I love the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. A well-made fish taco is a delight. It combines succulent mahi-mahi, zesty lime, and crunchy slaw for a perfect taste.
But the magic happens when you add the right side dishes. They take your fish tacos to a whole new level.
In this article, we’ll show you 10 amazing side dishes for fish tacos. You’ll find everything from classic Mexican rice and pico de gallo to black bean and corn salad. It’s a flavor journey that will make your taste buds happy. Need something fresh for Side Dish for Fish Tacos? We’ve got your back!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Discover 10 perfect side dish pairings to complement your fish tacos
- Explore a variety of side dish options, including Mexican rice, cabbage slaw, and black beans
- Learn how to elevate the flavors of your fish tacos with the right side dish choices
- Understand the importance of balancing textures and flavors for a truly satisfying meal
- Get inspired to create a well-rounded and delicious fish taco experience at home
1. The Importance of Choosing the Right Side Dish
Choosing the right side dishes is key to perfecting fish tacos. The right sides can enhance the flavors and textures of the main dish. They add variety and nutrition to your meal. From slaws to avocado crema, the right side can make your fish tacos unforgettable.
Why Sides Matter
Side dishes are more than just extras; they’re essential to the meal. They offer a contrast in flavors, colors, and textures. This makes your meal more dynamic and satisfying. Plus, they can add nutritional value, making your fish tacos more filling.
Elevating Your Fish Taco Experience
By picking the perfect side dishes, you can elevate your fish taco game. Look for sides that balance flavors, textures, and colors with the fish and tortillas. Options like avocado crema and Mexican rice let you customize your meal to your liking.
“The right side dishes can make all the difference in turning a good fish taco into an unforgettable one.”
2. Refreshing Slaw: A Classic Choice
A tangy and refreshing cabbage slaw is a top pick for fish tacos. It adds a nice crunch and balances the soft fish and tortillas. This mix of flavors and textures is perfect.
Tangy Cabbage Slaw Recipe
To make a tasty cabbage slaw, you need a few ingredients. Use a 14-ounce bag of coleslaw mix, ¼ cup of thinly sliced red onion, and ¼ cup of finely chopped cilantro. Add 1 finely chopped jalapeño if you like a bit of spice.
Dress the slaw with 1 lime’s juice and a pinch of salt. This recipe makes about 8 servings, with only 18 calories per serving.
Adding a Kick with Jalapeños
For a spicy twist, add jalapeños to your cabbage slaw. The tangy dressing and spicy jalapeños make a refreshing mix. You can adjust the jalapeño amount to your liking.
Finding the right balance is key for a great side dish for fish tacos. The tangy, crunchy slaw goes well with the soft fish. It makes for a delicious taco experience.
3. Creamy Avocado Salsa
Creating the perfect fish tacos means choosing the right side dish. A creamy avocado crema is a top choice. It’s a rich, tasty addition that pairs well with the fish. This avocado salsa is a must-try for your fish tacos.
Ingredients You Need
To make this vibrant and velvety avocado salsa, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It
Making this avocado crema is easy. Just mix all the ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice for tanginess or salt for balance.
The result is a vibrant, velvety avocado salsa. It adds a cool, refreshing touch to your fish tacos. Spoon it over the warm fish, and enjoy the flavors coming together.
“The creamy avocado salsa is the perfect foil for the crisp, seasoned fish in these tacos. It’s a must-try side dish!”
4. Mexican Street Corn Salad
The Mexican street corn salad, or esquites, is a must-try for your fish tacos. It brings the essence of Mexican street food to your table. It perfectly complements the mild taste of the fish.
What Makes It Unique
This salad is a mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. It has grilled corn, creamy dressing, zesty lime juice, and chili powder. Crumbled cotija cheese adds creaminess and saltiness.
Quick and Easy Recipe
- Fresh corn on the cob, grilled or charred
- Mayonnaise
- Lime juice and zest
- Garlic, minced
- Scallions, sliced
- Cotija or feta cheese, crumbled
- Cilantro, chopped
- Smoked paprika (or chili powder)
- Jalapeño, diced (optional)
- Sea salt
To make the salad, mix grilled corn, mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic, scallions, and cotija cheese. Add cilantro, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Serve it right away or chill it for later. It’s a vibrant, flavorful side dish that goes great with fish tacos.
The Mexican street corn salad is a standout choice for your fish tacos. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will make your Tex-Mex meal better.
5. Zesty Lime Rice: A Flavorful Base
When making the perfect fish taco meal, the side dish is key. Zesty lime rice is a standout choice. It’s a flavorful twist on plain white rice that refreshes your plate.
Cooking Perfect Fluffy Rice
To make delicious zesty lime rice, start with the rice. Use jasmine or basmati rice. Rinse it well to remove starch. Cook it in broth and water for flavor.
Once it’s tender and fluffy, fluff it with a fork. Let it cool a bit before adding flavors.
Adding Flavor with Herbs
The magic happens when you add zesty lime elements. Grate lime zest and add fresh lime juice to the rice. Mix in chopped cilantro for a perfect citrus match.
For more spice, add a minced jalapeño or chili powder. This rice is a great base for fish tacos. It adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the fish and toppings.
Serve it with lime wedges for extra zest. Enjoy the perfect mix of Mexican flavors.
| Recipe Rating | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 out of 5 stars (112 votes) | 5 minutes | 20 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 |
Zesty lime rice is perfect with fish tacos. It’s also great with other Mexican dishes like burrito bowls. Its citrusy flavor and fluffy texture make any meal better.
6. Traditional Refried Beans for a Hearty Touch
Traditional refried beans are a great side dish for fish tacos. They add protein and a hearty touch to your meal. Making them from scratch gives you better flavor and texture than canned beans.
Homemade Refried Beans: The Flavorful Choice
Making refried beans yourself lets you pick the ingredients and seasonings. You start by cooking pinto beans until they’re soft. Then, mash them with sautéed onions, garlic, and spices. This makes a creamy, flavorful dish that goes well with fish tacos.
A Simple Homemade Refried Beans Recipe to Try
- Soak 1 cup of pinto beans overnight, or use a quick-soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes and then soaking in hot water for 1 hour.
- Drain and rinse the beans, then transfer them to a saucepan. Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, until the beans are very soft.
- In a large skillet, sauté 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in 2 tablespoons of oil until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the cooked beans, along with 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mash the beans with a potato masher or fork until desired consistency is reached.
- For a spicier version, add 1 diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve the homemade refried black beans warm as a side dish for fish tacos.
This simple recipe makes delicious refried beans that are perfect with fish tacos. It’s a must-try for your Mexican-inspired meal.
7. Grilled Vegetables: A Colorful Addition
Make your fish tacos even better with grilled vegetables. This side dish brings a smoky flavor that matches the fish’s freshness. Try using bell peppers, zucchini, and sweet onions for a tasty mix.
Best Vegetables to Use
Some veggies are better for grilling than others. For your fish tacos, pick colorful and varied options like:
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- Zucchini or yellow squash, sliced lengthwise
- Sweet onions, cut into thick rounds
- Corn on the cob, grilled and cut off the cob
- Eggplant, cubed or sliced
Seasoning Tips for Grilling
Season your grilled veggies well for extra flavor. Coat them in olive oil and sprinkle with:
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Chili powder or cumin for a Mexican twist
- Garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
- Fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or oregano
The smoky taste from the grill, mixed with vibrant seasonings, will make your side dish for fish tacos amazing. Serve it with a corn salsa for a fantastic combo.
8. Crispy Tortilla Chips and Salsa
No Mexican-inspired meal is complete without crispy tortilla chips and fresh salsa. This duo is essential for your ultimate fish taco platter. Let’s find out how to pick the best tortilla chips and make a tasty salsa to go with your tacos.
Choosing the Right Tortilla
The key to great tortilla chips is the tortilla. Look for thick, sturdy corn tortillas. They should hold up to chunky pico de gallo or other salsas. Choose high-quality, fresh corn tortillas for the best crunch and taste.
Easy Salsa Recipes to Pair
There are many salsa options, but pico de gallo is a classic. It’s made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice. This homemade salsa will match the fish and tortilla chips perfectly.
For a spicy twist, try a roasted salsa. Use charred tomatillos, garlic, and chili peppers. The smoky flavor adds depth to your tacos. Try different salsas to find your favorite.
Serving crispy tortilla chips with a vibrant salsa is a classic choice. With the right tortilla and homemade salsa, you’ll have a delicious side dish. It will make your fish tacos even better.
9. Black Bean and Corn Salad
Make your fish tacos even better with a black bean and corn salad on the side. This salad mixes the rich taste of black beans with the sweetness of corn kernels. It’s a perfect match for your tacos.
Combining Textures and Flavors
The secret to a great black bean and corn salad is its mix of textures and flavors. Start by mixing canned black beans, fresh or frozen corn kernels, diced bell peppers, and finely chopped red onion. This mix adds color and a nice crunch to your meal.
Dressing It Right
To make the salad, mix a simple vinaigrette. Use lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and chopped cilantro. The lime’s acidity and the cumin’s earthiness add a zesty touch, matching the rich flavors of your fish tacos.
This side dish for fish tacos is not just good-looking. It’s also full of nutrients. The black beans and corn offer protein, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. It’s a healthy addition to your meal.
“This black bean and corn salad is a delightful way to elevate your fish taco experience. The vibrant colors and flavors pair perfectly with the fresh and delicate taste of the tacos.”
Whether you’re having a backyard party or just want to make taco night special, try this black bean and corn salad. It’s a hit with guests and family, showing off your cooking skills.
10. Flavorful Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a great side dish for fish tacos. It’s full of protein and has all nine essential amino acids. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Why Quinoa Works Well
Quinoa’s light texture and nutty flavor go well with fish tacos. It’s also high in protein, keeping you full. Plus, it’s easy to cook, ready in about 30 minutes.
Cooking and Mixing Instructions
- Cook 1 cup of quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor, following the package instructions.
- Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Prepare a simple dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, and your choice of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
- Toss the quinoa salad with the dressing, season with salt and pepper, and serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your fish tacos.
This quinoa salad is a nutritious and tasty side dish for fish tacos. The bright flavors and satisfying quinoa texture make it a great match. Serve it with a fresh lime wedges for an extra citrusy kick!
11. Conclusion: Building Your Perfect Meal
When serving fish tacos, think about adding different side dishes. This way, you can please everyone’s taste and dietary needs. Try pairing fresh slaws or grilled veggies with Mexican rice or black beans.
Don’t forget to add vibrant salsas and creamy avocado crema. They bring extra flavor and texture to your meal.
Recap of Side Dish Pairings
There are many great side dishes to choose from. You can go for classic cabbage slaw or try zesty lime rice. Or, you might like a protein-packed quinoa salad.
Feel free to mix and match to create your ideal fish taco meal. Whether it’s pico de gallo and tortilla chips or a refreshing corn salad, there’s something for everyone.
Final Tips for Serving
Think about how long it takes to prepare each dish and what ingredients you have. Mix quick and more complex side dishes to fit your schedule. Serve the tacos with fresh lime wedges, hot sauce, and other condiments.
This way, your guests can make their plates just how they like. With these side dish ideas, you’re ready to create a tasty and fulfilling fish taco meal.