Fish tacos are a culinary delight – a perfect blend of crispy, flaky fish, soft tortillas, and vibrant toppings. But once you’ve mastered the taco itself, a common question often pops up: “What is usually served with fish tacos to make the meal truly complete?” The good news is, there’s a whole world of delicious accompaniments that can elevate your fish taco experience from great to unforgettable. Think fresh, zesty, and often with a hint of spice!
Contents
Essential Toppings: The Heart of Every Fish Taco
Before we dive into sides, let’s quickly cover the non-negotiables that truly belong *inside* or *on* your fish taco. These elements are key to that authentic, mouth-watering flavor.
- Crispy Shredded Cabbage or Slaw: This is a classic for a reason! Finely shredded green or red cabbage (or a mix) provides that crucial crunch and a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the fish. A simple cabbage slaw, often dressed with lime and a hint of spice, is pure perfection.
- Creamy Sauces: A fish taco isn’t complete without a luscious drizzle. Options include a tangy Mexican crema, a zesty cilantro-lime crema, or a crowd-favorite spicy mayo (often made with sriracha or chipotle). These sauces bring everything together with their creamy texture and bright flavors.
- Fresh Salsas: From the vibrant simplicity of pico de gallo (fresh diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeño) to the sweet and tangy notes of mango salsa or pineapple salsa, fresh fruit salsas are fantastic for adding a burst of flavor and color.
- Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy, rich, and wonderfully satisfying, sliced avocado or a dollop of fresh guacamole adds a luxurious texture and earthy flavor that complements fish beautifully.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice is absolutely essential. It brightens every single ingredient, cutting through richness and enhancing all the fresh flavors. Donro’t skip this!
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkling of fresh, chopped cilantro adds an aromatic, herbaceous touch that ties all the flavors together.
Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Meal
Now, let’s explore the world beyond the taco shell. These sides truly complete the fiesta, offering a variety of textures and flavors.
Rice Dishes
Rice is a fantastic, hearty base that absorbs flavors and provides a satisfying counterpoint to lighter fish tacos.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Light, fluffy white rice infused with fresh lime juice and fragrant cilantro is a refreshing and popular choice. It’s simple, yet impactful.
- Mexican Rice (Arroz Rojo): This flavorful rice, cooked with tomato, garlic, and sometimes peas or carrots, offers a more robust and savory side that’s deeply comforting.
- Spanish Rice: Similar to Mexican rice, Spanish rice often incorporates saffron or annatto for distinct color and flavor, making it a wonderful accompaniment.
Hearty Beans
Beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and pair wonderfully with fish tacos, adding protein and fiber.
- Black Beans: Simple, seasoned black beans (often with garlic, onion, and cumin) are earthy, nutritious, and a fantastic vegetarian option. You can serve them whole or lightly mashed.
- Refried Beans: Creamy, savory, and rich, refried beans are a classic comfort food side. They offer a wonderfully smooth texture contrast to crunchy taco fillings.
Corn Creations
Sweet corn adds a delightful texture and natural sweetness to your fish taco spread.
- Grilled Corn Salad: Charred corn kernels mixed with fresh bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, and a lime vinaigrette make for a vibrant and flavorful salad.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote or Esquites): Whether on the cob (Elote) or served in a cup (Esquites), corn slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice is an irresistible treat.
- Corn Salsa: A simpler option, corn salsa blends fresh or frozen corn with red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime for a sweet and spicy kick.
Crisp and Refreshing Salads
Salads are excellent for adding freshness and balancing the meal.
- Mexican Coleslaw: A zesty coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and a creamy lime-based dressing is always a hit.
- Jicama Salad: For something a bit different, a jicama salad with its crisp, subtly sweet, and nutty root vegetable, often combined with orange or mango, offers a unique textural experience.
- Simple Green Salad: Sometimes, all you need is a light mixed green salad with a simple vinaigrette to add freshness without overpowering the main event.
Chips and Dips
A classic for a reason, perfect for snacking while you wait for the tacos!
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are the ideal vehicle for scooping up your favorite dips.
- Guacamole: A must-have! Freshly made guacamole is always a winner.
- Salsa: Offer a variety – a classic red salsa, a spicy salsa verde, or a chunky mild option.
- Queso Dip: For a truly indulgent treat, a warm, gooey queso dip is always a crowd-pleaser.
Roasted and Grilled Vegetables
For a healthier side, roasted or grilled vegetables add flavor and nutrients.
- Roasted Bell Peppers and Onions: Sweet bell peppers and onions, roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, are simple and delicious.
- Grilled Zucchini or Asparagus: These vegetables take on a lovely smoky flavor when grilled, offering a light yet satisfying side.
Fresh Fruit Sides
Don’t forget the natural sweetness that fruit can bring!
- Mango or Pineapple Salsa: As mentioned for toppings, these also make wonderful standalone sides.
- Melon Salad: A simple salad of diced watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew is incredibly refreshing.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a light and sweet contrast.
Refreshing Drinks to Quench Your Thirst
No fiesta is complete without the perfect beverage!
- Margaritas: The quintessential Mexican cocktail, a classic lime margarita (or a fruity variation) is always a fantastic choice.
- Mexican Beers: Light, crisp Mexican lagers like Corona, Pacifico, or Modelo Especial are excellent pairings.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Agua frescas (fruit-infused waters like horchata or jamaica) are wonderfully refreshing. Traditional sodas like Jarritos also fit the bill.
Sweet Endings: Delicious Desserts
Round off your meal with a delightful sweet treat.
- Churros: Crispy, sugar-dusted fried dough pastries are a delightful classic.
- Flan: A creamy, caramel-topped custard offers a rich and satisfying end to the meal.
- Fried Ice Cream: For a fun and decadent option, fried ice cream is always a hit.
- Paletas: Mexican ice pops made with fresh fruit are a light and refreshing dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Taco Pairings
Still pondering the perfect accompaniments? Here are answers to some common questions:
What kind of chips are best with fish tacos?
Plain, salted tortilla chips are usually the top choice. Their neutral flavor and satisfying crunch make them perfect for dipping into guacamole, salsa, or queso without competing with your taco flavors.
What kind of sauce usually goes with fish tacos?
The most popular sauces are often creamy and zesty. Think a classic Mexican crema, a vibrant cilantro-lime crema, or a spicy mayo (like chipotle mayo or sriracha mayo). These provide moisture, tang, and often a pleasant kick.
What kind of salsa is typically served with fish tacos?
Fresh, vibrant salsas are key. Pico de gallo (fresh tomato, onion, cilantro, jalapeño) is a staple. Sweet and tangy fruit salsas like mango or pineapple salsa also pair beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast to the fish.
What kind of beans are usually served with fish tacos?
Both black beans and refried beans are excellent choices. Black beans offer an earthy, wholesome side, often seasoned simply with garlic and cumin. Refried beans provide a creamy, savory, and comforting accompaniment.
Can you eat rice with fish tacos, and what kind is best?
Absolutely! Rice is a fantastic side. Cilantro-lime rice is a very popular choice due to its light, fresh, and zesty flavor. Mexican rice (arroz rojo) is another excellent option if you prefer a richer, more savory rice dish.
Create Your Perfect Fish Taco Feast!
As you can see, when it comes to “what is usually served with fish tacos,” the options are abundant and incredibly delicious! Whether you stick to the classics like rice and beans or venture into refreshing fruit salsas and vibrant salads, the key is to balance textures and flavors. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to discover your own perfect fish taco spread. Happy cooking and even happier eating!