Fried fish is a beloved dinner option that can be paired with an array of sides to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. When it comes to selecting the perfect accompaniments, the type of fish being served plays a significant role.
For instance, milder-tasting fish like catfish or tilapia can be complemented by bolder flavors, while more robust fish like salmon or cod may require lighter, subtler options.Beyond the type of fish, the ideal side dish should consider the overall flavor profile and texture desired. Sides that provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy, savory fish are equally important as those that enhance its natural taste.
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER
Roasting cauliflower is an effortless culinary endeavour that never goes out of style. While you can experiment with various spice blends, a squeeze of lemon juice injects a refreshing brightness into each bite. To achieve optimal flavour, roast the cauliflower until it reaches a beautiful golden brown. This simplicity is amplified when using pre-cut cauliflower from the store, requiring minimal preparation time. Simply combine the florets with olive oil and salt in a pan, then let the oven do its magic.
STEAMED BROCCOLI
Steaming broccoli to accompany your fish fillet is an excellent way to create a nutritious and delicious side dish. While it’s not necessary to serve the broccoli hot, presenting it warm alongside your meal can elevate the overall taste experience. For added flavor, consider serving the steamed broccoli as is or topped with butter.
PEACH SALSA
When it comes to adding flavor to fish, salsa is a game-changer. One of the most unexpected and delightful combinations is pairing it with peaches. This sweet and tangy fusion creates a truly unique taste experience that’s perfect for adventurous eaters.
What sets peach salsa apart from other varieties is its subtle sweetness, which can be further enhanced or tempered by adding jalapenos or serrano peppers for an extra kick of heat. Additionally, the beauty of this recipe lies in its customizability; simply toss in some diced cucumber to give it a refreshing twist that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.
CORN AND TOMATO SALAD
Indulge in a vibrant and delectable corn and tomato salad that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. The combination of juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and fragrant fresh herbs creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. To elevate the dish even further, add a pungent punch from garlic and onion, then let it all meld together for at least 30 minutes before serving. The result is a refreshing salad that’s almost too beautiful to eat – but trust us, you won’t be able to resist taking a bite!
EASY SIDE DISHES
MAC N CHEESE
Indulge your taste buds in this comforting cheesy mac and cheese recipe, which is not only quick and easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser. The addition of crispy bacon elevates the dish to new heights, making it perfect for serving alongside a variety of main courses. One of the greatest advantages of mac n cheese is its adaptability – you can easily modify it to suit different tastes by incorporating cheddar for a kid-friendly option or gruyere for added depth. Regardless of your tweaks, this classic comfort food always pairs beautifully with fish when served as a side.
EASY GREEN PEAS WITH MINT VINAIGRETTE
Regardless of whether you opt for fresh or frozen peas, this recipe proves to be remarkably straightforward to prepare. The key lies in utilizing a blender to create the sauce, allowing you to have your sides ready in mere minutes. For an added layer of flavor, the mint vinaigrette is a superb option that not only elevates the dish but also harmonizes beautifully with the peas.
BAKED BEANS
If you’re on the hunt for a satisfying accompaniment to your crispy fried fish, this baked beans recipe is sure to hit the spot. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, it’s an ideal side dish that can be easily tailored to suit individual tastes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – simply adjust the seasonings to create a flavor profile that resonates with your palate.
FRIED CORN WITH BACON
When combining corn with bacon, the lightness of the corn is beautifully balanced by the savory richness of the bacon. This harmonious blend is further elevated when fresh herbs are added, allowing the flavors to meld together in perfect harmony. As a result, this delightful combination is ready to be served alongside your fried fish dish.
COLESLAW
Coleslaw is a match made in heaven when paired with fish, as its light and crisp texture perfectly complements the richness of the batter. Adding a tangy twist comes from incorporating your preferred mayo and mustard, making it an excellent accompaniment to summer barbecues. For added depth, consider tossing in some green onion and celery for a refreshing take on this classic side dish. Alternatively, swap out vinegar for lime or lemon juice to give your coleslaw a burst of citrus flavor. What’s more, this versatile slaw is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to quickly whip up a batch even when the kitchen is in full swing – just like magic, it’s ready before your fish hits the grill.
MICROWAVE MASHED POTATOES
While traditional methods of cooking mashed potatoes can be time-consuming, the microwave provides a convenient and speedy alternative. The result is a deliciously flavorful side dish that rivals its slow-cooked counterpart. To enhance the taste, simply add salt, pepper, or even garlic to taste. For an added richness, consider incorporating cheese into your mashed potato mixture. To achieve a smooth consistency, be sure to stir the potatoes occasionally as you cook them, ensuring lumps don’t form.
HUSH PUPPIES
There’s no denying that hush puppies are an excellent match for fish. The simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm, and you can easily elevate it by adding shrimp or a pat of butter on top. To achieve the perfect pairing with your fish, aim for hush puppies that are crispy on the outside and soft within. Alternatively, you can opt for the convenience of pre-made frozen hush puppies to save time and effort.
FRIED CATFISH SIDES
ONION RINGS
When it’s time for a fried fish fix, consider another crowd-pleasing side dish that pairs perfectly with the main event: crispy onion rings. Who can resist the allure of combining two beloved fried foods? If you’ve already got your fryer fired up, why not take advantage of the opportunity to whip up a batch of onion rings while you’re at it? To give them an extra boost of flavor, be sure to add some savory seasonings to your batter. And don’t forget to prepare a tangy homemade sauce to accompany these golden treats when they’re ready to devour. With this match made in heaven, you’ll be serving up a culinary experience that’s sure to satisfy.
CRISPY POTATO WEDGES
Looking for a flavorful alternative to traditional french fries? Try baking potato wedges instead! Simply coat the potatoes in olive oil and pop them in the oven. For an added boost of flavor, toss on some rosemary or thyme, but be warned – they’re delicious just as is. The result will be crispy, golden-brown potatoes with a fluffy interior. Serve them up with your favorite homemade sauce for a truly irresistible side dish.
AIR FRYER FRENCH FRIES
Transforming the humble French fry into a culinary masterpiece has never been easier, courtesy of the air fryer’s magic. Simply slice up some potatoes and load them into the basket. The result? Crisp, golden fries with minimal effort required. For an added burst of flavor, sprinkle on some salt or get creative with your favorite spices. With this straightforward method, you’ll be indulging in a delicious snack in no time.
SALT AND VINEGAR POTATO CHIPS
While it’s possible to purchase salt and vinegar chips from a store, there’s something special about crafting them at home. The homemade version boasts not only the same satisfying crunch as its store-bought counterpart but also an unparalleled depth of flavor. One of the greatest advantages of making these chips at home is the ability to customize the seasoning to your exact preferences, allowing you to fine-tune the balance of vinegar and salt to suit your taste buds precisely.
VEGETABLE SIDE DISHES
SIMPLE SKILLET GREEN BEANS
Green beans are a versatile vegetable that can be quickly cooked to perfection, making them an excellent accompaniment to fried fish. For a delicious side dish, simply pan-fry the green beans until they develop a satisfying crunch on the outside, while still retaining their natural flavors and texture. To achieve this, all you need is a small amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper for added seasoning. With these simple ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering side dish that complements your fried fish nicely.
SOUS VIDE ZUCCHINI
When it comes to cooking zucchini, many people find it challenging – but not with sous vide! The beauty of this method lies in its simplicity. Simply place the zucchini in a bag with some oil, lemon juice, and your preferred spices. Once you’ve added your desired flavors, let the sous vide machine do the work for you. After cooking, quickly sear the zucchini to achieve that perfect char and serve it alongside your favorite protein – like fried fish. This nutritious side dish is incredibly easy to make in bulk, making it a great option for meal prep or using throughout the week. With minimal effort required, this recipe offers a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.
AIR FRYER ASPARAGUS
Asparagus can be quickly transformed into a deliciously crispy delight using an air fryer, eliminating the need for lengthy oven cooking times. A light sprinkling of seasoning adds depth to the dish. This versatile side can be paired with breaded fish for a classic combination or served alongside steak for a refreshing change of pace.
SIDE SAUCES FOR FISH
ARBY’S HORSEY SAUCE
Horseradish adds a bold flavor dimension to fish dishes that’s hard to replicate with other condiments. While some ingredients might require effort to source, the end result is well worth it. As an alternative, you can rely on pre-made horseradish sauce recipes if the real thing proves elusive. Interestingly, this classic Arby’s sauce can be whipped up in no time at home, and its shelf life extends up to three days when stored in the fridge. This means you can make a batch with confidence, safe in the knowledge that any leftovers will remain fresh for a decent period.
TARTAR SAUCE
Killer tartar sauce is surprisingly easy to make at home, without ever having to step foot in a store. The secret lies in tweaking the classic mayonnaise recipe to incorporate the tangy flavor of pickles. Simply combine your favorite mayonnaise with finely chopped dill pickles and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added acidity. This flavorful condiment is perfect for serving alongside fried fish, breaded chicken, or any other crispy treat that could use an extra burst of flavor.
SEAFOOD SAUCE
This delectable sauce is designed to elevate your fish dish to new heights, boasting an array of bold flavors and spices that complement its light, fresh counterpart perfectly. With a wide range of ingredients at your disposal, you can easily tailor the sauce to suit your personal taste preferences. Furthermore, making this sauce at home offers the added benefit of being able to create extra portions for future meals, ensuring you never run out of this savory delight.
WINGSTOP RANCH SAUCE
Ranch is another versatile condiment that’s easy to whip up at home. While some may prefer tartar sauce, ranch has its own unique charm when paired with fried fish – it’s a match made in heaven! This creamy delight can also be used as a dressing to elevate the flavor of your breaded treats. In fact, it’s one of the most effective sauces for complementing breading on various dishes. Just be prepared to make a large batch, as this sauce tends to disappear quickly once you start serving it up.
Final Words
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy addition to your meal or a delicious side dish to impress your loved ones, these recipes are sure to hit the spot. So gather your favorite people around the table and indulge in some culinary delights. We’d love to hear about your experiences with these recipes – leave us a comment and share your thoughts!