A fish fry isn't complete without the right side dishes to round out the meal. Consider starting with hush puppies for their perfect crispy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Classic tartar sauce, made from mayonnaise, pickles, and capers, offers a creamy and tangy contrast. Onion rings add a satisfying crunch, while grilled corn on the cob brings a touch of charred sweetness. For a hearty option, try a loaded baked potato, topped with sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and chives. Each of these sides enhances the experience, and there are even more delightful options to explore.
Hush Puppies
Hush Puppies, a beloved Southern-style side dish, are made from a fried cornmeal batter that pairs perfectly with fried fish. These deep-fried treats boast a slightly sweet and savory flavor, making them an ideal companion to fish and chips.
Achieving a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior is key to these popular side dishes at fish fries and seafood festivals.
Classic Tartar Sauce
Classic tartar sauce is a quintessential accompaniment to fried fish, offering a creamy and tangy contrast that elevates the dish's overall flavor profile.
This side dish is made from mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, and seasonings, enhancing the crispy texture of fried fish.
Serving tartar sauce chilled improves its flavor and consistency.
Making your own classic tartar sauce is simple and allows for personalized customization.
Onion Rings
Onion rings, with their satisfying crunch and savory flavor, serve as an ideal side dish to complement fried fish. These batter-fried delights are a classic side, known for their crispy exterior and tender sweet onion inside.
Popular at seafood restaurants and fish fries, onion rings enhance the overall meal experience, making them a beloved choice as a side for fried fish.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Complementing the satisfying crunch of onion rings, grilled corn on the cob emerges as a popular side dish for fish fry meals. This easy-to-prepare option cooks quickly and offers a sweet balance to the savory fried fish.
The charred flavor from grilling enhances the taste of the corn, adding a fresh, comforting element that elevates the overall dining experience.
Loaded Baked Potato
A Loaded Baked Potato stands out as a hearty and indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with fried fish.
Topped with sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives, it offers a comforting and rich flavor profile.
This delicious combination of flavors makes it a popular choice for those seeking a filling and satisfying alternative to traditional potato sides when enjoying a fish fry.
Zesty Slaw
While a Loaded Baked Potato provides a hearty complement to fried fish, Zesty Slaw offers an invigorating and tangy alternative that enhances the meal with its vibrant crunch and balanced flavors.
This side dish for fried fish features crunchy cabbage and shredded carrots, all brought together with a tangy dressing. The combination cuts through the fried flavors, adding a revitalizing and rejuvenating element to the dish.
Garlic Parmesan Fries
Enhancing the fried fish experience, Garlic Parmesan fries offer a flavorful and savory twist with their delectable combination of garlic and Parmesan cheese.
This beloved side dish, made from either regular potatoes or sweet potatoes, brings a rich, savory element that perfectly complements fried fish.
The crispiness of the fries and the aromatic cheese make this an irresistible addition to any fish fry.
Bacon Jalapeño Cornbread
Bacon Jalapeño Cornbread, with its unique blend of spicy jalapeños and sweet cornbread, offers a flavorful kick that enhances the overall dining experience of a fish fry.
The spicy heat from the jalapeños and the sweetness of the cornbread create a perfect balance.
Additionally, the savory bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor, making this dish a delightful companion to crispy fried fish.
Cheddar Broccoli Mushrooms
Following the delightful combination of spicy and sweet in Bacon Jalapeño Cornbread, Cheddar Broccoli Mushrooms offer a cheesy and earthy complement to a fish fry.
Stuffed mushrooms filled with cheddar cheese and broccoli provide rich flavor and a satisfying, crispy texture.
This side dish contrasts beautifully with fried fish, making it a popular and unique addition to any fish fry meal.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Baked Mac and Cheese, with its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, serves as a classic and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with fried fish. This easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a delightful comfort food, making it an ideal side dish for fried meals.
Its rich flavor complements other sides for fried fish, like creamy coleslaw, creating a satisfying and balanced plate.
Southern Collard Greens
Moving from the creamy comfort of Baked Mac and Cheese, Southern Collard Greens offer a hearty and flavorsome side dish that pairs excellently with fried fish.
This classic side dish, cooked with bacon fat, provides richness and a traditional Southern flavor.
The greens balance the crispy texture of the fish, making them a perfect addition to any fish fry.
Greek Salad
Enhancing the fish fry experience, Greek Salad introduces a vibrant and invigorating contrast with its cool, crisp vegetables and tangy feta cheese.
This invigorating, healthy dish bursts with Mediterranean flavors, featuring colorful ingredients like lettuce and cucumber.
Zesty Greek dressing enhances the palate-cleansing qualities, making it an ideal companion to balance the richness of fried fish, providing a satisfying and flavorful accompaniment.
Easy Green Beans
Complementing the vibrant Greek Salad, Easy Green Beans offer a quick and simple side dish that enhances the meal with minimal preparation.
This versatile vegetable option can be made by sautéing canned green beans, making it one of the most convenient side dish recipes.
For added flavor, seasonings or additional ingredients can be incorporated, ensuring the green beans are anything but boring.
Crispy Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes, whether prepared in the oven or air fryer, offer a delectable and crunchy side dish that pairs perfectly with fried fish.
These seasoned potato wedges or homemade fries enhance the meal's texture, providing a delightful contrast to the fish.
Their easy preparation and flavorful outcome make roasted potatoes an ideal, crowd-pleasing choice for any fish fry.
Are the Best Side Dishes for Donuts Also Suitable for Serving with a Fish Fry?
When it comes to serving with a fish fry, the best side dishes for donuts may not be the most suitable. While donuts are sweet and rich, traditional fish fry side dishes like coleslaw, hush puppies, and French fries tend to complement the savory and crispy flavors of fried fish better.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole offers a delectable blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal side dish to accompany fried fish.
This hearty accompaniment combines the rich tastes of baked potato, cheddar cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives in a convenient casserole form.
It's a filling and flavorful addition, perfectly complementing the lighter profile of fried fish for a balanced meal.