As a seafood dining expert for Fish Tales Cafe, I’m excited to share my recommendations for the best sides to pair with your fresh catch. Whether you’re savoring succulent cod, sweet scallops, or briny oysters, the right accompaniments can elevate your meal to new heights.
Grilled Fish Accompaniments
For a classic grilled fish dish, look no further than a lemon-herb rice pilaf. The bright, fragrant rice provides a perfect foil to the smoky, charred fillets. To make it, sauté minced garlic and shallots in olive oil, then stir in basmati rice, lemon zest, fresh parsley, and a splash of white wine. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a light, zesty side.
Another excellent grilled fish pairing is roasted root vegetables. Toss cubed beets, carrots, parsnips, and red onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at high heat until caramelized. The natural sweetness of the veggies complements the bold flavor of the grilled fish beautifully.
Baked Seafood Side Options
For baked or broiled seafood, consider a quinoa salad with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta, and a lemon-dill dressing. The fluffy, protein-rich quinoa provides a wholesome base, while the fresh vegetables and herb-forward dressing echo the flavors of the fish.
Alternatively, try sautéed spinach with garlic and lemon. This simple side dish lets the delicate taste of the seafood shine, while the garlicky, acidic notes provide a sophisticated counterpoint.
Sautéed Shellfish Pairings
For sautéed or pan-fried shellfish, such as shrimp or scallops, a farro salad is an excellent accompaniment. Cook the farro until tender, then toss it with roasted bell peppers, crumbled feta, kalamata olives, and a red wine vinaigrette. The nutty, chewy farro complements the sweet, seared shellfish.
Another delightful pairing is linguine with clams. The briny, garlicky sauce coats the long noodles, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that plays off the sautéed shellfish.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables are a versatile and flavorful side that can enhance a variety of seafood dishes. Toss cubed beets, carrots, parsnips, and red onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at high heat until caramelized. The natural sweetness of the veggies complements the bold flavors of grilled, baked, or pan-seared fish.
For an extra touch of elegance, try drizzling the roasted roots with a balsamic glaze or garlic-herb butter before serving.
Steamed Green Vegetables
Steamed green vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans, make for a light and healthy accompaniment to seafood. The clean, verdant flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fish or shellfish.
To elevate these simple sides, try dressing them with a lemon-butter sauce or sprinkling them with toasted almond slivers or crispy breadcrumbs.
Sautéed Mushroom Medleys
Sautéed mushrooms are a decadent and versatile side that pair beautifully with seafood. Start by sautéing sliced cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms in butter or olive oil until they develop a deep, caramelized flavor. Finish with a splash of white wine, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
The earthy, umami-rich mushrooms complement the delicate flavors of fish and shellfish, while the salty, tangy cheese adds a touch of richness.
Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf
For a classic pairing with grilled or baked fish, a lemon-herb rice pilaf is a winning choice. Sauté minced garlic and shallots in olive oil, then stir in basmati rice, lemon zest, fresh parsley, and a splash of white wine. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a light, zesty side that lets the seafood shine.
Quinoa with Vegetables
A quinoa salad with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta, and a lemon-dill dressing makes a wholesome and refreshing accompaniment to baked or broiled seafood. The fluffy, protein-rich quinoa provides a nutritious base, while the fresh vegetables and herb-forward dressing echo the flavors of the fish.
Farro Salad Variations
For sautéed or pan-fried shellfish, such as shrimp or scallops, a farro salad is an excellent pairing. Cook the farro until tender, then toss it with roasted bell peppers, crumbled feta, kalamata olives, and a red wine vinaigrette. The nutty, chewy farro complements the sweet, seared shellfish beautifully.
Linguine with Clams
Linguine with clams is a classic Italian dish that also makes a wonderful accompaniment to sautéed shellfish. The briny, garlicky sauce coats the long noodles, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that plays off the sautéed seafood.
Garlic Buttered Rolls
For a comforting and versatile side, serve your seafood dish with warm, buttery rolls. The soft, yeasty bread is the perfect vehicle for sopping up any delicious sauces or juices. To elevate the rolls, brush them with a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh parsley.
Cornbread and Hushpuppies
Taking a cue from Southern seafood traditions, cornbread and hushpuppies make wonderful accompaniments to fried or blackened fish. The slightly sweet, crumbly cornbread and the crispy, savory hushpuppies provide a delightful contrast to the seafood.
Arugula and Citrus Salad
For a bright, refreshing pairing, try an arugula salad with segments of orange or grapefruit, toasted almonds, and a zesty vinaigrette. The peppery arugula and the sweet-tart citrus notes balance the richness of the seafood.
Pico de Gallo Salsa
A vibrant pico de gallo salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice is an excellent condiment for fish tacos, grilled cod, or shrimp dishes. The fresh, punchy flavors complement the seafood beautifully.
Lemon Butter Sauce
No seafood dish is complete without a lemon butter sauce. Whisk together melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley for a simple, yet sophisticated topping that enhances the natural flavors of the fish or shellfish.
Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
For a hearty, comforting side, try roasted fingerling potatoes. Toss the small, oblong potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary, then roast until crispy on the outside and tender within. The earthy, creamy potatoes pair wonderfully with a variety of seafood entrees.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for fish and shellfish. To elevate this humble side, fold in sour cream, chives, and a splash of milk or cream for a luxuriously smooth and flavorful accompaniment.
Sweet Potato Fries
For a nutritious and delicious twist, serve your seafood with crispy sweet potato fries. Tossed in olive oil, salt, and a hint of cinnamon or cayenne, the sweet, oven-baked fries provide a pleasing counterpoint to the savory seafood.
No matter which sides you choose, the key is to let the fresh, high-quality seafood shine. By selecting complementary flavors and textures, you can create a harmonious and satisfying meal that will delight your senses. Bon appétit!
