8 Best Side Dishes to Serve with Fish

Even the most deliciously prepared fish simply cannot charm one's palate to the fullest without the aid of side dishes as they blend and mix together. This is why it's so important to choose other dishes with care, especially if the fish is going to be the main part of the meal. In case you're having trouble deciding what to eat with fish, check out the following ideas.

1. Greek-Style Potatoes Spiced with Lemon

Mild white fish such as tilapia and sole are essential in the Mediterranean diet. Therefore, it's no wonder that the iconic side dish involving lemony potatoes that originated in Greece has also become a staple when served together with the said fish. The special approach is in the way we should prepare potatoes; it's not just a simple roast we're all used to. Pour some water into the pan and cover it with foil so that the potatoes can actually steam. The finishing touches are a must. A dash of lemon juice together with oregano and garlic makes this dish a perfectly balanced counterpart to many people's favorite "fish-centric" meals.

2. Green Bean Amandine

Greek is not the only cuisine that pairs well with seafood. The French have a handful of amazing recipes to try out as well. And since we all lead busy lives these days, the fact that this particular dish won't take away more than 10 minutes of prep time is greatly beneficial. The ideal way to serve fish, in this case, is to bake or steam the fillets and then match the rich taste of green bean and spices with the tenderness of the main course. All that's necessary is to cook the beans and then mix them in a pan with butter, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and almonds to create the perfect fragrant blend. Add salt and pepper according to taste.

3. The Flavorful Lemon Rice and Peanuts

Aside from the Mediterranean region, Asia is also known for its love of fish. And, in that sense, we can expect a range of interesting seafood side dishes to match the intricate flavors of the food. This is especially evident in the colorful India where spices play an integral role in meal prep. That said, basmati rice is the key ingredient in preparing this particular delight. Mixing the pilaf-style rice with lemon is the basis for this side dish. To turn it truly Indian-inspired, we can use an abundance of hot spices such as ginger and green chiles as well as a handful of roasted peanuts. This blend provides just the right amount of heaty kick when paired with already spicy fish.

4. Carrot, Cabbage, and Kohlrabi Slaw with Miso Dressing

Continuing with Asian cuisine, the Japanese are known for their hearty fish-based meals. And in order for these meals to taste truly great and nutritious, they're famous for creating elaborate vegetable and spice blends. Crave some grilled fish fillets? We can't recommend enough pairing them with thinly sliced vegetables soaked in a miso dressing. Carrots, cabbage, and kohlrabi all shredded and mixed together should maintain their crunchy flavor as the ginger-spiced dressing provides the added freshness and zesty touch that pairs lovely with all kinds of fish.

5. Scalloped Corn Casserole

When we look for what to serve with fish, the cheesy goodness often remains forgotten. But the truth is, nothing can make meaty fish bits more delicious than cheese-filled scalloped corn casserole. The casserole is rather easy and quick to make. We recommend adding a whole chopped bell pepper to boost the nutritional value and add the freshness of the peeper to the crunchy crust.

6. Crispy Quinoa with Kale

Rice is indeed the true king of side dishes when it comes to seafood. However, not all of us can eat rice if we have to deal with gluten intolerance. This is where quinoa comes into play. This grain is very similar in structure to rice yet it's completely gluten-free. What's more, it's rich in protein, thus allowing you to get a perfectly nutritious meal. Quinoa can be cooked and prepared much like rice. But in order to spice things up and create a proper side dish for the occasion, spices and herbs become crucial. That said, kale, cinnamon, and cumin are perfect additions for carb-free quinoa. Not to mention this fresh mix pairs amazingly well with pan-seared and steamed fish bites.

7. Shaved Asparagus and Arugula Salad

Who says you can't green up your seafood meals? Some green veggies pair extremely well with the cooked fish. What's more, this particular salad can only improve the taste of fish with its freshness. Not all greens match well with seafood, but we can say for certain that it's impossible to go wrong with asparagus and arugula. A touch of edamame is bound to top things off rather well, too. There's not much to do in order to prepare this particular salad goodness. Mix the shaved asparagus, arugula, and edamame in a pan, add a touch of cilantro vinaigrette dressing, and finish your dish off with a dash of Parmesan cheese (or breadcrumbs), and voila!

8. Couscous Stuffed Bell Peppers

This particular side dish looks rather nice, which makes it ideal as a serving at a fancy dinner party or when you're entertaining guests. It matches well with all sorts of fish entrees yet it boosts the nutritional value of the meal as a whole thanks to the grains and veggies. Steam the couscous as normally, and then proceed to mix it in a pan with the adequate seasonings and herbs. The choice is yours, really. Once the stuffing is done, stuff it into a sweet bell pepper. Then place the side dish in the oven until the pepper is all tender and warm. Fish is considered one of the healthiest foods available today. It has great nutritional properties thanks to the abundance of protein and vitamin D. More importantly, fish is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote overall health and brainpower. Thanks to these nutritional values, fish can improve one's immune system and even help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The mentioned vitamin D and omega-3 are also valuable allies in fighting depression and mood disorders. What's more, it can improve sleep patterns and promote healthy development in kids. This is precisely why we strongly believe that seafood provides a wholesome enjoyment for both body and soul. At Stiltsville Fish Bar, our customers can enjoy a variety of healthy and delicious seafood. We present our menu proudly at the very heart of Miami's Sunset Harbor. The relaxed and quaint atmosphere of our restaurant allows the customers to immerse themselves into the dining experience wholeheartedly, especially when they top their meals off with a refreshing Key West inspired drink. The view of the harbor and the sky completes the experience as the customers get to choose where they want to be seated – in the dining room or the outdoor hammock chair. Anyone looking for the delicious seafood and soothing environment is bound to enjoy our Stiltsville Fish Bar. We invite you to check us out and take a look at what we have to offer.