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What to Serve With Fried Walleye: 15 Best Side Dishes

Discover the best side dishes to complement your fried walleye for an unforgettable meal. Classic Coleslaw offers a crisp, tangy contrast; while Lemon Asparagus brings a revitalizing citrusy touch. Garlic Mashed Potatoes add comforting heartiness, and Grilled Corn on the Cob provides a sweet, smoky flavor. For a lighter option, consider a Fresh Garden Salad, bursting with vibrant vegetables and tangy dressing. Each of these sides enhances the rich, savory taste of fried walleye. Explore further for more delicious pairings that will transform your meal into a culinary delight.

Classic Coleslaw

savory summer picnic side

A quintessential accompaniment to fried walleye, classic coleslaw offers an invigorating contrast with its crisp texture and tangy flavor.

Coleslaw variations abound, each bringing a unique twist to the table. Traditional options include creamy mayonnaise-based dressings or lighter, vinegar-based versions.

These dressing options allow you to customize the coleslaw to complement the rich, savory profile of fried walleye perfectly.

Lemon Asparagus

delicious spring vegetable dish

Lemon asparagus brings a revitalizing, citrusy brightness that beautifully complements the rich flavors of fried walleye. The tangy lemon zest enhances the natural sweetness of the asparagus tips, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

Sauté the asparagus tips until tender-crisp, then finish with a generous sprinkle of lemon zest. This side dish is both rejuvenating and simple, making it an excellent choice.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

delicious side dish recipe

To add a comforting and hearty element to your meal, consider serving garlic mashed potatoes alongside your fried walleye.

The buttery texture of the mashed potatoes perfectly complements the crispy fish.

A delicate herb garnish, such as parsley or chives, adds a touch of freshness and color, making the dish not only delicious but also visually appealing.

This combination promises a satisfying and well-rounded dining experience.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

summer barbecue essential side

Grilled corn on the cob offers a smoky sweetness that pairs excellently with the savory flavors of fried walleye. Achieving this involves using effective grilling techniques and applying a generous amount of butter seasoning.

The result is a delightful combination of charred kernels and rich, buttery flavor that complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Fresh Garden Salad

healthy summer meal option

A fresh garden salad provides a vibrant and invigorating contrast to the rich flavors of fried walleye. Combining crisp seasonal vegetables with a tangy homemade dressing creates a rejuvenating side.

Think of crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, all tossed together. This light, nutritious option balances the meal, adding a burst of color and flavor that complements the walleye perfectly.

Potato Wedges

crispy seasoned potato wedges

For a hearty and satisfying side, potato wedges offer the perfect complement to fried walleye.

These crispy delights can be seasoned with various options such as garlic, rosemary, or paprika, enhancing their flavor profile.

Pair them with a selection of dipping sauces like tangy ketchup, creamy ranch, or spicy aioli.

Together, they create a delightful balance of textures and tastes.

Creamy Polenta

hearty comfort food option

Creamy polenta provides a rich and smooth contrast to the crispy texture of fried walleye. This dish, with its creamy texture, complements the fish perfectly, creating a delightful balance of flavors and sensations.

Polenta variations can add depth and interest, whether you choose to include cheese, herbs, or even a hint of garlic. It's a warm, comforting side that enhances the meal.

Steamed Green Beans

fresh green beans recipe

Steamed green beans offer a fresh and vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of fried walleye.

Packed with nutritional benefits, they are high in vitamins A and C and provide a good source of fiber.

For preparation tips, simply steam until tender-crisp, then season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.

This simple side dish complements your meal perfectly.

Quinoa Salad

healthy vegetarian quinoa dish

In addition to steamed green beans, a invigorating quinoa salad can add both texture and nutritional balance to your fried walleye meal.

Quinoa, known for its grain variety, offers a delightful crunch and a protein boost, making it an excellent complement to the fish.

Toss it with fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette for a revitalizing side that enhances the overall dining experience.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

roasted sweet potatoes recipe

Baked sweet potatoes provide a delightful combination of natural sweetness and robust texture, perfectly complementing the crispy fried walleye. Their nutritional benefits, including high fiber and vitamins, make them a healthy choice.

Seasoning options are versatile—consider cinnamon for sweetness or a pinch of smoked paprika for a savory twist. This side dish offers a flavorful, wholesome addition to your meal.

Tartar Sauce

tasty condiment for seafood

Complementing the hearty baked sweet potatoes, tartar sauce offers a creamy, tangy contrast that enhances the flavors of fried walleye. The sauce's flavor profile, combining mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon juice, brings out the fish's natural taste.

For preparation tips, opt for fresh ingredients and finely chop the pickles for the best texture. This simple addition can elevate your walleye dish to new heights.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

healthy side dish option

Roasted Brussels sprouts provide a deliciously crisp and slightly caramelized side dish that pairs excellently with fried walleye.

Their health benefits include high fiber and vitamins C and K.

For perfect results, toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F until golden brown.

This cooking technique enhances their natural sweetness and complements the savory fish.

Macaroni Salad

perfect picnic side dish

Macaroni salad offers a creamy and tangy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the crispy texture of fried walleye.

With various pasta variations to choose from, such as elbow or shell, you can customize the dish to your liking.

Dressing options abound, from traditional mayonnaise-based to tangy vinaigrettes, ensuring a delightful and balanced addition to your meal.

Pickled Vegetables

fermented food preservation method

A invigorating accompaniment to fried walleye, pickled vegetables offer a vibrant, tangy flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.

The balance of flavors achieved through home canning guarantees a delightful contrast to the crispy fish.

These zesty vegetables can include cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers, adding both color and crunch to your plate, making every bite a revitalizing and satisfying treat.

Are the Same Side Dishes Suitable for Both Fried Walleye and Fried Pickles?

When it comes to deciding the best side dishes for fried pickles, it’s important to consider the main dish they will accompany. While classic options like coleslaw and onion rings work well with fried pickles, they may not be the best choice for pairing with fried walleye. Adjusting the side dishes to complement each dish’s flavor profile is key.

Hush Puppies

comfortable shoes for all

Hush puppies, with their golden, crispy exteriors and tender, flavorful interiors, are an excellent side dish to complement fried walleye. Made from a cornmeal batter, these delightful morsels boast Southern origins and bring a touch of comfort to any meal.

Their savory taste and satisfying crunch balance the light, flaky texture of the walleye, creating a harmonious and enjoyable dining experience.