When it comes to quick and easy meals, fish sticks are a go-to for many families. But what about those side dishes? After all, fish sticks on their own can get a little boring after a while!
Fret not, as we’ve got you covered with some delicious side dish ideas that will take your fish stick game to the next level. These sides will add color, flavor, and nutrition to your plate while complementing the taste of fish sticks perfectly.
“Variety is the spice of life!” -William Cowper
From classic french fries to healthier options like roasted vegetables or quinoa salad, there’s something for everyone in this list. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to whip up these tasty sides, with most taking no more than 30 minutes to prepare.
If you’re tired of serving the same old sides with your fish sticks, try some of our suggestions and bring excitement back into mealtime! These side dishes are perfect for busy weeknights, weekend dinners, and even lunch boxes if you have leftovers. So, let’s dive right in and discover some new favorites to enjoy with your beloved fish sticks!
Classic French Fries
When it comes to pairing fish sticks with a side dish, nothing beats classic french fries. Thinly sliced and crispy, these fried potatoes make the perfect accompaniment to every bite of fish stick. Not only do they provide a satisfying contrast in texture, but their neutral flavor also lets the flavors of the fish stick take center stage.
Thinly Sliced and Crispy
The key to great french fries lies in their thickness and crispiness. Generally, thinner fries result in a crunchier texture that practically explodes in your mouth with each bite. To achieve this sought-after texture, many restaurants use a mandoline slicer or specialized cutter to ensure uniformity in shape and size. The fries are then double-fried at a consistent temperature, resulting in perfectly crispy edges and pillowy-soft interiors.
Served with Ketchup or Aioli
Whether you’re a fan of tangy ketchup or creamy aioli, both condiments offer distinct upgrades to your fish stick meal. Ketchup delivers a classic flavor combination that is widely associated with delectable comfort food. Alternatively, aioli’s rich, garlicky taste lends depth and complexity to the fried duo.
Seasoned with Salt and Pepper
No matter how you slice ’em, beef up your fry flavor by simply seasoning them with salt and pepper. Salt brings out the natural potato flavor while adding a touch of savory zest, whereas freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle warmth and earthiness. You can further customize the seasoning to suit your preferences; try adding cayenne for some heat or garlic powder for more pungency.
“French fries are just the foundation of happiness.” -Anonymous
Creamy Coleslaw
Finely Shredded Green Cabbage
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with fish sticks. To make a delicious coleslaw, start by finely shredding green cabbage. Cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber and several important vitamins.
You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to shred the cabbage into thin pieces. Make sure to remove any tough stems or stalks before slicing the cabbage.
Tossed with Creamy Dressing
Once you have shredded the cabbage, it’s time to add a creamy dressing. Homemade dressings are always best, so try making your own with ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, honey, and mustard.
If you’re short on time or don’t feel like making your own dressing, store-bought dressings work just fine too. Look for dressings that are labeled “creamy” and have a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cabbage.
“In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, salt, and black pepper until combined. Add the shredded cabbage and toss to coat evenly. Chill for at least one hour before serving.”
This simple recipe creates a creamy coleslaw that is perfect for pairing with fish sticks. The tanginess from the vinegar and mustard helps balance out the richness of the fish sticks.
Another great thing about coleslaw is that it is incredibly versatile. You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onion to the mix for added flavor and nutrition.
Creamy coleslaw is an ideal side dish to serve alongside fish sticks. It adds texture and freshness to your meal while balancing out the richness of the fish sticks. Give it a try the next time you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish!
Grilled Vegetables
Seasonal Vegetables Grilled to Perfection
When preparing fish sticks, it’s always a good idea to have a healthy side dish to balance out the meal. Grilled vegetables are an excellent choice. Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and asparagus can be marinated in olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling, enhancing their natural flavors.
Not only do grilled vegetables taste great, but they also offer numerous health benefits. They are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall wellness. For example, red and yellow bell peppers contain high levels of vitamin C, which plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin and boosting the immune system. Additionally, grilled vegetables are low in calories and help maintain a healthy weight.
Served with Balsamic Glaze
To add extra flavor to your grilled veggies, consider serving them with a balsamic glaze. This tasty condiment is rich in antioxidants and adds a tangy sweetness to any dish, making it the perfect complement to savory grilled vegetables.
“Balsamic vinegar has been used for centuries as a traditional Italian seasoning. Studies suggest this antioxidant-rich food may lower risk factors for heart disease, cancer and other inflammatory conditions” -Dr. Josh Axe
To make a balsamic glaze, simmer balsamic vinegar until it thickens into a syrup-like consistency. Then drizzle it over your grilled vegetables for a delicious boost of flavor.
Lightly Seasoned with Herbs and Spices
If you’re looking to take your grilled vegetables to the next level, try incorporating different herbs and spices into the mix. Some options include garlic, oregano, basil, rosemary, or thyme. These seasonings can add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of your veggies without adding extra calories or fat.
When seasoning your vegetables, less is more. Be sure not to overdo it with herbs and spices as they can easily overpower the natural flavors of the grilled vegetables. A good rule of thumb is to use about a teaspoon per cup of vegetables.
Healthy and Delicious Option
Grilled vegetables are an excellent choice for what goes with fish sticks. They’re healthy, tasty, and offer various health benefits while keeping your meal balanced and flavorful. Plus, grilling vegetables is incredibly easy and requires minimal prep time, making it a convenient side dish option for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook.
“Vegetables and fruits are rich sources of vitamins and minerals that play key roles in good health. Eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits as part of an overall healthy diet may reduce the risk for heart disease.” -CDC
Incorporating colorful seasonal produce into your meals not only bolsters nutrition but adds visual appeal and variety to your plate. So next time you’re enjoying fish sticks, don’t forget to whip up some delicious grilled veggies on the side!
Lemon Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Roasted to Perfection with Fresh Lemon and Garlic
If you are looking for the perfect side dish to pair with your fish sticks, look no further than these mouth-watering lemon garlic roasted potatoes. The combination of tangy lemon and aromatic garlic will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meal to the next level.
To make these delicious roasted potatoes, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). Scrub one pound of small red or yellow potatoes clean and cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with three cloves of minced garlic, two tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
“The acid in lemons can help break down starches found in potatoes, resulting in crispy, flavorful roasted potatoes,” says cookbook author and food writer J. Kenji Lopez-Alt.
Transfer the seasoned potatoes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread them out in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Serve hot and enjoy the compliments!
Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside
The beauty of roasted potatoes is their versatility – they complement just about any protein and add texture to any plate. These lemon garlic roasted potatoes have that irresistible crispiness on the outside while being soft and tender on the inside.
In addition, this side dish has a unique burst of flavours from each ingredient. As noted by chef and cookbook author Melissa Clark “Garlic adds depth to dishes and complements other savoury ingredients such as onions and herbs.”
Enjoy the mix of textures and flavors in every bite as you pair it with your favorite fish sticks.
Perfect Side Dish for Any Meal
If you are looking for a side dish that is easy to make, flavorful, and sophisticated enough for any occasion, then you can’t go wrong with these lemon garlic roasted potatoes. They’re perfect for family dinners or a meal with friends and loved ones.
What’s more, they are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed alongside dishes other than fish sticks, such as grilled chicken, salmon, or even pork chops.
“Roasted potatoes are an excellent way to get crispy bits without deep-frying,” says Chef Rebecca Charles. “Roasting them at high temperature results in lightly charred exteriors with creamy tender interiors!”
This classic and nutritious all-purpose side dish is perfect for any season and is sure to please everyone at the table.
So next time you’re wondering what goes with fish sticks, don’t hesitate to try this simple yet delicious recipe. These lemon garlic roasted potatoes will have your taste buds dancing, making your meal a memorable one!Tangy Tartar Sauce
If you’re wondering what goes with fish sticks, wonder no more – tangy tartar sauce is the perfect accompaniment to this popular seafood dish. Whether store-bought or homemade, a dollop of this creamy sauce on your fish sticks will elevate them to new heights.
Made with Fresh Herbs and Spices
A good tartar sauce should not only be tangy but also have fresh flavors from herbs and spices. A classic tartar sauce recipe usually includes chopped dill pickles, onions, garlic, capers, and parsley mixed into a mayonnaise and sour cream base. However, you can always mix up different herbs and spices like tarragon, chives, lemon zest, or even sriracha for a spicy kick.
Perfect Accompaniment to Fried Fish or Seafood
Fish sticks are great on their own, but they taste so much better when paired with tartar sauce. This zesty sauce provides a cooling contrast to the hot crispy fish, balancing out its richness and adding brightness to every bite. Besides fish sticks, you can also serve tartar sauce alongside other fried seafood like shrimp, calamari, or oysters.
Rich and Creamy Consistency
One hallmark of a good tartar sauce is its rich and creamy consistency that coats each piece of fish perfectly. To achieve that, you need to make sure the ingredients are well-mixed and the ratio of mayo to sour cream is just right. Some people prefer thicker sauces while others opt for a runnier texture. Whatever your preference is, adjust accordingly until you get the desired consistency.
Easy to Make at Home
While it’s convenient to buy pre-made tartar sauce from the store, there’s something special when you make it yourself. Not only do you have full control over the ingredients and flavors, but also you can adjust it to your liking. Making tartar sauce at home is incredibly easy and only requires a few steps – mix all the ingredients in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, taste and adjust accordingly.
“I love making my own tartar sauce at home because it tastes so much fresher and more delicious than the store-bought kind.” -Ina Garten
Tangy tartar sauce is an exceptional accompaniment for fish sticks that elevates its flavor and textures. With fresh herbs, zesty spices, and rich creaminess, this versatile sauce can be used on different seafood dishes and even as a dip for fries or chicken nuggets. Give it a try next time you’re wondering what goes with fish sticks and watch how it transforms your meal into a true feast!
Frequently Asked Questions
What side dishes pair well with fish sticks?
There are many side dishes that pair well with fish sticks. Some popular options include french fries, coleslaw, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, and roasted vegetables. You can also serve fish sticks with rice pilaf or quinoa salad for a healthier option. Adding a side salad or fruit salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy texture of the fish sticks.
What are some healthy options to serve with fish sticks?
If you’re looking for healthy options to serve with fish sticks, try pairing them with steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans. You can also serve them with a side salad or a fruit salad for added nutrition. Another healthy option is to serve fish sticks with quinoa or brown rice and a variety of roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers.
What sauces can be served with fish sticks?
There are many sauces that pair well with fish sticks. Tartar sauce and cocktail sauce are classic choices, but you can also try serving fish sticks with honey mustard, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce. For a spicy kick, try serving them with sriracha mayo or buffalo sauce. And for a more exotic flavor, try serving them with sweet chili sauce or teriyaki sauce.
What beverages go well with fish sticks?
When it comes to beverages, there are many options that go well with fish sticks. Lemonade or iced tea are refreshing choices, while a cold beer or white wine can complement the flavors of the fish. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving fish sticks with sparkling water or a fruit smoothie.
What desserts can be served with fish sticks?
While it may not be the most obvious pairing, there are some desserts that can be served with fish sticks. One option is to serve them with a fruit salad or a fruit sorbet for a refreshing contrast. Another option is to serve them with a sweet and savory dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or raspberry sauce. For a more indulgent dessert, try serving them with a chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.
What vegetarian options can be served with fish sticks?
If you’re looking for vegetarian options to serve with fish sticks, try pairing them with a variety of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also serve them with a side salad or a fruit salad for added nutrition. Another option is to serve fish sticks with quinoa or brown rice and a variety of sautéed vegetables, like spinach, mushrooms, and onions.