried fish is macaroni salad. That’s why it’s so painful when it’s too dry or soggy. Not to fear—this recipe guarantees perfection ever time. Get the Classic Macaroni Salad recipe.
Homemade Mac & Cheese
Our best mac and cheese ever at Delish is great for any event, from holiday spreads to family dinners during the week. We think the best macaroni and cheese recipe should have three things: a golden, crunchy topping, extra creamy macaroni and cheese, and lots of cheese. Get the Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe.
Sweet potato fries can sometimes have a bad reputation—especially the oven-baked ones. They usually come out limp and tasteless, but that doesn’t have to be the case! We have all the tips you need to make sure your sweet potato fries are crispy and tasty right out of the oven. Get the Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
A traditional summer salad has mint, feta, red onion, cucumber, a balsamic glaze, and of course, juicy watermelon. This watermelon quinoa salad has all of those things. This creative take on a classic is the best way to spice up your summer. It’s great as a side dish for a BBQ or as a light and refreshing summer lunch. Get the Watermelon Quinoa Salad recipe. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below.