What To Serve With Fish Cakes (20 Best Sides)
Fish cakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. They can be pan-fried, baked, or crispy and deep-fried, and pair well with a variety of side dishes.
If you’re looking for the best side dishes to serve with fish cakes, look no further. I’ve curated a list of tasty sides that will complete your meal.
From classic options like coleslaw and potato salad to more unique choices like roasted garlic aioli and dill pickle tartar sauce, these easy recipes will take your fish cakes to the next level.
So, whether you prefer a light and refreshing green salad or a creamy cucumber salad, we have the best sides for fish cakes for you!
Looking for a quick answer? Here are my favorite sides for fish cakes.
Some of the best side dishes to serve with fish cakes are potato salad, coleslaw, cucumber salad, spinach salad, simple green salad, broccoli salad, quinoa salad, minty peas, roasted brussels sprouts, homemade chips, sweet potato fries, roasted vegetables, baked sweet potato, baked beans, baby potatoes, poached eggs with hollandaise sauce, asparagus spears, air fryer potato wedges, roasted garlic aioli, and dill pickle tartar sauce.
1. Potato salad
Creamy potato salad is a classic side dish for fish cakes.
The tangy mayo dressing pairs well with the delicate flavor of fish cakes. Plus, the soft and fluffy texture of the potatoes contrasts nicely with the crispy exterior of the cakes.
It’s also a great gluten-free option that you can customize to suit your type of fish cakes. Add some fresh dill and diced red onion to pair it with cod fish cakes or salmon cakes.
We love: Ina Garten’s Potato Salad (by Insanely Good Recipes)
2. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that goes well with many different types of meals, but it is particularly tasty when served with fish cakes.
A creamy and tangy coleslaw is the perfect balance to deep-fried fish cakes but it works just as well with healthy baked fish cakes.
Serve your coleslaw and fish cakes with lemon wedges and a simple green side salad for a low-carb option, or add some roasted sweet potatoes to complete the meal.
We love: This Is the Most Popular Slaw Recipe on Pinterest (by The Kitchn)
3. Cucumber salad
Cucumber salad is another perfect side dish for fish cakes, whether you’re serving them as a mid-week family meal or for a special occasion.
The crisp and refreshing thinly sliced cucumber pairs perfectly with the tender texture of the fish cakes, while the tangy and creamy dressing adds a burst of flavor. Plus, the addition of fresh herbs and lemon or lime juice gives the salad a bright and fresh taste.
For a complete meal, serve the fish cakes and creamy cucumber salad alongside some mashed potatoes or a side of sweet potato chips.
We love: Creamy Cucumber Salad (by Budget Bytes)
4. Spinach salad
Spinach salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with fish cakes.
For a simple yet delicious recipe, toss baby spinach with sliced red onions, halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a homemade vinaigrette or a store-bought sauce, such as balsamic glaze or ranch dressing.
With its simple ingredients and super simple preparation, spinach salad is a great choice to pair perfectly with your favorite fish cake recipe.
We love: Simple Spinach Salad Recipe (by The Schmidty Wife)
5. Simple green salad
For a light and refreshing side dish to serve with fish cakes, you’ll never go wrong with a simple garden salad.
The cool and crisp vegetables in the salad provide a refreshing taste that complements the rich and savory fish cakes.
To make the salad even better, try adding a zesty lemon dressing or a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves. It’s an easy recipe that comes together in no time, making it a great option for a quick and delicious side dish.
We love: Fresh Garden Salad (by Feel Good Foodie)
6. Broccoli salad
Broccoli salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish to serve with fish cakes.
Whether you opt for a simple healthy broccoli and kale salad or a loaded broccoli salad with cheese cubes, bacon bits, and an indulgently tangy dressing, the salad adds a burst of flavor and texture to the meal. Plus, the salad provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich and savory fish cakes.
Whether you’re serving fried or baked fish cakes, broccoli salad is a versatile side dish that will complement a wide range of flavors. It’s an easy and tasty addition to any fish cake meal.
We love: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Salad (by My Incredible Recipes)
7. Quinoa salad
Quinoa salad is the perfect healthy side dish to complete your meal.
Mix cooked quinoa with fresh herbs and your favorite diced vegetables for a satisfying crunch. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
This tasty side dish is a versatile and flavorful addition to any meal. Serve with a simple dijon vinaigrette to complete the meal.
We love: Quinoa Chickpea Salad (by Garden in the Kitchen)
8. Minty peas
Fish cakes are a simple and delicious option for a family meal. And what better to pair with them than a side of minty peas?
This super simple side dish is a tasty twist on traditional peas. Simply cook frozen peas and toss them with some olive oil, fresh mint, and lemon zest. Or partially mash the peas for vibrantly green mushy peas. Serve with a dollop of sour cream.
We love: Michelle Obama’s pea salad (by My Primrose Hill Kitchen)
9. Roasted Brussels sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a great option for a side dish to serve alongside fish cakes. They are simple yet delicious and add a nice crunch to the meal.
With their crisp-tender texture and the extra flavor from the roasting process, these Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with simple fish cakes. Plus, they are a great way to incorporate some vegetables into the meal.
We love: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts (by Eatwell101)
10. Homemade chips
For a delicious and easy side dish that pairs with cod fish cakes, salmon cakes, or canned tuna cakes, look no further than homemade chips. These simple yet incredibly delicious crisps are the perfect accompaniment to your family meal.
Pair your fish cakes and chips with a side of creamy garlic sauce to alternate dipping your fish cakes or homemade chips. This combination is also great when you serve crispy fish cakes as part of a game-day spread!
We love: Homemade Salt and Vinegar Chips (by Served From Scratch)
11. Sweet potato fries
Sweet potato fries are a delicious and easy side dish that pairs beautifully with fish cakes. The sweet and savory flavors work well together, creating a satisfying and flavorful combination.
These crispy fries are a great alternative to traditional sides like mashed potatoes or brown rice, and the whole family is sure to love them.
And did I mention how easy this side dish is? You can make sweet potato fries straight from frozen in your air fryer!
We love: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer (by The Hearty Life)
12. Roasted vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a delicious side dish that pairs well with any seafood main. The variety of flavors and textures from the vegetables adds a delicious burst of freshness to the meal.
Serve alongside pan-fried or baked fish cakes for a filling side that the whole family will love. And for a tangy and creamy dip, try adding a dollop of sour cream mixed with fresh herbs and diced dill pickles.
We love: The BEST oven roasted vegetables (by Diethood®)
13. Baked sweet potato
Looking for easy and delicious recipes to serve with fish cakes? Look no further than baked sweet potatoes. They are incredibly delicious and pair perfectly with the fish cakes.
For a low-carb option, serve the fish cakes and baked sweet potatoes with a side of green salad. Or, for a more indulgent side, add some roasted garlic aioli.
We love: How to Bake Sweet Potatoes (by Eating on a Dime)
14. Baked beans
Baked beans are a tasty side dish that is a British favorite with fish pie. And it really works with any fish dish!
The tender texture and perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness in the beans make them a delicious side dish for any fish cake recipe. Add a side salad or a drizzle of tartar sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
We love: Homemade Baked Beans (From Dried Beans (by Seasons and Suppers)
15. Baby potatoes
When it comes to serving fish cakes, baby potatoes are a versatile and tasty side dish that can complement the dish in various ways.
If you’re looking for something light, boil baby potatoes and toss them with a creamy garlic dressing or a simple dijon vinaigrette and fresh chopped herbs.
Or, if you want something a bit more indulgent, try baked potato with garlic butter and parmesan. It’ll be an instant family favorite!
We love: Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes (by Eatwell101)
16. Poached eggs with hollandaise sauce
While eggs Benedict is something you expect to find on a breakfast menu, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce make an exceptionally delicious side dish for crispy fish cakes any time of day.
Swap the English muffin for a crispy fish cake, top it with a poached egg, and drizzle with homemade hollandaise sauce. Finally, sprinkle with flaked salt and finely chopped dill.
Serve your fish cake Benedict as an appetizer or alongside a simple green salad and some roasted veggies or sautéed green beans.
We love: Eggs Benedict with Homemade Hollandaise Sauce (by Will Cook For Smiles)
17. Asparagus spears
Asparagus spears are a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with fish cakes.
Their fresh and crisp texture pairs beautifully with the rich and flavorful fish cakes. This classic side dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a tasty side to accompany your meal.
Asparagus can be roasted, steamed, or sautéed. Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, and freshly cracked black pepper.
We love: Easy Roasted Asparagus (by The Endless Meal®)
18. Air fryer potato wedges
The air fryer is a great tool for fuss-free tasty side dishes. And air fryer potato wedges are the perfect side dish to serve with fish cakes.
Season your potato wedges with Old Bay seasoning, or for those who love a little cheesy goodness, sprinkle it with grated parmesan cheese.
With their versatility and incredibly delicious taste, air fryer potato wedges are a tasty and easy side dish that you can’t go wrong with.
We love: Air Fryer Potato Wedges (by Seeking A Balance)
19. Roasted garlic aioli
The creamy garlic sauce is the perfect pairing for the comforting and satisfying crunch of the fish cakes.
Plus, the aioli goes well with a variety of other dishes, making it a versatile and tasty dipping sauce to serve with any family meal. Why not make double?
You can’t go wrong with roasted garlic aioli when it comes to finding the best sides for fish cakes.
We love: Roasted Garlic Aioli (by Olivia’s Cuisine)
20. Dill pickle tartar sauce
Dill pickle tartar sauce is the perfect tangy and creamy accompaniment to any seafood, especially cod or salmon fishcakes.
The tanginess of the pickles and the creaminess of the sauce create a perfect balance of flavors to complement the fish cakes. Plus, the dill adds a refreshing herbal note to the dish. And we all know how well dill works with salmon!
This side dish is also versatile and can be served with other types of fish cakes or even as a dipping sauce for other seafood dishes.
We love: Dill Pickle Tartar Sauce (by Southern Bite)
Fish cakes can be a tasty and filling meal or a refreshingly light lunch depending on the delicious side dishes you pair them with, from baked sweet potato to a crunchy cucumber salad.
But don’t only stick to the traditional sides, get creative with your tasty side dishes. Serve it alongside vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a healthy and satisfying meal. Or try super simple options like baked sweet potato or creamy coleslaw.
Let me know in the comments how you decide to serve your fish cakes!