Never mind fish on a Friday! We love a nice piece of fried fish any day of the week. Fried fish is delicious. However, it can often use a little helping hand to take it from good to great. In this article, we will look at what to serve with fried fish and give you some delicious ideas for the next time you are serving the catch of the day.
Fried Fish Sides
1. French Fries
Let’s start with a classic! Fish and chips are about as traditional as it gets, and with good reason… It really works. If you are looking for a substantial meal, they don’t come much more filling than fish and chips. We like to parboil our french fries for about 2 minutes before draining. This makes the surface go all floury once they steam. We then fry them in boiling oil until they are lightly golden brown. The best bit? They are perfect for dipping into a nice dollop of ketchup served alongside.
2. Mashed Peas
Mashed peas are straightforward to make. They are quite heavy, so you don’t need to serve a huge portion.
The nice thing about serving peas with fish is that it adds a much-needed splash of color to the plate. They are also relatively mild in flavor, so they will allow the star of the show, the fish, to truly shine.
To make, just add peas to boiling water with a pinch of salt. After around 5 minutes, drain the peas, add some seasoning, and mash with a potato masher until they are lovely and mushy.
3. Coleslaw
Depending on what fish you are cooking, it can get a little oily. Nothing cuts through the richness like some deliciously crunchy, finely sliced vegetables.
The main ingredient in coleslaw is white cabbage. This is ever so slightly acidic and works beautifully with fish. When twinned with luxuriant and creamy mayonnaise (and perhaps a squeeze of lemon), you have the perfect pairing.
If you are looking for a slightly more eye-catching dish, you can mix white cabbage with red cabbage.
4. Tartare Sauce
Tartare sauce is a traditional side dish to serve with fish. You have lots of familiar elements that combine to make one the ultimate’s in seafood side recipes.
More than a hint of creaminess in the sauce goes well, especially with creamy white fish. It also stops your dish from being too dry. There are also acidity elements in the pickles and perhaps a hint of saltiness, too, if you have added chopped capers.
5. Salt and Vinegar Chips
Salt and vinegar are a fish’s best friend. This works incredibly well if you have fried and battered your fish.
The batter soaks up the vinegar and becomes slightly soft. It also makes little sticky patches that hold the salt, making each mouthful absolutely delicious.
This works with chips too. To make, just finely slice potatoes into discs (leave the skin on). Fry the discs in hot oil until golden and slightly crispy, then sprinkle with salt and some malt vinegar. Top tip, make sure you haven’t got a cut on your lip.
6. Roasted Cauliflower
Fried fish is tasty, but it can be a little bit time consuming, so you may want a side dish to serve with fish that isn’t too cumbersome.
Roasted cauliflower is the answer. Just boil florets for 5 minutes before transferring to the oven with a sprinkle of seasoning and some olive oil. Bake for around 20 minutes until the tops begin to brown slightly.
7. Mashed Potatoes
It doesn’t come much simpler than mash potatoes. It is ideal as a fish side dish for several reasons. First, they are great at soaking up juices.
If you are serving your side dish with a sauce, you can ensure that it all gets mopped up. Secondly, you can ‘pimp’ your potatoes. We like to add a handful of cooked peas to create a pea and potato crush before mashing.
Alternatively, you could add cream cheese and some garlic powder to make something magical.
8. Lemon Roast Potatoes
Lemon and fish are best friends. As we have said, there is something about acidic tastes that really works with fried fish.
Combine the best of this with lemon and potatoes. Just parboil your potatoes and roast them for around 35 minutes in a lashing of oil. 5 minutes before they are due to come out, give them a squeeze of lemon juice, and grate some zest over them before finishing them off.
9. Rustic Bread Rolls
Simple is sometimes the best. A fried fish sandwich is one of life’s pleasures. Take a soft roll and split it. Make sure to apply liberal amounts of butter (and perhaps a pinch of salt and pepper). Stick your fried fish in the middle. Job done. A handheld picture of perfection.
10. Microwave Pickles
These are super easy to make and go with a range of seafood. Just microwave a sliced cucumber with a pinch of salt, some chopped onion, a splash of white vinegar, and a pinch of white sugar to taste.
They will take around 6 minutes, with a tactical stir in the middle. The recipe is done when the onions have gone clear, sweet, and soft.
11. Sweet Potato Wedges
This is a slight variation on fish and chips. As the name suggests, these wedges have a slight sweetness with work so well with savory fried fish. The best bit is that they are a little healthier than traditional French fries. They also have a really vibrant orange color to enliven your plate.
12. Quinoa Salad
A quinoa salad with a variety of veggies adds a burst of flavor and texture to complement fried fish. Quinoa provides a delightful contrast to the crispiness of the fish. The medley of colorful vegetables enhances the salad’s visual appeal, and crunchy cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet bell peppers balance out the richness of the fish. Aromatic herbs like parsley or basil can be added for an extra flavor. For a kick, finely chopped red onions or jalapeños can be added. Lightly dressed with zesty citrus vinaigrette or tangy yogurt-based dressing, this quinoa salad becomes even more flavorful.
13. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is the perfect side to any fried fish feast. Its tantalizing blend of spices and rice creates a symphony of flavors, and its versatility adapts to any fried fish preparation. Plus, its infusion of carefully-selected spices (e.g. cumin, coriander, turmeric, and saffron) elevates the humble grain into a culinary masterpiece. The aroma of nutty basmati rice, diced onions, garlic, and herbs is irresistible. When served with crispy fried fish or shrimp tempura, it provides both substance and satisfaction.
14. Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is an undeniable classic, loved by all for its comforting creamy and cheesy goodness. Its familiar flavors and nostalgic memories evoke feelings of childhood meals, family gatherings and cozy nights spent indoors. Every bite of tender macaroni noodles coated in a velvety cheese sauce tantalizes taste buds and its versatility makes it an ideal choice for any occasion – from casual weeknight dinners to elaborate feasts. With countless variations, ranging from traditional recipes to modern twists, its unabated popularity as an irresistible accompaniment remains constant. For the perfect side to succulent fried fish, look no further than the unrivaled allure of mac and cheese.
15. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a versatile and delicious side dish that enhances any fried fish meal with its sweetness and juicy texture. Whether grilled, boiled, or roasted, its natural sweetness and juiciness provide a refreshing contrast to savory fried fish. Grilling imparts a smoky flavor, while boiling allows for easy customization. Corn on the cob never fails to elevate the dining experience.
16. Baked Beans
When it comes to serving a delicious side dish with fried fish, few options can rival the delectable combination of baked beans. The contrasting flavors create a culinary harmony that elevates your meal to new heights; the crunchiness of the fish complemented by the creamy texture and complex flavors of the beans. Not only do they offer impeccable taste pairing qualities, but also notable nutritional benefits, packed with fiber-rich legumes and smoky bacon or aromatic herbs. Whether enjoyed on its own or combined with other sides, baked beans unquestionably add substance to your plate.
17. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables offer a delicious and nutritious accompaniment to crispy fried fish, bursting with flavor and smoky essence that complements the delicate notes of the fish. Grilling enhances sweetness and imparts char for depth and complexity. Perfectly grilled vegetables provide a crunchy texture contrast to the succulent fish, and vibrant colors that add visual allure. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, grilled veggies also provide valuable health benefits while maintaining a low calorie count.
Conclusion
The best thing about fish is that it typically has quite a mild flavor, so it works well with almost any side. Knowing what to serve with fried fish isn’t difficult.
Go for a mixture of colors and work with either contrasting or complementary flavors. What is your favorite side dish to serve with fried fish?