What Sides To Eat With Fried Fish

Alright, let’s talk about something serious: fried fish. That golden, crispy, flaky miracle that makes the whole world smell like a seaside carnival. You’ve nailed the fish—perfect crunch, not a drop of grease in sight—but now you’re staring at the plate, wondering what to put next to it. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

Think of sides as the best supporting actors in a movie. The fish is the star, but without a great sidekick, you’ve just got a lonely piece of protein on a plate. And nobody wants a sad fish. Let’s fix that—together, like kitchen-based besties.

The Classic Crisp Sidekick: French Fries

Let’s start with the undefeated champion: French fries. It’s the side that practically invented the phrase “fish and chips.” Obviously. You can’t go wrong with hot, salty fries that are thick enough to dip into tartar sauce.

Pro tip: sprinkle a little malt vinegar on both the fish and the fries. It’s not weird—it’s British royalty behavior. If you don’t have vinegar, ketchup works, but you might hear a faint sigh from across the Atlantic. Don’t worry, we won’t tell.

Baked Potato: The Lazy Genius Move

When you’re feeling fancy but also exhausted, a baked potato is your best friend. Just stab it with a fork, microwave it (yes, I said microwave, fight me), and load it up with butter, sour cream, and chives. The creamy potato balances the crunch of the fish like a dream.

Plus, you can pretend you’re at a steakhouse, but your wallet is thanking you for the budget-friendly win. It’s a two-for-one: comfort food and a hug in a skin.

Veggie Goodness: The “I’m Being Healthy” Option

You want a vegetable, huh? Respect. But don’t you dare serve steamed broccoli next to fried fish—that’s a betrayal of flavor. Instead, go for something that can keep up with the party: roasted asparagus or green beans with garlic and lemon.

The 21 Best Favorite Side Dishes For Fried Fish - KitchenGuides.org

The lemon is key here—it cuts through the richness of the fish like a tiny citrus ninja. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until they get a little char. Crispy veg + crispy fish = texture heaven.

Coleslaw: The Cool, Crunchy Cousin

Coleslaw is the side that doesn’t steal the spotlight but makes everything better. Shredded cabbage with a tangy dressing—like a vinegar-based one—gives you that crunch without being heavy. Stay away from goopy, mayonnaise-drenched slaw; that’s just a soggy mess waiting to happen.

Make it ahead of time so the flavors mingle, like they’re gossiping behind the fish’s back. When you take a bite of fish, then a forkful of slaw, your mouth will do a happy dance. I promise.

The Southern Soul: Hushpuppies and Cornbread

If you’re frying fish, you owe it to your soul to make hushpuppies. Those little cornmeal balls of fried joy are basically the fish’s best friend from the South. They’re sweet, savory, and dangerously addictive—like the friend who convinces you to get dessert first.

Not in the mood to fry more stuff? Grab some cornbread. Slather it with honey or butter, and you’ve got a side that whispers, “Yes, you are a genius.” Cornbread soaks up any leftover sauce or grease on the plate, so nothing goes to waste. It’s the side that cleans up the mess—literally.

fish fry sides recipe - Shebas Recipes

Mac and Cheese: The Comfort Food BFF

Listen, I’m not here to judge your life choices. If you want mac and cheese with fried fish, you do you. And you’ll be right. The creamy, cheesy pasta is the perfect counterpoint to the crisp, salty fish.

Go for a baked mac with a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch. Now you’ve got two types of crunch on the plate—your fish and your topping—and you’re basically a texture architect. Feel free to take a bow.

A Little Green: Salad That Doesn’t Suck

Salad lovers, I haven’t forgotten you. But please—please—don’t serve a sad iceberg wedge with ranch. Make a bright, zesty salad with arugula, shaved fennel, and a lemon vinaigrette. The peppery arugula and the anise-y fennel are a match made in seafood heaven.

Add some orange segments or grapefruit if you’re feeling wild. The citrus cuts through the fried goodness like a tiny, delicious sword. It’s not health food—it’s balance. And balance is just fancy talk for “I can eat the whole plate.”

Don’t Forget the Dipping Station

Sides aren’t just the stuff next to the fish—they’re also the dip crew. Tartar sauce is the old faithful, but you can get creative. Try a spicy remoulade with capers and hot sauce, or a simple squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Old Bay.

17 Classic Side Dishes to Serve with Fried Fish for the Perfect Meal

Even a little bowl of cocktail sauce works, even if you’re not eating shrimp. It’s like the fish is wearing a party hat. Dippers make the meal feel like a celebration, which it totally is.

The Unexpected Hero: Pickles

Yes, pickles. Dill pickles or pickled onions are the unsung heroes of the fried fish plate. They add a sharp, vinegary pop that resets your taste buds between bites. It’s like a palate cleanser that also tastes incredible.

Throw a few spears right on the plate, or serve them in a little ramekin. Your future self will thank you when you’re not feeling heavy after the meal. Pickles: they’re not just for burgers.

The Uplifting Conclusion

So there you go: a whole lineup of sides ready to stand proudly next to your fried fish. Whether you go classic with fries, cozy with mac and cheese, or wild with pickles and fennel salad, you’re building a plate that’s your own masterpiece.

Remember, there are no rules—just really good combinations. Fried fish is already a victory; the sides are just the confetti. So grab your fork, dip into something tasty, and smile because you’ve got the best meal on the block. Go on—enjoy every crunchy, zesty, creamy bite. You earned it.