Ever wondered how to make your delicious fish cakes truly shine? You’ve landed in the perfect spot! The secret to a truly memorable meal often lies in pairing your main dish with the right accompaniments. Fish cakes are incredibly versatile, fitting in as an appetizer, a satisfying entree, or even a quick snack. Their adaptability makes them a hit at casual family dinners and elegant gatherings alike.
But with so many options, figuring out what to serve with fish cakes can feel a bit overwhelming. The key is to find sides that beautifully complement their flavor and texture, whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or a heartier, more filling option. We polled 100 home cooks, and here’s a breakdown of the top choices and some inspiring new ideas!
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The Crowd Favorites: Tried & True Pairings
These are the classics that always hit the mark, loved by many for a reason:
- Tartar Sauce: This creamy, tangy dip is the undisputed champion, with a whopping 79% of home cooks serving it. It’s quick to whip up and offers a cool, zesty contrast to warm, crispy fish cakes.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing, crunchy coleslaw is a fantastic partner, chosen by 64% of respondents. Its tart and creamy dressing helps cut through the richness of fried fish, making each bite feel fresh.
- French Fries: You can never go wrong with golden fries! Whether homemade or frozen, they were the third most popular at 55%. They provide that satisfying, starchy balance to your fish cakes.
- Tzatziki Sauce: This cool, Greek yogurt-based sauce, preferred by 40% of cooks, brings a lovely tangy and creamy element that balances the fish cakes beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: A vibrant medley of roasted veggies like potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or squash is a colorful and healthy choice, served by 35%.
Beyond the Basics: Unique & Exciting Pairings
Ready to venture beyond the usual suspects? These creative options also pair wonderfully with fish cakes:
- Air Fryer Broccolini: For a lighter touch, air fry broccolini with a spritz of oil and seasoning. Its slightly charred edges offer a delightful contrast.
- Avocado Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad featuring cool cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a zesty dressing perfectly complements fried fish cakes.
- Southern Baked Beans: Slow-cooked with brown sugar and bacon, these hearty beans offer a sweet and smoky flavor that’s a perfect match.
- Lemon Garlic Asparagus: Grilled or roasted, asparagus with bright lemon and herbaceous flavors provides a refreshing counterpoint.
- Scalloped Potatoes: For an indulgent, creamy experience, cheesy scalloped potatoes are a truly comforting side.
- Autumn Squash Soup: A smooth, creamy roasted squash soup makes an excellent starter before the fish cakes.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf, perhaps with peas and spices, is an easy, starchy side that works well with seafood.
- Brown Rice Risotto: A savory mushroom or butternut squash risotto made with brown rice offers a hearty and sophisticated pairing.
- Smoked Paprika Sweet Potatoes: Roast sweet potato wedges with cumin, smoked paprika, and olive oil for a delightful sweet and savory side.
Quick & Easy Veggie Boosts
Need a fast and fresh vegetable to complete your fish cake meal? Try these speedy options:
- Sautéed Spinach: Fresh spinach sautéed with garlic and lemon takes mere minutes but tastes incredibly gourmet.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Boil carrots until tender, then toss them with honey, lemon juice, and thyme for an effortlessly sweet side.
- Roasted Broccoli: Toss broccoli florets with oil, salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, then roast at a high temperature for crispy, charred perfection.
- Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans, dressed with a little melted butter and sea salt, add a crisp, healthy element.
- Zucchini Fries: Coat sliced zucchini in breadcrumbs or panko and bake for crunchy, savory “fries” that are a lighter alternative.
Crisp & Refreshing Salads & Slaws
Crunchy, fresh salads and slaws are fantastic with fried fish cakes, adding a burst of flavor and texture:
- Greek Salad: A vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and feta over crisp lettuce with a lemony dressing.
- Apple Coleslaw: For a delightful twist, use shredded apples instead of just cabbage in a creamy slaw, perhaps with red onion and celery.
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad: Whole wheat couscous, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, and chickpeas tossed in a light lemony vinaigrette.
- Watermelon Feta Salad: Cubed watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a surprisingly sweet and savory combination.
- Kale and Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed mix of shredded kale, quinoa, and dried cranberries with a light, bright dressing.
Hearty & Satisfying Sides
When you’re looking for something more filling to go alongside your fish cakes, these comforting sides are perfect:
- Baked Beans: Traditional baked beans, often smothered in BBQ sauce and bacon, are a classic pairing for fried fish.
- Macaroni and Cheese: For the ultimate comfort food experience, a cheesy, gooey bowl of homemade mac and cheese is hard to beat.
- Cornbread: Warm cornbread, especially with a dollop of honey butter, beautifully complements the flavors of fish cakes.
- Hushpuppies: These delightful fried cornmeal dumplings are a traditional Southern side, perfect with any fried fish dish.
- Cajun Dirty Rice: Sautéed ground beef, onions, aromatic spices, and rice create a bold, hearty side dish.
As you can see, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to finding the perfect side to serve with your fish cakes! From simple roasted vegetables and refreshing salads to satisfying starchy sides and creamy dips, there’s an accompaniment for every occasion. Whether you’re planning a casual family meal or a more elegant soirée, this list of 30 amazing sides will inspire you. Happy cooking!