The best thing about fish tacos is their versatility. You can make fish tacos with any type of fish, and any kinds of toppings you like. Fish tacos are a great opportunity to experiment with bold flavors and textures. From crunchy toppings to creamy sauces, the possibilities are endless! Here are 12 suggestions for side dishes you can serve with your fish tacos.
How to make perfect Fish Tacos
Fish tacos have gained popularity over the years due to their quick preparation and fresh flavors. Fish tacos can be whipped up at home or eaten out at local restaurants, which is one of the reasons why they are so popular. There are many ways to make a fish taco, but knowing the perfect ingredients and technique is key. Below are five steps for making the perfect fish taco.
1. Choose your fish and seasoning
Tilapia generally works best for fish tacos, but any mild white fish will do. Do not use a strong-flavored fish such as salmon, as it can overpower the other flavors in the taco. Use a light seasoning on your fish, such as cumin and garlic powder or lemon pepper cumin.
2. Prepare your toppings
The toppings you use are up to you, but some must-haves include shredded cabbage, cilantro and mango salsa (see resources below). Other options include: avocado slices, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and/or sour cream.
3. Prepare your tortilla shell
You can either buy tortilla shells already made or make them yourself at home by frying corn tortillas in oil until they are crispy (this process only takes a few minutes). For healthier options, use corn or flour tortillas.
4. Fill with fish and top with toppings of your choice
Add the toppings to the mix using a fork or spoon, and place in a burrito roll-up. If you like, you can also add salsa and sour cream on top of the filling before rolling it up (see resources below). To keep your taco filling covered, fill your tortilla with lettuce or cabbage before wrapping it.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Fish Tacos?
When you’re thinking about side dishes for fish tacos, you are probably already happy with the main dish. But don’t forget that a true meal needs to give your guests a complete experience. There are many ways you can use the right side dishes to make your fish tacos the talk of the town. Keep reading to find out why you should consider serving side dishes for fish tacos…
The first reason is simple: because they are delicious. Just like any other food, it’s important to put some thought into how it will be served and what goes with it. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid last minute scrambling when trying to come up with something new and exciting.
Another reason is that by doing so, you’ll be providing a valuable service for your guests. Many people are intimidated by the idea of preparing their own side dishes at home. By having it all ready to go from the start, they’ll be able to enjoy their meal without worrying about whether or not they have enough ingredients on hand or if they need some extra help! And that means less stress for everyone involved!
What to Serve with Fish Tacos? 12 BEST Side Dishes
1. Black bean and corn salad
This is a great side dish for fish tacos because it is fresh and light. It’s also great as an appetizer or on its own as a meal! If you have leftover corn kernels after making the salad, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s also call Cilantro Lime Quinoa.
2. Refried beans with chorizo
A traditional Mexican chorizo has a deep smoky flavor that will provide a wonderful contrast to the mild fish in your tacos. Cook it up in refried beans for a hearty side dish that will fill you up without weighing you down.
3. Red and green slaw
A good classic coleslaw is a must-have for any taco night, but you can take it up a notch by adding a little color and crunch with red cabbage and radishes. The best part? It takes just 15 minutes to make!
4. Grilled corn on the cob
Corn on the cob is great, but grilled corn on the cob? Even better! If you’re at home, toss your corn on the grill while your fish tacos are baking. If you’re out camping, you can probably get away with tossing them in a cast iron pan over your fire pit.
5. Grilled pineapple salsa
If you want to mix things up a bit, this grilled pineapple salsa is sure to please. Not only is it super simple to make, but it also adds some major flavor and texture to your tacos without being too overwhelming or messy. Just remember to serve it in a bowl rather than on top of your tacos—pineapple tends to be juicy!
6. Rice
Rice is a staple ingredient in Latin American and Spanish cuisine, so it’s no surprise that it would be a great partner for fish tacos. If you’re planning to go with this option, choose from one of the following:
- Arroz blanco (white rice): This is your traditional white rice, cooked plain and simple—with just rice, water, salt, and oil.
- Arroz rojo (red rice): Red rice is made by cooking the rice with red tomatoes, which results in a slightly firmer texture and tangy flavor.
- Spanish rice: You can omit the chili powder and cumin if you want a milder version of this dish.
- Mexican green rice: This recipe is great because it includes instructions for making it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.
7. Cucumber salad
Cucumber salad is also a nice complement to fish tacos, because the crispness and spiciness of this dish can help to balance out the fish and other ingredients. A simple recipe only requires a few ingredients: cucumbers, red onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
8. Avocado crema
Avocado crema is a popular topping for fish tacos. It’s very easy to make at home, and it adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal. Avocado crema is made from avocados and sour cream, although some people also add a little bit of mayonnaise to the mix.
9. Roasted salsa
Another great option for fish taco toppings is roasted salsa. Tomatoes are traditionally used in salsa; however, this type of salsa uses fresh tomatoes that have been charred on the grill before being pureed. This roasting process gives the salsa an even smokier flavor than traditional salsa has. You can also buy roasted salsa if you don’t want to make your own at home.
10. Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is a salsa that translates to “beak of the rooster” in Spanish. It got its name because it was traditionally eaten by pinching it between two fingers like a bird pecking at food. There are many variations of pico de gallo, but most contain tomatoes, onions, cilantro and chiles. Its flavor is best when fresh ingredients are used and the mixture can sit for about 30 minutes so all the flavors have time to meld together. Pico de Gallo works as a great side dish for fish tacos because its acidity from the lime juice contrasts well with the creamy avocado and fish tastes great with tomatoes.
11. Watermelon Salad with Feta, Mint and Lime
This salad adds a refreshing touch to the meal, the watermelon contrasts nicely with the savory fish tacos. The honey in this recipe balances out the tartness of the lime juice, and mint adds a nice herbal note that pairs perfectly with both watermelon and feta. As always when making salads, be sure to use only the freshest ingredients possible.
12. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
This is one of those dishes that’s incredibly easy to make, but is so good that it tastes like it should be way more complicated than it actually is. Elote is roasted corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise and salty cojita cheese, then sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice. You’ll have to make this at least once just for the experience of saying “cojita” in an exaggerated Mexican accent. While you can do this with husked corn on the cob, I prefer to grill it with the husks on for extra flavor. You can even shuck the corn while it’s still warm, just be careful not to burn yourself!
Conclusion
The perfect fish taco needs the perfect side dish to go with it. A good balance of textures and flavors is key for rounding out a plate of these delectable delights, especially when the tacos themselves call for a simple preparation like grilled fish or even just herbs and lime. A few bright, bold sides will help you create an irresistible meal that’s sure to be a hit at your next summer picnic or pool party.
