Fish tacos are a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. They are easy to make, customizable, and full of delicious textures and tastes. But to really make the most of your fish taco night, you need some amazing side dishes to go along with them. In this article, we will show you some of the best sides that can complement your fish tacos and turn them into a complete and mouthwatering meal.
Jalapeno Poppers
Jalapeno Poppers are an exciting side dish that can add a spicy zing to the mild flavors of fish tacos. When served alongside, they create a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, complementing the fish’s delicate taste. The process of making Jalapeno Poppers involves halving and deseeding the jalapenos, stuffing them with a rich blend of cream cheese and shredded cheese, and then either baking or frying them until they’re deliciously crispy on the outside and meltingly soft on the inside.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Jalapenos | 12, halved |
| Cream Cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded Cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Bread Crumbs | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2, beaten |
| Oil | For frying |
Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower Rice is a light and healthy alternative to traditional rice, making it an excellent side dish. It’s made by grating cauliflower into fine pieces and then lightly cooking it, creating a texture similar to rice. This side dish is versatile and can be seasoned with herbs and spices to complement the flavors of fish tacos. It’s a great option for those looking for a lower-carb or gluten-free accompaniment.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower, grated | 1 head |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
| Fresh Herbs (e.g., cilantro, parsley), chopped | 2 tbsp (optional) |
Pineapple Salsa
Pineapple Salsa is a tropical and vibrant side dish that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to fish tacos. This salsa combines diced pineapple with jalapenos, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The freshness and flavor of this salsa make it a delightful complement to the richness of the tacos.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pineapple, diced | 2 cups |
| Red Onion, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Jalapeno, minced | 1 |
| Fresh Cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Lime Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Black Bean Salad
Black Bean Salad is a hearty and healthy side dish that complements fish tacos perfectly. It’s a blend of black beans, bell peppers, corn, and cilantro, dressed in a lime vinaigrette. This salad offers a rich and earthy flavor with a hint of freshness and tanginess, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the softness of the tacos.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black Beans, drained and rinsed | 2 cups |
| Bell Pepper, diced | 1 |
| Corn Kernels | 1 cup |
| Red Onion, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Lime Juice | 3 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Fruit Salad
Fruit Salad is a fresh and light option that pairs beautifully with fish tacos. It’s a mix of various fruits like melons, berries, and citrus, dressed with a hint of honey or lime juice. This salad adds a sweet and refreshing component to the meal, balancing the savory flavors of the tacos with its natural sweetness and juicy texture.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mixed Fresh Fruit (e.g., melon, berries, citrus) | 4 cups, chopped |
| Honey or Lime Juice | 2 tbsp |
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the Cob is a simple yet delightful side dish that brings a sweet and juicy element to fish tacos. Grilling or boiling the corn brings out its natural sweetness, and a brush of butter and a sprinkle of salt elevate its flavor. This side dish adds a playful and rustic touch to the meal, offering both taste and texture contrast.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Corn on the Cob | 4 ears |
| Butter | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a refreshing and crunchy side dish that adds a delightful contrast to fish tacos. Its creamy and tangy profile, coming from the combination of cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, and vinegar, complements the flavors of the tacos. This side dish brings a cool and crisp texture, balancing the warmth of the tacos.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Cabbage, shredded | 1/2 head |
| Carrots, shredded | 2 |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Chips and Salsa
Chips and Salsa are a classic pairing for fish tacos, offering a crunchy and flavorful addition to the meal. The salsa, made with ripe tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos, brings a fresh and tangy flavor, while the crispy chips provide a satisfying crunch. This side dish is not only delicious but also adds a playful and communal aspect to the dining experience. The right selection and proper preparation of the tacos is the crucial part. Therefore, you should learn more about whether you can use raw fish, and how to marinade and spice it up in right way.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roma Tomatoes, diced | 3 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Jalapeno, minced | 1 |
| Lime Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Tortilla Chips | As needed |
Refried Beans
Refried Beans are a classic Mexican side dish that complements fish tacos beautifully. This dish is made by cooking and mashing beans until they’re creamy and then frying them with onions and spices. The result is a rich, smooth, and flavorful concoction that adds depth and heartiness to the meal.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pinto Beans, cooked | 2 cups |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Mexican Sweet Potatoes
Mexican Sweet Potatoes are a hearty and nutritious side dish that pairs excellently with fish tacos. These sweet potatoes are seasoned with a blend of Mexican spices and roasted to perfection, creating a dish that’s both sweet and savory with a hint of smokiness. They add a delightful contrast to the tacos, offering a different texture and a rich flavor profile.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes, cubed | 3 large |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delectable side dish that brings a burst of flavor and texture to fish tacos. This salad is a combination of charred corn, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder, creating a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy profile. Its bold flavors and creamy texture make it an irresistible addition.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Corn Kernels | 4 cups |
| Mayonnaise | 1/4 cup |
| Cotija Cheese, crumbled | 1/2 cup |
| Lime, juiced | 1 |
| Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
| Fresh Cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
Green Tomato Salsa
Green Tomato Salsa is a unique and tangy accompaniment to fish tacos. This salsa, made from unripe tomatoes, offers a distinctively sharp and slightly sour flavor that contrasts well with the savory taste of fish. Mixed with onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice, it’s a refreshing and vibrant addition to any taco.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Tomatoes, chopped | 4 |
| Onion, chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Jalapeno, chopped | 1 |
| Fresh Cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Lime Juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Pico De Gallo
Pico De Gallo is a fresh and spicy salsa that adds a lively burst of flavor to fish tacos. Made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapenos, this salsa is both simple and incredibly refreshing. The acidity and crispness of Pico De Gallo make it an ideal counterpoint to the rich flavors of fish tacos.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Roma Tomatoes, finely chopped | 3 |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Cilantro, chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Jalapeno, minced | 1 |
| Lime Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice is a flavorful and colorful side dish that pairs wonderfully with fish tacos. Its combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices infuses the rice with a hearty and aromatic flavor. The rice is sautéed until golden and then simmered with a tomato-based sauce, resulting in a fluffy and savory accompaniment that complements the lightness of fish tacos.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long Grain Rice | 1 cup |
| Vegetable Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 cup |
| Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth | 2 cups |
| Cumin | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light side dish that enhances the overall fish taco experience. This salad is made with crisp cucumbers, a dash of vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs like dill or parsley. It’s a cool and tangy addition that contrasts well with the warm and savory flavors of the fish tacos.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers, thinly sliced | 2 |
| White Vinegar | 3 tbsp |
| Olive Oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Ground Black Pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Fresh Dill or Parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp |
Easy Guacamole
Guacamole is a classic Mexican side that pairs excellently with fish tacos. Its creamy texture and rich, avocado flavor provide a smooth counterpoint to the crispiness of the tacos. This easy guacamole recipe involves mashing ripe avocados and mixing them with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and a hint of salt and pepper, creating a delightful blend of freshness and taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Avocados | 3 |
| Lime Juice | 2 tbsp |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Roma Tomatoes, chopped | 2 |
| Fresh Cilantro, chopped | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro Lime Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that complements fish tacos superbly. This side dish combines the fresh, herbal notes of cilantro with the tangy zest of lime, creating a light and refreshing taste that balances the richness of the fish. The rice is cooked until fluffy and then tossed with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, resulting in a fragrant and enticing accompaniment to your fish tacos.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Long Grain Rice | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Fresh Cilantro | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Lime | 2, juiced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Butter or Oil | 1 tbsp |
FAQs
How healthy are fish tacos?
Fish tacos can be a healthy and delicious dish, depending on how they are prepared and what ingredients are used. Fish is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that can benefit your health. However, some fish tacos may also contain fried fish, high-fat sauces, or excess salt, which can increase the calories, fat, and sodium intake. To make your fish tacos healthier, you can choose grilled or baked fish, use low-fat or yogurt-based sauces, add plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, and opt for whole-wheat or corn tortillas.
What fish is good for fish tacos?
There are many types of fish that can be used for fish tacos, depending on your preference, availability, and budget. Some of the most popular choices are cod, tilapia, mahi mahi, snapper, and halibut. These fish have a mild and flaky texture that can hold up well to different cooking methods and seasonings. You can also use fattier fish like salmon, tuna, or swordfish, which have a richer flavor and a firmer texture. Whichever fish you choose, make sure it is fresh, sustainable, and in season for the best quality and taste.
What alcohol pairs with fish tacos?
Fish tacos are a versatile dish that can pair well with different kinds of alcoholic beverages, depending on the flavors and ingredients of the tacos. Some of the most common and recommended drinks to go with fish tacos are:
- White wine: A crisp, citrusy, and refreshing white wine can complement the light and fresh flavors of fish tacos. Some examples are Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Vinho Verde, or Pinot Grigio.
- Sparkling wine: A dry, bubbly, and festive sparkling wine can enhance the texture and saltiness of fish tacos. Some examples are Cava, Crémant, or Champagne.
- Beer: A cold, light, and fizzy beer can balance the spiciness and richness of fish tacos. Some examples are lager, pilsner, or wheat beer.
- Tequila: A smooth, tangy, and potent tequila can match the spicy and savory flavors of fish tacos. You can drink it neat, on the rocks, or mixed with lime juice and salt.
What country invented fish tacos?
The origin of fish tacos is not very clear, but most people agree that they were invented in Baja California, Mexico, sometime in the last 50 or 60 years. Baja California is a peninsula with a long coastline and abundant seafood, which influenced the local cuisine. The traditional Baja-style fish taco consists of battered and fried fish, shredded cabbage, creamy sauce, salsa, and lime juice, wrapped in a corn tortilla. Some people also claim that fish tacos were influenced by the Japanese immigrants who came to Baja California in the 1950s and 1960s, and introduced the technique of tempura frying. Fish tacos have since become a popular street food and a cultural icon of Baja California, as well as a global phenomenon.
Conclusion
Selecting the right side dishes for fish tacos can elevate your meal from simple to spectacular. The beauty of pairing sides with this beloved dish lies in the balance and contrast of flavors, textures, and colors. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, the key is to choose sides that complement the fish tacos’ freshness and flavor. Remember to consider your guests’ dietary preferences and restrictions to ensure a delightful dining experience for everyone.