Cooking fish is easier than it seems, but no meal is complete without sides. The tricky thing is figuring out what sides will best compliment the taste and texture of your chosen fish dish. Side dish pairings can be as important as wine pairings, as a great side will make the meal feel complete, while a bad side dish can really lower the quality of your meal.
French Fries
Battered fish like haddock or cod are a New England classic, and the “chips” of a fish ‘n chips meal are supposed to be French fries, not potato chips. They also go fantastic with fish sticks and fish sliders. Really, if a fish is breaded or fried, French fries are the best go-to pairing, even if they aren’t necessarily the healthiest.
Coleslaw
Another classic side for any fish entrée, coleslaw is shredded, raw cabbage mixed with mayo, and pepper, often with other ingredients like apple, cheese, or carrot mixed in as well. It’s bright, fresh, and pairs amazingly with beer battered fish or fish tacos.
Asparagus
Salmon is a rich and fatty fish, so you need a side that will work well with it. Asparagus is a great side when it’s roasted with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Top it with a rich hollandaise sauce for extra decadence to go with your baked salmon.
Fettuccine Alfredo
If you need a hearty dish to compliment those scallops, you can’t do better than fettuccine alfredo. It’s so easy to make, and the rich, cheesy sauce contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the scallops. You’ll want to make plenty of both, though, because this is a meal sure to have people coming back for seconds and thirds.
Caesar Salad
This classic side dish goes well with just about any meal, and fish is no exception. It’s also a quick, healthier option for a side so if you’re trying to watch your calorie count this is your go-to. Just throw together romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and black pepper together for a rich side salad.
Rice
If you have a fish dish that you want to stand on its own, lightly-seasoned rice is the way to go. Season your white rice with lemon, garlic, or fresh herbs for a simple but tasty bed to put your salmon or tilapia on. This way your fish remains the hero ingredient and isn’t overshadowed by the side, but you’ll still get the benefits of additional texture, flavor, and nutrition.
Pasta with Lemon Sauce
For pan-fried salmon, a simple pasta like spaghetti dressed with a lemon sauce makes for a filling, easy, and elegant meal. You can just drizzle your pasta with lemon and olive oil, or go for a richer lemon, cream, and white wine sauce to really elevate your dinner. Either way, you’ll end up with a clean plate.
Picking complimentary sides for your dishes is great for keeping your meals interesting and well-rounded. Whether you’re roasting vegetables or cooking up pasta, you’re sure to find something that elevates your fish to gourmet perfection.
