Top 40+ Side Dishes For Fried Fish

I love shatteringly crisp fried fish. The only thing that makes it better is a great side so I've gathered up over 40 of the best side dishes for fried fish. From classic side dish recipes to dips, veggies, southern sides, and a few unusual choices, you'll find just what you're looking for in this list.

Most Popular Side Dishes

The most popular sides for classic, crispy fried fish are French fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce. Southern traditions call for hush puppies, collard greens and corn on the cob. If you're in South America, fried fish is often wrapped in a tortilla and topped with fresh salsa.

Psst! Looking for a great fried fish recipe? Check out panko crusted Crispy Fish Katsu, cornmeal coated Fish, or spicy broiled Easy Tilapia without coating.

I've separated these recipes into the type of side dish they are. If you know what you're looking for, use the jump to links to go straight to the category of side dish you want. Serving a variety of side dishes makes your dinner more exciting so let's get cooking!

Along with all of these yummy recipes, there are some quick and easy ways to round out your fried fish dinner. Don't forget lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze of lemon juice, sour cream for a quick and cooling dip, or some store bought horseradish or seafood sauce. You can even bake up frozen onion rings or open a bag of crunchy potato chips.

Coleslaw and Salads

Crunchy and crisp, fresh salad is always a perfect side dish for fish. Check out all the different ways to make coleslaw! No need for a boring salad, these are tried and true, boldly flavored recipes that are the easiest ways to add vegetables to your meal. A plain green salad with Italian dressing is a good choice too.

Easy Homemade Coleslaw (5 ingredients!)

This easy coleslaw recipe is made with only 5 ingredients in just 10 minutes. The perfect summer time side dish that’s always loved by all!

5 Ingredient Slaw

Apple Kale Slaw

A fresh take on coleslaw, sweet apples pair up with shredded kale and a simple, bright vinaigrette. Colorful, sweet, savory and healthy, this kicks up a fish dinner any night of the week.

Apple Kale Slaw

Vinegar Based Coleslaw (No Mayo)

Vinegar based coleslaw is made with just 4 ingredients and no mayo. Fresh, easy and crispy, this Ukrainian coleslaw will be a hit at your next fish fry!

Ukrainian Coleslaw (Mayo-free)

Ukrainian Dill Coleslaw

Ukrainian dill Coleslaw with cucumber, tomato, bell pepper, dill and vinegar is just like my mom used to make. This no mayo cabbage salad recipe is healthy and easy.

Dill Coleslaw

Simple Creamy Coleslaw

This creamy, crunchy coleslaw takes just five minutes to make and is Paleo and low-carb.

Creamy Coleslaw

Creamy Avocado Coleslaw with Garlic Lime Dressing

Another healthy version, this creamy avocado coleslaw features a zippy garlic lime dressing that is vegetarian, vegan, gluten and dairy-free. Pair this with your fried fish tacos and a fruit salsa for a delicious Mexican themed fish dinner.

Avocado Coleslaw

Vegan Mexican Street Corn Salad (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free)

A vegan Mexican street corn salad is an easier way to serve grilled Mexican street corn with no mess! Grilled elotes, tossed with a creamy & tangy sauce will please even the pickiest guests.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Old Fashioned Potato Salad

Nothing is better at a fish fry than a side of old fashioned potato salad. This traditional recipe is one that everyone will love and is perfect for a cookout on a hot day.

Potato Salad

Old-Fashioned Three Bean Salad

Three bean salad is a classic potluck side! This easy bean salad has green beans, white beans, kidney beans, & homemade sweet tangy dressing making it the perfect pairing for crispy white fish.

Three Bean Salad

Easiest Cold Cucumber Salad

When you want a cool and refreshing side for dinner try this easy cold cucumber salad recipe. Delicious and spicy with only 4-ingredients and 10 minutes, this adds great flavor to a midweek fried fish dinner.

Cold Cucumber Salad

Veggie Sides

Avocado fries, sweet potato fries and zuchinni fries?! These are a fun and crispy twist on classic French fries that are also a healthier option.

Healthy Baked Avocado Fries

A nutritious (and delicious) alternative to greasy french fries, these Baked Avocado Fries are packed with vitamins and fiber. Plus they’re easy to make!

Avocado Fries

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Delicious, crispy sweet potato fries that you can try different seasonings with to see which flavor combo is your favorite. Pair up some Southern fried catfish with these sweet and salty bites.

Sweet Potato Fries

Air Fryer Zucchini Fries

Air fryer zucchini fries are crispy, healthy and use minimal oil. Serve them with hot sauce as a low calorie appetizer or side. They are gluten free and eggless.

Zucchini Fries

Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan

So delicious and so easy to make, pop this into the oven while frying your fish for a tasty veggie side dish. Ready in about 20 minutes, fresh zucchini squash is tossed with olive oil, simple seasonings, and grated parmesan cheese then roasted in the oven until tender.

Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan

Naturally Pickled Radishes

Slice up some fermented radish pickles to garnish your plate of fish. Pickled radishes are delicious, piquant, crisp little bites, and a great choice for a side dish. Everyone loves pickles and these are full of probiotic benefits.

Pickled Radishes

Grilled Broccolini

This delicious grilled broccolini recipe is made with just 5 ingredients and can be made in less than 15 minutes. A little sweet, lemony with a pleasantly light bitterness, broccolini is a good complimentary side. Serve with extra lemon wedges to drizzle over your fish and broccolini.

Grilled Broccolini

Potatoes

Twice baked, spiced, fried and French fried, here are the best potato recipes to pair with your fried fish dinner.

Homemade French Fries

Homemade French fries made healthier by frying in coconut oil and using real sea salt for added minerals. The classic for fish and chips!

Homemade French Fries

Homemade Wedge Fries

With the right set of spices, you can make your own deliciously perfect baked wedge fries. An easy version of fries.

Homemade Wedge Fries

Crispy Oven Baked Fries

Create crispy homemade French fries in your oven with just a few minutes of prep time. These Crispy Oven Baked Fries are easy and totally irresistible! These tasty Oven Baked Fries are on our menu

Crispy Oven Fries

Baked Fiesta Ranch Potato Wedges Recipe

Baked fiesta ranch potato wedges are an easy potato side dish recipe with a unique flavor. Quick enough for a weeknight meal, bbq, or special seafood dinner.

Fiesta Potato Wedges

Baked Old Bay Fries with Quick Aioli (Air Fryer Option) — Marley’s Menu

These Old Bay Fries with Quick Aioli are the best golden brown, crispy, seasoned-to-perfection snack or sidekick to your main dish.

Check out this recipe

Quick & Easy Turmeric Potatoes

These 3-ingredients roasted turmeric potatoes are super quick and easy as the potatoes. This recipe is great with fresh new potatoes when in season. Made with some different spices, this makes a really good side dish for a pescatarian dinner.

Turmeric Roasted Potatoes

30-Minute Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Truffle mashed potatoes are creamy and elegant. Truffle oil adds extra earthy umami and tons of aromatic flavor. Make this recipe when you want to get a little fancy.

Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta

Serve up fried fish on top of pasta with a squish of fresh lemon juice for an Italian feel to dinner. This easy lemon butter garlic pasta can be made on the stovetop or in your instant pot, and includes directions for both!

Lemon Butter Garlic Pasta

10-Minute Adobo Fried Rice

This fried adobo rice comes together in under 10 minutes! It’s a great way to turn boring leftover rice into a tasty side dish. Enjoy with your favorite type of fish.

Adobo Fried Rice

Herbed Butter Garlic Rice

Herbed butter and garlic rice is an easy, savory side dish made with white rice, garlic, Italian parsley, and butter that comes together in less than 30 minutes. A great GF side dish for crispy fillets!

Butter Garlic Rice

Southern Sides

Sauté up some collard greens with a little onion, garlic and olive oil, bake up some hush puppies and boil or roast corn on the cob for a dinner full of comfort food.

Air Fryer Hush Puppies (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

A classic Southern side dish, these Air Fryer Hush Puppies are a healthier twist! They’re gluten-free, vegan, & don’t need oil or deep-frying!

Hush Puppies

Grilled Corn on the Cob with Old Bay Seasoning — Marley’s Menu

This Grilled Corn on the Cob with Old Bay Seasoning is cooked to perfection and topped with a blend of spices to make the ideal fresh summer side dish.

Check out this recipe

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

This air fryer corn on the cob is simple and tasty, and a perfect combination with fried fish. Naturally gluten-free and vegan.

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Tostones with Pink Sauce

Tostones with pink sauce is a traditional Cuban and Puerto Rican dish. The whole family will love this fun side dish that will add a tropical flavor to your seafood feast.

Tostones with Pink Sauce

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Healthy sweet potatoes baked in the oven are an easy side dish. Packed with fiber and almost fat free, these are a good choice for a healthier fish fry.

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Grain-Free Biscuits

Here is an easy and delicious grain-free biscuit to enjoy topped with butter or cut them in half and fill them with fried fish and tartar sauce.

Grain-Free Biscuits

Sauces

So many delicious sauces to choose to dip your fish in! Tangy, classic tartar sauce, elegant garlic aioli, spicy baja sauce or go healthy with a fresh, lime juice spiked salsa.

Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

Use this homemade tartar sauce recipe on all your favorite seafood dishes. This tartar sauce can be made in 10 minutes and is the best tasting sauce around.

Homemade Tartar Sauce

Easy Baja Sauce

Baja sauce is creamy and tangy with a little spicy kick! This incredibly delicious white/orange sauce is the perfect way to add lots of flavor to fried fish, fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and other seafood.

Baja Sauce

5 Minute Garlic Aioli

This garlic aioli is creamy, garlicky & ready in just 5 minutes! It’s an easy sauce made with fresh garlic, egg yolk, olive oil & lemon juice.

5 Minute Garlic Aioli

Balsamic Mayo Dip

If you want a creamy dip with a bit of zing, try out this Balsamic mayonnaise. First made as a dipping sauce for artichokes, it works great with crispy fried seafood.

Balsamic Mayo Dip

Savory Rhubarb Salsa

Savory, crisp rhubarb salsa is a fun take on traditional salsa and will really highlight your crispy fish. Finely chopped rhubarb and red onion are spiced up with cilantro and red wine vinegar. Serve it up on the side or with tortillas for a delicious meal.

Rhubarb Salsa

Mango Habanero Salsa

This sweet and spicy homemade salsa is made with fresh fruits and vegetables. Salsa is a healthier alternative to mayo-rich coleslaw while still keeping the fresh, crisp, and tangy flavors.

Mango Habanero Salsa

Easy Pineapple Mango Salsa

This sweet, spicy Pineapple Mango Salsa is so refreshing & flavorful, just perfect for summer. Perfect to serve with fried fish tacos.

Pineapple Mango Salsa

Green Mango Chutney

Give your fish an Indian twist with this sweet, spicy, tangy green mango ginger chutney! It is a tasty side to dip your fried fish into if you like some Indian flavor. Try dusting a little curry powder over your fish fillets for even more spice!

Green Mango Chutney

Bang Bang Sauce

Bang Bang sauce is sweet, spicy, creamy and the perfect drizzle or dipping sauce for fish, shrimp and veggies.

Bang Bang Sauce

Drinks

Last but not least, serve a refreshing drink with some great acidity. In addition to these fabulous cocktails, cold light beer, crisp white wine, and freshly squeezed lemonade are all good drinks to serve at your dinner party.

The Perfect Margarita

One of my very favorite cocktails is this classic lime Margarita. I add a touch of fresh orange juice to accentuate the lime and temper the acidity and shake it til it's ice cold. Served icy on the rocks, this drink shows that simple is best!

Homemade Margaritas

Lemony Cocktail With Ginger Syrup

This lemony ginger cocktail with ginger syrup is vibrant, warm and energizing. It also uses ginger ale for a real ginger kick. This is a great refreshing beverage for fried food.

Lemon Ginger Cocktail

For more on what I'm cooking up, follow me on Instagram or Facebook. You might also like my FREE printable weekly meal planner.

Cheers friends! Sabrina

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