What to Serve Fish With: 10 Delicious Side Dishes to Elevate Your Seafood Game

Updated on 
27 April, 2023

What To Serve Fish With

Serving fish can be a great way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal. However, it's important to make sure the side dishes you serve complement the fish without overpowering its delicate flavors.

What To Serve Fish With

This article will provide guidance on what to serve with fish so you can create an amazing meal that everyone will love.

Fish is such a versatile ingredient and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Whether you're grilling, baking, pan-frying, or poaching your fish dish, there are plenty of sides that will go nicely with it.

From salads and veggies to carbs and grains, this guide will help you find the perfect accompaniments for your favorite types of fish.

Salads

A light and flavorful salad is the perfect accompaniment to any fish dish.

Fresh herbs, citrus flavors, and crisp vegetables come together to create a delicious and healthy side that adds balance and complexity to the meal.

Herbs like dill, parsley, tarragon, and mint bring an amazing aroma to the plate while complementing the flavor of the fish.

Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit add a bright acidity that elevates the dish with their sweet-tart taste.

Vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, carrots, and radishes provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with a flaky fish fillet.

Vegetables

Vegetables are a great accompaniment to fish dishes.

Roasted veggies like carrots, potatoes and bell peppers bring out the natural sweetness of fish. They also add a delightful crunch when cooked with just a bit of oil and salt.

For a lighter option, try stir-fried greens like kale or spinach. These green vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals that pair nicely with fish's mild flavor. They can be cooked quickly in a pan with some garlic for an easy side dish that won't overpower the taste of your main course.

Grains are another excellent choice for pairing with fish dishes.

Grains

Grains are a great accompaniment to fish. For example, take a creamy risotto with salmon. The combination of the rich and buttery rice with the delicate fish makes for a delicious meal that is both quick cooking and nutritious.

Here are three great grains to serve with fish:

  • Quinoa – high in protein and fibre, quinoa cooks quickly and can be served as a side dish or used as the base for salads.
  • Brown Rice – this whole grain is packed full of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy option when served alongside fish.
  • Farro – this ancient grain has a nutty flavour and chewy texture that pairs perfectly with salmon or cod.

Potatoes are an excellent way to add some heartiness to your meal. They come in many varieties, from mashed to roasted, so you can get creative when serving them up with your favourite fish dishes.

Grains

Potatoes

Potatoes are a classic accompaniment to fish, and there are several ways to prepare them. Pan roasting is one of the easiest and most popular methods.

To pan roast, start by cutting potatoes into cubes or wedges and lightly seasoning them with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the potatoes. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; if necessary, cook the potatoes in batches. Cook until they are golden brown, stirring occasionally. Then remove from heat and enjoy!

Baking techniques can also be used to make tasty potato dishes. Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut potatoes into cubes or wedges, season with salt and pepper, then toss with your choice of oil or butter. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 30–40 minutes or until golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork. The result will be delicious roasted potatoes that pair perfectly with fish!

Transitioning seamlessly into the next section, sauces and dressings can elevate any fish dish even further.

Sauces And Dressings

Fish can be made even more delicious with the right sauces and dressings. From zesty marinades to creamy curries, there are plenty of options to choose from for a truly delectable dish.

Here are some of the best sauces and dressings for fish:

  • Lemon-herb butter sauce
  • Dill-yogurt sauce
  • Coconut curry sauce
  • Mango chutney

These condiments will add flavor, texture, and nuance to any fish dish. They can also help you create a variety of different dishes with the same base ingredient.

With these sauces and dressings, it's impossible to go wrong when serving fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type Of Fish Is Best To Serve?

When it comes to serving fish, grilled and baked are two of the best methods.

Grilled fish is a great way to get that smoky flavor, while baking helps lock in moisture to keep your fish juicy and flavorful.

Both methods will help you create a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

What Are Some Healthy Alternatives To Traditional Sides For Fish?

Who would have thought that fish could be served without those unhealthy, greasy sides?

Well believe it or not, there are actually healthy options to the traditional sides when it comes to serving fish.

Grilled vegetables, vegan sauces and other alternatives can offer a tasty and nutritious option to that same old side of fries.

Frequently Asked Questions

So why not ditch the deep-fried side dish and opt for something healthier like grilled veggies or a vegan sauce instead?

You won’t regret it!

Are There Any Side Dishes That Can Be Prepared Ahead Of Time?

When it comes to side dishes for a meal, one of the most convenient options is to make something ahead of time.

Cold salads and vegetable medleys are great choices that can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen when it's time to eat.

Not only do these sides taste great with fish, but they also offer a healthy alternative to traditional sides.

What Are Some Tips For Cooking Fish?

Did you know that two-thirds of Americans enjoy eating fish? If you're one of them, then you may be wondering how to best cook it.

Grilling and pan-searing are both popular methods for cooking fish. For grilled fish, place your filets over a medium-high heat and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature is 145°F.

When pan-searing, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat then add oil. Once the oil is hot, place the filets in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and the internal temperature has reached 145°F.

Enjoy!

How Can I Make My Fish Dish More Flavorful?

When it comes to making your fish dish more flavorful, there are a few simple tricks you can use.

Grilled vegetables are a great accompaniment to any fish dish and add a delicious smoky flavor.

You can also try incorporating herb sauces like pesto or chimichurri for an extra pop of flavor.

Another option is to marinate the fish before cooking, which will give it an extra depth of flavor.

With just a few simple steps, you can turn your ordinary fish dish into something extraordinary!

Conclusion

Fish is an incredibly versatile protein that can be prepared in many different ways.

When it comes to side dishes, there are lots of options available. From healthy alternatives like quinoa and roasted vegetables to more traditional sides like rice and potatoes, you can easily find something to pair with your fish dish. And don't forget the flavor boosters! Adding herbs and spices can really take your fish dish up a notch.

How Can I Make My Fish Dish More Flavorful?

Some may worry about having enough time to prepare a full meal when fish is involved, but that doesn't have to be the case.

Many side dishes can be prepared ahead of time, so you won't need to spend hours in the kitchen on the day of your dinner. I'm sure your family will appreciate a delicious fish dinner without all the fuss!

Jennifer
Jennifer is a certified nutritionist and weight loss coach with a Master's in Nutrition from Cambridge. With over 10 years experience, she shares healthy recipes and science-backed slimming tips on SheCooksSheEats to help people reach their wellness goals. Jennifer stays up-to-date by regularly attending conferences and continuing her nutrition education. She aims to provide research-backed advice to inspire balanced, happy living.
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