25 Perfect Foods To Serve With Fish

When it comes to deciding what to serve alongside your fish, the options can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many types of fish are incredibly versatile, allowing for a wide range of side dishes that can enhance their natural flavors and textures. The key is finding combinations that complement the fish without overpowering it.

To achieve this harmony, it’s crucial to consider not only the flavor profiles but also the textures and aromas of both the fish and the accompanying sides.

By doing so, you’ll be able to create a well-rounded dish that showcases the best qualities of your chosen fish.

To make things easier for our fellow chefs out there, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that covers a variety of side dishes perfect for pairing with different types of fish. You’ll also find some helpful recipe ideas and more!

Join us as we explore the many possibilities and discover new ways to bring your fish dishes to life.

Curried Cod

Curry lovers, rejoice! While technically a side dish, curried cod is so packed with flavor that you won’t need anything else on the plate. This low-calorie, high-flavor option is perfect for those seeking a delicious and healthy fish meal. One of the most popular types of fish, cod boasts a generous serving size and a meaty texture that makes it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal.

The harmonious combination of tomato, chickpeas, and ginger perfectly complements the natural taste of the cod without overpowering it. This trifecta of flavors works in perfect synergy, making curried cod one of the easiest, most nutritious, and most delectable fish dishes to prepare.

Pan Fried Scallops With Chili And Coriander

Imagine a culinary marriage made in heaven – tender scallops infused with the bold, aromatic flavors of chili and coriander. This unexpected pairing is a match made to delight your taste buds, requiring minimal effort yet yielding maximum flavor. The key lies in the meaty texture of scallops, which allows for the subtle nuances of spices to shine through during cooking.

With this dynamic duo, you can confidently introduce robust flavors that might overwhelm other proteins, resulting in a harmonious balance that’s sure to please. This dish is an excellent choice as either a starter or snack, perfect for those occasions when inspiration eludes you. And, as an added bonus, it’s surprisingly low in calories, making it a guilt-free option for health-conscious individuals.

Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice is a nutritious alternative to traditional rice, boasting its own distinct flavor profile. While some may be hesitant about its taste, cauliflower rice doesn’t overpower the palate nor emit an overwhelming aroma. Instead, it harmoniously complements the natural flavors and aromas of the accompanying dish – in this case, the chosen fish. For added depth, consider seasoning the rice with pepper, garlic powder or paprika during boiling.

This low-carb and low-calorie side dish is ideal for those seeking a balance between flavor and dietary considerations, making it an excellent accompaniment to fish-based meals.

Mashed Potato

Indulge in the comforting aroma and velvety texture of buttery mashed potato – a match made in heaven, especially when paired with fish! This side dish stands out from others due to its lack of added oil, courtesy of being boiled rather than fried. A drizzle of low-fat salted butter provides just the right amount of richness. The addition of garlic adds depth, while a sprinkle of cheese helps balance the consistency. And the best part?

You’re in control – feel free to make your mashed potatoes as healthy (or not!) as you desire!

Traditional Caesar Salad

Incorporating a well-rounded diet into your daily routine is crucial for maintaining overall health. One excellent way to do so is by pairing a flavorful fish dish with a fresh and nutritious salad. A traditional combination featuring Romaine lettuce, croutons, anchovies, and cheese offers an impressive nutrient profile that’s gentle on the stomach. This harmonious union makes it an ideal choice for work-based lunches that will keep you energized and focused throughout the day.

French Fries

Elevate your fish dish with a timeless twist! Adding classic French fries can create a match made in heaven, particularly when paired with larger fish like salmon and cod. The key to making this combination truly special is to focus on cooking the fries in a way that complements the fish without overpowering it. Consider using an air-fryer or oven-roasting your fries to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the calorie count low.

This harmonious union of flavors will leave you wondering how you ever cooked fish without French fries.

Homemade Coleslaw

When paired with fish, coleslaw can be a match made in heaven. The creamy texture and crunchy vegetables create a delightful harmony of sweet and savory flavors and aromas. What’s more, this versatile side dish can complement a variety of fish preparation methods, making it a reliable choice for any meal. Ultimately, the key to elevating your fish and coleslaw combination lies in the quality of the slaw itself.

Dill Sauce

When it comes to pairing sides with fish, dill sauce is a crowd-pleaser, particularly when served alongside salmon. The bold flavors of the sauce have a harmonious relationship with the natural taste of the salmon, and this harmony is further amplified when seasoned with additional flavors like salt, pepper, and garlic. If you’re considering serving a salmon dish, dill sauce is an excellent choice that’s sure to impress.

In fact, it’s highly recommended for its ability to elevate the flavor profile of your salmon.

Spinach And Tomato Risotto

When it comes to selecting a side dish that complements the rich flavor of risotto, few options are as satisfying as pairing it with fish. The sweetness of tomatoes and the earthiness of spinach create a harmonious balance when combined with the bold taste of fish. By serving the fish atop a bed of creamy risotto, the contrast in textures adds to the overall dining experience. This comforting combination is particularly well-suited for chilly days spent indoors.

Vegetable Kebab Skewers

Kebab-ifying your veggies is a game-changer for a lackluster dinner. Simply thread your favorite vegetables onto skewers and grill them to caramelized perfection. Take it to the next level by drizzling with a rich butter or a spicy homemade chili sauce. This elevated approach will turn a mundane meal into an exciting experience that’s sure to delight! Go To Recipe

Tartar Sauce

For generations, tartar sauce has remained the ultimate complement to fish, and its enduring popularity stems from its distinct flavor profile and velvety texture, making it an ideal accompaniment to a wide variety of fish species.

Smoked Asparagus

For those who appreciate asparagus, this side dish is a delightful combination that will surely tantalize your taste buds. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, its unique flavor profile is certainly worth exploring. The magic happens when you cook the fish and asparagus simultaneously, allowing their distinct aromas to mingle and harmonize throughout the cooking process.

Rice Pilaf (Pilau Rice)

Rice pilaf is a delightful way to prepare rice, boasting a stunning golden hue courtesy of butter. This aromatic and flavorful dish offers a sensory experience like no other. While traditional recipes call for butter, the beauty of pilaf lies in its versatility – allowing you to create a healthier version by substituting the butter with alternative ingredients, ultimately leaving the choice up to personal preference.

Noodles

Drawing inspiration from the culinary mastery of Asian cuisine, where noodles often harmonize beautifully with fish-based dishes, it’s time to learn from their expertise and create your own delectable combinations at home. One such winner is the pairing of white fish with sesame noodles, a match made in heaven that not only impresses on the palate but also boasts impressive health benefits.

Spaghetti

While it’s understandable to think that this suggestion is similar to previous ones, rest assured that these recommendations are distinct. The versatility of noodles can be seen in its pairing with Asian-inspired dishes, whereas spaghetti, on the other hand, lends itself well to European-style cuisine. A striking example of this is the combination of shellfish like shrimp and spaghetti (or linguini for a slightly different twist).

When you add a rich tomato or garlic-based sauce to the mix, you’re rewarded with a satisfying midday snack that’s sure to hit the spot.

Garlic Butter

While garlic butter is a match made in heaven when paired with shellfish like lobster or crab, it’s not the only pairing option. In fact, you can elevate the flavor of a variety of fish dishes, including salmon, cod, and trout, by incorporating garlic butter into your recipe. If you’re looking to add some creativity to your culinary adventures, consider experimenting with imitation crab recipes. The possibilities are endless!

Jacket Potato

In the UK, a jacket potato takes center stage. Essentially a large potato baked in the oven, the skin is left intact, unlike its smaller, more familiar American cousin. The British take their jacket potatoes to the next level by leaving small slits on either side, allowing them to ‘breathe’ during baking. This clever technique enables the butter or non-dairy seasoning sauce to permeate the entire potato, creating a delightful union that pairs particularly well with fish.

Mac & Cheese

When it comes to seafood mac and cheese, many people assume that cooking the seafood is an integral part of the recipe. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. If you’re working with a larger piece of fish, you can actually serve it alongside your mac and cheese instead of incorporating it into the dish itself. This approach allows for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that can elevate the overall dining experience.

By preparing the perfect mac and cheese according to our recipe here, you can then plate it alongside your chosen seafood for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Green Beans

Green beans are another versatile vegetable that can complement a wide range of fish dishes, much like asparagus. Their mild flavor won’t overpower the delicate taste of the fish, and their aroma is simply delightful. For a truly satisfying evening meal, consider pairing green beans with a grilled salmon steak. This classic combination is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a versatile dish that pairs well with numerous healthy meals, including those featuring fish. When it comes to deciding what to stuff the peppers with, why not use the fish itself as the filling? This creative twist results in a dish that can seamlessly transition from side to main course, making it an excellent option for both scenarios.

Toast

As you read this, we’re guessing you might be wondering: toast? Really? The answer is yes! One of the best ways to bring out the flavors and aromas of grilled fish like Med-style fish is by pairing it with a perfectly toasted slice. The contrast between the crunchy texture of the toast and the soft, flaky fish is a match made in heaven. And the best part is that you can still appreciate the full range of grilled flavors without them being overpowered by any sauces or seasonings.

Lemon Butter

When it comes to elevating the flavor of fish, lemon butter is a game-changer. Not only can you drizzle it over your catch of the day as a finishing touch, but it’s also incredibly effective when used during cooking. The possibilities don’t stop there, though – pair this zesty sauce with pasta dishes and you’ll be in for a culinary treat that will leave you wondering how you ever settled for ordinary flavors before.

The Bottom Line

As we’ve explored the diverse options for accompanying your fish, we trust that this culinary journey has been a delightful one. As you continue to experiment and perfect your dishes, may the flavors and aromas transport you to a world of gastronomic joy.