The sizzle of freshly fried fish fills the air with a tantalizing aroma. This is what makes a fish fry unforgettable. Growing up in the South, I have many memories of family gatherings centered around a fish fry.
The variety of side dishes, each with its own flavor and texture, made the meal special. They created a harmonious symphony that elevated the entire experience.
In this guide, you’ll find a range of side fish fry sides recipes to make your fish fry unforgettable. From classic Southern dishes to healthier vegetable options, these recipes will delight your taste buds. They’re perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a formal family event.
Table of Contents
Traditional Southern Fish Fry Side Dishes
The side dishes are key to a great fish fry. Three Southern favorites are essential: creamy coleslaw, golden hush puppies, and tangy homemade tartar sauce.
Classic Southern Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw is a must at any fish fry. It’s made with shredded cabbage and carrots in a tangy dressing. The dressing has mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of sugar. It’s a cool contrast to the fried fish.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies are a golden, crispy delight. They’re made from cornmeal, buttermilk, eggs, and seasonings. Deep-fried into balls, they’re light inside and crunchy outside.
Southern-Style Tartar Sauce
A creamy, tangy tartar sauce is perfect for dipping. It’s made with mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, parsley, and Dijon mustard. It’s a great match for fried fish meals.
Add these Southern fish fry sides recipes to your seafood feast. They’ll bring a true taste of the South to your table.
15 Easy Recipes for Side Dishes with Fried Fish
Make your fried fish meal even better with these 15 tasty side dishes. You can choose from classic Southern dishes or try something new. These sides, from coleslaw to hush puppies, will make your meal even more enjoyable.
Check out these recipes to make your fish fry unforgettable. You’ll find both traditional and new ideas. These dishes will add flavor, texture, and beauty to your meal.
- Creamy Southern Coleslaw
- Classic Hush Puppies
- Tangy Tartar Sauce
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Crispy Fried Okra
- Buttery Corn on the Cob
- Crunchy Fried Green Tomatoes
- Zesty Lemon-Dill Potato Salad
- Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
- Flavorful Fried Pickles
- Refreshing Cucumber Salad
- Baked Beans with Bacon
- Cheesy Grits Casserole
- Savory Collard Greens
- Creamy Broccoli Salad
Explore these recipes to make your fish fry unforgettable. You’ll find both traditional and new ideas. These dishes will add flavor, texture, and beauty to your meal.
Side Dish | Key Ingredients | Preparation Time |
---|---|---|
Creamy Southern Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar | 20 minutes |
Classic Hush Puppies | Cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, onion, baking soda | 30 minutes |
Tangy Tartar Sauce | Mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, Dijon mustard | 10 minutes |
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, butter, milk, salt, pepper | 45 minutes |
Crispy Fried Okra | Okra, cornmeal, flour, buttermilk, salt, pepper | 30 minutes |
Explore this collection of recipes for side dishes with fried fish to elevate your next fish fry. Whether it’s a backyard bash or a family feast, these sides for fried fish will impress and delight everyone.
Healthy Vegetable Sides for Fish Fry
It’s key to balance the richness of seafood with lighter, nutritious options. Vegetable sides offer a healthy contrast and add nutrients to your meal.
Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables
Make your fish fry better with roasted Mediterranean vegetables. Mix zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and red onion with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Roast until tender and caramelized, then serve with your fried fish.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon
Try grilled asparagus with lemon-garlic dressing for a simple side. Asparagus’s tender-crisp texture and fresh flavors pair well with fish. Grill the spears until lightly charred, then toss with lemon vinaigrette for a healthy side.
Steamed Green Beans Almondine
Steamed green beans with almonds, lemon, and butter make a classic side. The green beans add crunch, while almonds and lemon balance the flavors of your fish fry.
Side Dish | Key Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
---|---|---|
Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables | Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, red onion, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning | Vibrant, earthy, and Mediterranean-inspired |
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon | Asparagus, olive oil, lemon, garlic | Tender-crisp, bright, and zesty |
Steamed Green Beans Almondine | Green beans, toasted almonds, lemon, butter | Crunchy, nutty, and lemony |
Adding these healthy vegetable sides makes your meal well-rounded and nutritious. They complement your fried or grilled fish with variety in flavors and textures, satisfying your taste buds and nourishing your body.
Potato-Based Side Dishes for Fish
Potato-based sides are a classic with fried fish. They range from crispy french fries to creamy potato salad. These dishes add comfort and satisfaction to your seafood feast.
French fries are a favorite. They’re golden and crunchy outside, fluffy inside. Serve them hot, seasoned with salt, paprika, or garlic powder for extra taste.
Mashed potatoes are another hit. They’re smooth and buttery, a perfect match for fried fish. Add sour cream, chives, or cheese to make them extra special.
- Roasted Potato Wedges: Toss cubed potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then bake until crispy and golden brown.
- Potato Salad: Combine diced potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, celery, onions, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing for a classic picnic-style side dish.
- Potato Croquettes: Mashed potatoes are formed into bite-sized balls, breaded, and fried until crispy for a fun and flavorful accompaniment.
Choosing any potato-based side dish will make your fried fish meal better. Try these options and discover your new favorite side dish.

Fresh Salads to Complement Fried Fish
Creating a great fish fry menu means not forgetting about salads. These light and tasty salads can balance the richness of fried fish. They add a crisp texture and bright flavors to your meal. You can choose from classic mixed green salads or tangy cucumber tomato mixes.
Mixed Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Begin with a simple yet satisfying mixed green salad. Dress it with a zesty citrus vinaigrette. This salad cleanses your palate after eating fried fish. The citrus dressing enhances the fish’s savory flavors, making it a perfect match.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Try a cool cucumber tomato salad for a refreshing side. It has juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers, all dressed in a tangy vinegar dressing. This salad is a great way to balance the meal’s richness.
Greek-Style Pasta Salad
Make your side dishes for fish more exciting with a Greek-style pasta salad. Mix al dente pasta, fresh veggies, feta cheese, and a zesty Mediterranean dressing. This salad’s bold flavors pair well with the savory, crispy fried fish.
Adding these vibrant and refreshing salads to your fish fry menu will make it more satisfying. It will cater to everyone’s tastes and preferences.
Quick and Easy Rice Accompaniments
Fried fish needs a side dish that matches its bold taste. Quick and easy rice sides can make your seafood meal better. Try herb-infused rice or lemon-kissed grains for a tasty treat.
Herb-Infused Rice Pilaf
Begin with a simple rice pilaf for your fried fish meal. Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and chives. This makes a flavorful side that goes well with crispy fish.
Lemon Rice
Make your rice side dish bright with lemon zest and juice. The citrus adds a tangy touch that balances the fried fish’s rich taste.
Garlic-Parmesan Rice
For a creamy side, mix in Parmesan cheese and garlic. This adds savory flavors that make your fried fish meal even better.

These easy rice sides are great with fried fish. Choose from herbal pilaf, zesty lemon rice, or garlic-Parmesan rice. These recipes will make your seafood feast unforgettable.
Seasonal Side Dishes for Fish Fry
Make your fish fry special with seasonal side dishes. Enjoy summer’s grilled corn, fall’s roasted veggies, and spring’s pea salad. These dishes let you use the freshest produce each season.
Summer Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is a summer classic. Brush it with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill until tender. Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a bright side dish that goes well with fried fish.
Fall Roasted Root Vegetables
In cooler weather, try roasted root veggies. Mix beets, carrots, parsnips, and potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until tender and caramelized. Their sweetness pairs well with fried fish.
Spring Pea and Mint Salad
Welcome spring with a pea and mint salad. Mix fresh peas, mint, cucumbers, and lemon vinaigrette. This salad’s bright flavors contrast nicely with crispy fried fish.
Seasonal Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Preparation |
---|---|---|
Summer Grilled Corn on the Cob | Corn on the cob, olive oil, salt, pepper, fresh herbs | Brush corn with oil, season with salt and pepper, grill until charred and tender, top with chopped herbs |
Fall Roasted Root Vegetables | Beets, carrots, parsnips, potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper | Toss cubed vegetables with oil, salt, and pepper, roast in oven until tender and caramelized |
Spring Pea and Mint Salad | Fresh peas, mint leaves, cucumbers, lemon vinaigrette | Toss peas, chopped mint, diced cucumbers with a tangy lemon vinaigrette |
Adding these seasonal sides to your fish fry menu highlights the year’s best flavors. Your guests will have a memorable dining experience.
Bread and Cornbread Options
When it comes to fried fish, the perfect side dishes go beyond just vegetables and salads. Bread and cornbread options can provide the ideal accompaniment, soaking up the delicious juices and offering a satisfying textural contrast. From classic dinner rolls to Southern-style cornbread, these recipes are sure to complement your fish fry feast.
Buttery Dinner Rolls
No fish fry is complete without a basket of warm, soft dinner rolls. These fluffy, buttery rolls are the perfect vehicle for dipping in tartar sauce or mopping up the flavorful fish juices. Serve them straight from the oven for maximum enjoyment.
Southern Cornbread
For a truly authentic Southern fish fry experience, cornbread is a must-have side dish. The crumbly, slightly sweet texture of cornbread pairs beautifully with the crispy fried fish. Top it with a pat of butter and enjoy every bite.
Biscuits and Gravy
Take your fish fry to the next level by serving it with flaky, homemade biscuits and a savory sausage gravy. This hearty combination is a classic Southern staple that will satisfy even the biggest appetites.
Bread Option | Serving Suggestion | Prep Time |
---|---|---|
Dinner Rolls | Serve warm, with butter | 1 hour |
Cornbread | Top with butter or honey | 30 minutes |
Biscuits and Gravy | Serve biscuits with sausage gravy | 45 minutes |
These bread and cornbread options are the perfect accompaniment to your fish fry sides recipes. Whether you prefer the classic comfort of dinner rolls or the Southern charm of cornbread, these sides will elevate your fried fish experience to new heights.
Make-Ahead Side Dishes for Fish Fry
Planning a fish fry can be easier with some side dishes ready ahead of time. These dishes let you enjoy the crispy fried fish without worrying about the sides. You can make marinated vegetables or flavorful pasta salads. These are great for recipes for side dishes with fried fish, fish meals sides, and sides for grilled fish.
Overnight Marinated Vegetables
Start by mixing fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions with a tangy marinade the night before. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become. Serve them alongside your fried fish for a burst of color and taste.
Prepared Pasta Salads
Pasta salads are perfect as fish meals sides because they can be made ahead. Cook the pasta, mix it with your favorite dressing, and add diced tomatoes, olives, and herbs. Chill it overnight, and you’ll have a cool, tasty side dish ready to go.
“The key to stress-free entertaining is planning ahead. Make-ahead side dishes for your fish fry ensure you can enjoy the party too!”
Low-Carb Side Dishes for Fried Fish
Are you watching your carb intake but still crave the delicious accompaniments to your favorite fried fish dishes? Fear not! We’ve compiled a selection of low-carb side dish recipes that will perfectly complement your fish fry without derailing your dietary goals.
Cauliflower “Rice” Pilaf
Swap out traditional rice for riced cauliflower in this flavorful pilaf. Simply sauté cauliflower “rice” with garlic, onions, and your choice of herbs and spices for a low-carb alternative that pairs beautifully with fried fish.
Roasted Zucchini Fries
Satisfy your craving for crispy, crunchy sides by roasting zucchini into delectable fries. Toss sliced zucchini with olive oil, Parmesan, and seasonings, then bake until golden brown and irresistible.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Leafy green sides are a great way to balance out a fried fish meal. Sauté fresh spinach with minced garlic, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a simple yet flavorful low-carb accompaniment.
Side Dish | Carbs per Serving |
---|---|
Cauliflower “Rice” Pilaf | 8g |
Roasted Zucchini Fries | 7g |
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic | 4g |
These low-carb sides for fried fish and side dishes for fish meals provide delicious and nutritious options to enjoy alongside your crispy, golden fried fish. Explore these fish meals sides and find your new go-to low-carb pairings.
Conclusion
In this guide, you’ve seen many tasty side dishes to make your fish fry better. You’ve learned about classic Southern dishes like coleslaw and hush puppies. You’ve also discovered healthy veggie sides and potato dishes.
Looking to make a traditional fish fry or try something new? This article has lots of recipes and ideas. You can find fresh salads, quick rice dishes, and seasonal specials. Now, you can pick the best sides for your fried fish.
When planning your next fish fry, try something new. Find the perfect mix of crunch, freshness, and comfort. Use these fish fry sides recipes to make your fried fish a masterpiece. Let your creativity shine as you choose the best recipes for side dishes with fried fish and sides for fried fish.
FAQ
What are some classic Southern side dishes for a fish fry?
Classic Southern side dishes for a fish fry include creamy coleslaw and crispy hush puppies. Tangy homemade tartar sauce is also a great choice.
What are some healthy vegetable-based side dishes for fried fish?
For fried fish, try roasted Mediterranean vegetables or grilled asparagus with lemon. Steamed green beans almondine are also healthy options.
What potato-based side dishes can I serve with fried fish?
Potato-based sides that go well with fried fish are crispy french fries and creamy potato salad. Mashed potatoes are another great choice.
What type of salads can I serve as a side for fried fish?
Refreshing salads for fried fish include a mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette. Cucumber tomato salad and Greek-style pasta salad are also good choices.
What are some quick and easy rice-based side dishes for fried fish?
Quick rice-based sides for fried fish are herb-infused rice pilaf and zesty lemon rice. Seasoned wild rice is another easy option.
What seasonal side dishes can I serve with fried fish?
Seasonal sides for fried fish are summer grilled corn on the cob and fall roasted root vegetables. Spring pea and mint salad is also a great choice.
What bread or cornbread options pair well with fried fish?
Bread and cornbread options for fried fish include classic dinner rolls and Southern-style cornbread. Buttermilk biscuits are also a good match.
What are some make-ahead side dish options for a fish fry?
Make-ahead sides for a fish fry are overnight marinated vegetables and prepared pasta salads.
What are some low-carb side dish alternatives for fried fish?
Low-carb sides for fried fish are cauliflower “rice” and zucchini noodle salad. Roasted Brussels sprouts are another good option.
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