Last Updated on April 3, 2023 by Sabrina Currie
Wondering what to serve with fish and chips? I've got more that 50 great side dishes to compliment your dinner. From tartar sauce and other dips to a variety of crispy veggies and coleslaw with lots of variations. How about tangy pickles or all sorts of other deep fried treats? Here are the top 50+ traditional and unique side dishes to serve with fish and chips!
Growing up in a coastal town made me a huge fan of fish and chips. Crispy, golden brown chips and beer battered, deep-fried fish fillets that shatter as you bite into them. Yum! But don't stop there, add something delicious to top it off!
Choose something traditional like coleslaw or mushy peas. Or go wild with and Asian slaw and spicy aioli dip. Whatever you choose, these recipes are guaranteed to make your fish and chips meal outstanding. (For more ideas, check out Top 40+ Side Dishes For Fried Fish.)
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History Of Fish And Chips
Fish and chips is a dish that has a long history in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Each country has their own, unique pairings for this crispy dinner favorite but both are based on golden fried potato chips and battered and fried white fish. Cod, hake, tilapia, halibut, catfish are all common fish to fry.
In the UK, it's common to serve fish and chips with mushy peas, a type of mashed peas that's often flavored with vinegar or mint. British diners love to sprinkle malt vinegar over their chips. In the US, you're more likely to find fries or hush puppies served alongside the fish and chips and Americans usually prefer ketchup instead of vinegar with their French fries.
Regardless of where you are, simple condiments like lemon wedges, sea salt, malt vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup and hot sauce are common favorites to serve along side.
Dipping Sauces
One of the best things about fish and chips is the dip. There are so many delicious dips and sauces that you can serve with battered and fried fish. Try one of these mouth-wateringly delicious homemade dips. For simpler options, try malt vinegar, creamy mayonnaise, Japanese kewpie mayonnaise or a squeeze of lemon juice.
(I love sauces! For more sauces, check out Fish Katsu With Katsu Sauce, Shrimp Salad Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce, Basil Aioli For Garden Veggies and Crispy Fried Oysters With Lemon Caper Aioli.)
Crispy Side Dishes
While fries are the classic side dish for fish and chips, other crispy recipes pair up well too. Onion rings are good comfort food. Sweet potato fries add a bit of sweetness to a fish and chip dinner. Hush puppies are a classic southern side dish that pairs well with fried fish.
Other crispy fried veg work well too. Crispy baked asparagus, air fried crispy green beans and crispy squash are a healthier alternative and so tasty and delicious.
Coleslaw + Creative Slaw
Coleslaw is a perfect pairing with fish and chips and there are many different coleslaw recipes out there. Almost everyone likes the classic coleslaw but it's fun to make your dinner pop with a colorful or more flavorful slaw. And if you're looking for a healthier option, try one of the vinaigrette dressed recipes.
Peas Please
Peas are popular in chip shops in the UK, usually mashed with a little mint or lemon zest. Here in North America, we love our peas whole for refreshing little bursts of sweet flavor. Whichever you choose, know you are picking long time favorite side dish for your fish and chips. Try out these traditional mushy peas or make one of the updated versions below.
Easy Salads And Veggies
If you're looking to balance out the heavy, fried flavors of fish and chips, serving a fresh salad or some roasted veggies alongside your meal is a lighter option. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can be a great way to add some brightness to the dish, while roasted asparagus or zucchini can add some much-needed texture and flavor.
Pickles
Pickles are another great side dish to serve alongside fish and chips. They add a bit of tanginess and crunch to the meal, which can be a great contrast to the rich flavors of the fried fish and chips. From classic dill, bread and butter or yum yum pickles to more piquant and unique spicy or fermented pickles, these are all delicious choices. Choose a quick pickle, a slow fermented pickle or anything in between!
Tips for Serving Fish and Chips at Home
Here are my favorite tips when you're serving fish and chips at home.
- Keep your fish and chips crispy. Have paper towels to line a warmed bowl for the fries. It will soak up any excess oil from the chips as you remove them from the fryer. Lift fried fish out of the hot oil, onto a baking rack that's set over a baking pan with raised edges. Extra oil can drip off into the pan and the air circulating all around, prevents fish from becoming soggy. If it's a little ahead of dinner, pop the whole pan into a warm oven until serving. Alternatively, place the fish and chips onto a large paper towel lined platter and put the whole platter into the oven on it's lowest setting.
- For easier cleanup, go retro and top your table (or picnic table) with newspapers and offer lots of napkins.
- The best fish is the freshest fish. While cod and halibut are often considered the best, if it isn't the freshest, consider other white fish options. Tilapia, haddock, catfish or even salmon might make a better fish dinner if they are fresher than the cod. Check the 'packaged on' date or ask the fishmonger which fish is the freshest.
- Try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the top of your French fries for extra tasty flavor and texture.
- Be sure to dredge your fish in flour before the egg or batter to help the coating stick.
- Choose one or two of these good side dishes to serve with your fish and chips. Adding a complimentary side adds interest and keeps your taste buds from getting bored. A garnish is a lovely way to add color too. Simple finely chopped chives, a wedge of lemon or a sprig of parsley goes a long way, adding color to the plate.
Related Recipes
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Cheers and happy cooking, Friends! Sabrina
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