Best Fish Fry Sides Recipes to Complete Your Meal
Imagine the smell of fried fish filling your kitchen. It makes your mouth water and gets you excited. But, a great fish fry needs more than just the fish. It needs tasty side dishes to make it complete.
Whether it’s a big family dinner or a cozy night in, the right sides can make it special. You can try classic Southern dishes or quick, easy recipes. Options like creamy coleslaw, crunchy onion rings, or warm hush puppies are all great choices.
Don’t just stick to fries. Try roasted potatoes, zucchini fries, or sweet cornbread for something different. The goal is to find the perfect mix of flavors and textures to go with your fish.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Complement your crispy fish fry with a variety of flavorful and texturally diverse side dishes.
- Explore both classic and creative options, from creamy coleslaw to roasted potatoes and beyond.
- Seek balance in your meal by pairing the robust flavors of fried fish with lighter, refreshing sides.
- Embrace regional specialties like hush puppies or rye bread to add unique flair to your seafood feast.
- Experiment with vegetable-based sides to offer a healthier counterpoint to the fried fish.
Essential Fish Fry Sides Recipes for the Perfect Dinner
Planning the perfect fish fry means choosing the right side dishes. There are many tasty options, from classic Southern dishes to quick and easy ones. Let’s look at some key side dish recipes that will make your meal special.
Classic Southern-Style Preparations
No fish fry is complete without hush puppies and cornbread. Hush puppies are crispy outside and fluffy inside, a Southern favorite. Serve them with sweet and savory cornbread for a true taste of the South.
Quick and Easy Side Options
For a quick fix, try coleslaw and french fries. Coleslaw, whether vinegar-based or creamy, adds a refreshing touch. And crispy fries are perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
Make-Ahead Side Dishes
For a stress-free fish fry, make some side dishes ahead of time. Potato salad and baked beans are great options that save time. A Jamaican rice and peas dish can also add flavor to your meal.
| Side Dish | Prep Time | Key Ingredient |
|---|---|---|
| Hush Puppies | 30 minutes | Cornmeal |
| Coleslaw | 15 minutes | Cabbage |
| Potato Salad | 45 minutes | Potatoes |
| Baked Beans | 60 minutes | Navy Beans |
| Rice and Peas | 30 minutes | Rice, Peas |
Try different combinations of these side dishes to make a complete and tasty meal. The secret to a great fish fry is balancing flavors and textures with your fried seafood.
Traditional Hush Puppies and Cornbread Variations
Hush puppies and cornbread are two Southern favorites that go great with fried fish. They’re made from a simple cornmeal batter, fried until golden brown. The secret to their perfect texture is hot oil, which makes them crispy outside and fluffy inside.
For a classic cornbread, try a recipe with half-and-half for a rich taste. But you can also add savory or spicy twists to hush puppies. Try adding onions, parsley, or Creole seasoning for extra flavor.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 232 |
| Fat | 3.8 g (5.9%) |
| Saturated Fat | 1.8 g (8.9%) |
| Carbohydrates | 42.3 g (14.1%) |
| Fiber | 1.9 g (7.7%) |
| Sugars | 3.2 g |
| Protein | 6.4 g (12.7%) |
| Sodium | 303.3 mg (12.6%) |
The recipe makes 4 to 6 servings, with 18-20 hush puppies. The batter mix is 1 1/2 cups cornmeal to 1/2 cup flour. Fry each batch for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re brown on all sides. Enjoy them fresh or store them at room temperature for up to 1 day.
Whether you love classic hush puppies or a tasty cornbread, these cornmeal treats are great with fried fish. They add texture, flavor, and a Southern touch to your meal.
Creamy Coleslaw and Fresh Salad Options
Looking for the perfect side dishes for your fried fish? There are many great choices. You can go for a tangy coleslaw or a fresh summer salad.
Vinegar-Based Coleslaw Recipes
Try a vinegar-based coleslaw for a tangy twist. It’s made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions. The dressing includes apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup for sweetness.
This slaw is crisp and refreshing. It’s a great match for fried fish.
Mayo-Based Classic Versions
For a creamy coleslaw, choose a mayo-based recipe. It has a rich dressing with mayonnaise, sour cream, and seasonings. The texture is smooth and velvety.
This coleslaw contrasts nicely with the crunchy fried fish.
Summer Fresh Salad Alternatives
For something lighter, try a summer salad. A watermelon quinoa salad is sweet and refreshing. Or, a Thai watermelon salad with lime dressing adds a tangy twist.
These salads are vibrant and clean your palate. They’re a great choice with fried fish.
| Dish | Prep Time | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon Tacos | 35 mins | 376 (2 tacos) |
| Beef Egg Rolls | 35 mins | 185 (1 egg roll) |
| Sausage Pierogi Skillet | 30 mins | 402 (2 cups) |
| Chicken Pecan Sliders | 40 mins | 335 (1 slider) |
| Lentil Sloppy Joes | 65 mins | 215 (1 sandwich) |
| Grilled Chicken Ramen Salad | 30 mins | 458 (1 serving) |
| Slaw-Topped Beef Sliders | 26 mins | 322 (1 slider) |
| Hearty Beef Veggie Soup | 190 mins | 162 (1 cup) |
| Fish Tacos | N/A | 308 (2 tacos) |
| Egg Roll in a Bowl | 25 mins | 451 (1-1/4 cups chicken mixture with 3/4 cup rice) |
| Skinny Cobb Salad | 25 mins | 324 (1 serving) |
These vibrant salads are a refreshing contrast to fried fish. They offer a crisp, clean taste that complements tangy coleslaw and creamy dressing.
Perfect Potato Side Dishes
At the heart of a great fish fry are the perfect potato side dishes. They can make the meal even better. Options like french fries, creamy potato salad, and tasty roasted potatoes cater to all tastes.
Homemade french fries are a classic choice. They’re seasoned with spices and go well with fried fish. For something different, try Roasted Lemon Greek Potatoes. They add a Mediterranean flair to your meal.
A cool potato salad is essential for a fish fry. Try Pesto Potato Salad for a twist on the usual. Or, serve Mini Pommes Anna for a fancy touch.
| Potato Side Dish | Preparation | Ideal Pairing |
|---|---|---|
| French Fries | Crispy, seasoned | Classic fried fish |
| Roasted Lemon Greek Potatoes | Roasted with lemon and herbs | Grilled or baked fish |
| Pesto Potato Salad | Creamy, with pesto dressing | Fried or grilled seafood |
| Mini Pommes Anna | Layered, crispy potato discs | Elegant fish dishes |
Whether you love french fries, potato salad, or roasted potatoes, these sides will enhance your fish fry. They offer a mix of comfort, freshness, and elegance.
Homemade Sauces and Condiments
Make your fish fry better with homemade sauces and condiments. Skip the store-bought stuff. Making them yourself adds a special touch to your meal.
Classic Tartar Sauce Recipe
Homemade tartar sauce is essential for fried fish. It’s easy to make and tastes much better than store-bought. Mix mayonnaise, diced pickles, shallot, capers, lemon zest and juice, and fresh herbs. Chill it for a few hours before serving for the best taste.
Specialty Dipping Sauces
Try remoulade or aioli for a special touch. Remoulade has mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, capers, and spices for a unique taste. Aioli, with its garlic flavor, pairs well with fried seafood.
Quick Pickle Recipes
Homemade pickles add a nice crunch to fried fish. You can add garlic, dill, or spices for a personal flavor. These quick pickles are easy to make and perfect for your fish fry.
| Sauce/Condiment | Key Ingredients | Serving Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Tartar Sauce | Mayonnaise, pickles, shallot, capers, lemon | Fried fish, fish sandwiches |
| Remoulade | Mayonnaise, Dijon, capers, Cajun spices | Fried seafood, crab cakes |
| Aioli | Mayonnaise, garlic, lemon, olive oil | Fried fish, shrimp cocktail |
| Dill Pickles | Cucumbers, vinegar, dill, garlic | Fish sandwiches, fried fish |
| Fry Sauce | Ketchup, mayonnaise, spices | French fries, onion rings |
Baked Beans and Legume-Based Sides
Looking for the perfect side for your fish fry? Try homemade sweet and spicy beans. They’re sweet, spicy, and loved by all. They’re the perfect side dish.
For something fresh and full of protein, try a black bean salad. It’s a mix of black beans, corn, and veggies. It’s great on tacos or with tortilla chips. These sides add nutrition and flavor to your meal.
Homemade Baked Beans
The best baked beans take just over an hour to bake. They serve about 8 people. These beans are full of flavor and good for you.
- 385 calories per serving
- 38g carbohydrates
- 8g protein
- 23g fat
- 8g saturated fat
- 677mg sodium
Reheat leftover beans on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Or, cook them in a slow cooker or on the stovetop for one hour.
Black Bean and Corn Salad
This black bean salad is fresh, flavorful, and full of protein. It’s quick to make and great as a topping or dip. It’s perfect for your fish fry.
“These baked beans are the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, and the black bean salad adds a refreshing, nutritious element to the meal. Both sides are sure to be crowd-pleasers at your next fish fry!”
Creative Corn-Based Accompaniments
Discover the fun of corn-based sides to make your fried fish better. Try grilled corn for its smoky sweetness or corn fritters for a crispy treat. These dishes pair well with the rich taste of fried seafood.
Grilled Corn Variations
Make your grilled corn even better with honey-lime butter. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor to each kernel. The grill’s char adds a smoky taste, making it a great match for fried fish.
Corn Salsa and Relishes
Try a corn salsa inspired by Chipotle. It mixes sweet corn with red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and citrus. This relish brings a fresh contrast to your fried fish. Explore different corn salsas and relishes to find your favorite.
Get creative with corn to enhance your fried fish meal. From grilled corn to zesty corn salsa, these sides bring great texture and flavor. They make your meal unforgettable.
Vegetable Side Dishes and Healthy Options
Make your fried fish meal even better with tasty vegetable sides. Roasted asparagus gets rid of any bitterness, matching well with the fish’s richness. Zucchini fries are a healthier choice, adding a nice crunch. Roasted cauliflower with parmesan cheese brings a special taste that goes great with the fish.
For a global twist, try green beans with an Asian sauce. They’re full of lively flavors. These healthy sides balance out the fried fish, offering tasty, nutritious choices.
- Roasted Asparagus: A simple, bitterless preparation that enhances the fish’s richness.
- Zucchini Fries: A healthier alternative to traditional potato fries, offering satisfying crunch.
- Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan: A unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with fried fish.
- Green Beans with Asian-Inspired Sauce: An international touch that adds vibrant flavors to the meal.
These vegetable sides use different cooking methods, like roasting and air frying. They help you find the best match for your fried fish. Enjoy the fresh taste of seasonal produce and make your meal even more special.
Comfort Side Dishes: Mac and Cheese and Beyond
Comfort foods like homemade mac and cheese and pasta salad are perfect for fish fry sides. They add substance and are loved by kids.
The best mac and cheese has a creamy inside and a crunchy top. Use sharp cheddar and creamy béchamel for a rich taste. Adding ground mustard or hot pepper sauce can make it even better.
For a different twist, try a chilled pasta salad with tortellini or cheese-filled ravioli. Mix it with tangy vinaigrette, fresh veggies, and parmesan. It’s a light, tasty side that goes great with fried fish.
| Homemade Mac and Cheese | Tortellini Pasta Salad |
|---|---|
| Sharp cheddar cheese Creamy béchamel sauce Ground mustard (optional) Hot pepper sauce (optional) Breadcrumb topping | Cheese-filled tortellini or ravioli Tangy vinaigrette dressing Fresh vegetables (cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper) Parmesan cheese |
Whether you pick classic mac and cheese or a cool pasta salad, these sides will enhance your fried fish. They’re sure to fill any appetite.
Conclusion
Making the perfect fish fry is all about finding the right side dishes. You can choose from classic hush puppies, tangy coleslaw, or creamy potato salad. These options help create a balanced and enjoyable meal.
Adding regional specialties and your favorite dishes makes it even better. This way, you can make the meal truly yours.
Whether you love mac and cheese or a fresh summer salad, the goal is to mix textures and flavors well. This approach turns a simple fish fry into a memorable experience.
When planning your next fish fry, think about the variety of side dishes. They can meet different tastes and dietary needs. This ensures everyone has a great time and enjoys their meal.
FAQ
What are some classic side dish options for a fish fry dinner?
For a fish fry dinner, try creamy coleslaw and tartar sauce. Pickles, hush puppies, and cornbread are also great choices. Adding regional specialties like rye bread can make the meal even more interesting.
What are some healthy or lighter side dish alternatives to fries?
If you want something lighter, consider oven-roasted potatoes or onion rings. Sweet potato chips, broccoli, and zucchini are also good options. They add variety and balance to your meal.
How can I make hush puppies and cornbread to serve with my fish fry?
Hush puppies are fried cornmeal batter that turns golden brown. Sweet cornbread, made with half-and-half, adds a rich taste. Both are perfect with fried fish, offering a Southern twist.
What types of coleslaw can I make to serve with my fish fry?
You can make vinegar-based coleslaw for a tangy taste or mayo-based for creaminess. Try adding maple syrup or Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Fresh salads like watermelon quinoa or Thai watermelon salad are also great alternatives.
What potato-based side dishes are good options for a fish fry?
French fries, potato salad, and roasted potatoes are all classics. For something different, try sweet potato fries or frozen steak fries seasoned and baked.
What sauces and condiments can I make to complement my fish fry?
Homemade tartar sauce and fry sauce are excellent choices. Quick pickles are also a hit. Don’t forget to try remoulade or aioli for a special touch.
What other side dish options can I consider for a fish fry meal?
Consider baked beans, black bean and corn salad, or grilled corn with honey-lime butter. Corn fritters, corn salsa, and roasted asparagus are also tasty. Baked zucchini fries, roasted cauliflower, and homemade mac and cheese offer more variety and nutrition.