Fish tacos are popular these days, particularly in warm climates and by the water. You can enjoy fish tacos any time of the year, though, and they are tasty either way. Still knowing what goes with your fish tacos can make the meal much better.
Keep on reading to find out all the best side dishes for fish tacos. These recipes are all delicious and very easy to make, so try them out next time!
What Are Fish Tacos?
Fish tacos are just what the name suggests, a taco filled with fish instead of meat or poultry. They are often made with white fish meat, though you might also see shrimp or fish sticks called fish tacos. In most cases, the taco also includes a sauce and some vegetables.
For the most part, your fish taco will be citrus and even a little spicy. It might come with cabbage, a citrus crema sauce, and pico de gallo. Unlike regular tacos, these are meant to be lighter and will likely not include avocado or cheese.
You can prepare fish tacos using a light white fish, such as tilapia. The white fish is often better at absorbing the citrus of the lime but also less filling. You might also see fish tacos that contain shrimp or squid along with the fish itself.
In most cases, fish tacos are a great choice when you are considering ordering Mexican food. They are often lighter in fat and calories and fresher than other tacos. Some tacos might come with a creamy sauce, tabasco, lime dressing, or even a mayonnaise-based dressing.
Nutrition Facts
One medium fish taco (120 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
240 calories
70 g water
12.3 g protein
9.74 g fat
25.5 g carbohydrate
2.4 g fiber
2.8 g sugar
150 mg calcium
2 mg iron
25.2 mg magnesium
257 mg phosphorus
235 mg potassium
707 mg sodium
22.1 µg selenium
1.68 mg vitamin C
48 µg vitamin A
27.6 mg cholesterol
2.31 g fatty acids, total polyunsaturated
From the nutritional information, you probably gathered that fish tacos are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. At the same time, fish is a high source of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega 3 and 6. However, watch out for the preparation method, as it can increase fat and sodium content too.
What Goes Well With Fish Tacos
Below are some options for fish taco sides that you can serve at any time!
#1. Fresh Pineapple Salsa
When it comes to fish tacos, having an equally fresh side dish is always a good idea. This pineapple salsa is sweet and tangy, perfect for adding as a topping or on the side of your fish tacos.
Ingredients:
1 medium pineapple, diced
1 red onion, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons parsley
1 lime, juiced
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your fresh pineapple salsa:
Wash and clean your vegetables. Dice them and place them in a large bowl.
Peel, core, and dice the pineapple, and place it in the bowl too.
Add the garlic powder, parsley, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well.
Wash and clean your jalapeño. Seed it and chop it into very fine pieces.
Transfer the jalapeño to the bowl. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly after.
Toss everything together. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Serve your fresh pineapple salsa cold on the side of your fish tacos.
#2. Garlic Lime Rice
If you are looking to add some more sustenance to your fish taco meal, then this garlic-lime rice is the right choice. You can add beans or more vegetables to make the rice a little more filling.
Ingredients:
2 cups of rice
1 yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup water
1 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your garlic-lime rice:
Add the oil to a large saucepan. Add the onion and cook for about 2 minutes.
Pour in the rice, reduce the heat, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 2 more minutes.
Add the 2 cups of vegetable broth, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Stir in the cup of water and continue cooking for 5 more minutes.
Stir in the lime juice and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
When the rice is ready, add the fresh cilantro and fluff your rice using a fork.
Serve your garlic-lime rice warm next to your fish tacos.
#3. Creamy Lime Coleslaw
Since your fish taco might have some cabbage, a coleslaw might sound excessive. However, this creamy lime coleslaw is decadent, and the acidity goes well with fish at any point.
Ingredients:
1 bag coleslaw or ½ cup shredded cabbage and ½ cup shredded carrots
½ red onion, diced
½ cup fresh cilantro
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ cup crispy tortilla strips for salad
1 teaspoon cumin
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 ½ lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your creamy lime coleslaw:
Wash and clean your vegetables.
Chop your onion, bell pepper, and cilantro, and place them in a large bowl.
Add the coleslaw mix and tortilla strips to the bowl.
Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, cumin, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Be sure to toss well until the sauce covers all the cabbage and vegetables.
Cover your bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Serve your creamy lime coleslaw cold with tacos on the side.
#4. Black Bean and Avocado Salad
Who does not like avocados with their tacos? Since your fish tacos might not have any in them, this black bean and avocado salad is a good option.
Ingredients:
2 Hass avocados
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
½ red onion, diced
1 can of black beans, drained
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon lime juice
3 tablespoons fresh parsley
½ teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your black bean and avocado salad:
Wash and clean your vegetables. Dice them and place them in a large bowl.
Put your avocados and dice them. Add them to the same bowl.
Drain your can of black beans and add them to the bowl too.
Stir in olive oil, garlic powder, lime juice, fresh parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Toss well and cover the bowl and refrigerate it for about one hour.
Serve your black bean and avocado salad cold next to your fish tacos.
#5. Three Bean Dip
If you are serving your fish tacos with a dip and chips, then this three-bean dip is a good option. This dip is delicious and decadent, perfect for pairing with your favorite chips.
Ingredients:
1 can of refried beans
1 can of black beans
1 can of black-eyed peas
½ red onion, chopped
½ cup sour cream
½ cup cheddar cheese
½ cup salsa
½ teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Follow these steps to prepare your three-bean dip:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees °F.
Drain your beans and place them in a food processor or blender.
Chop your beans until they turn smooth, add the oregano, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and chop once more.
Transfer the bean mixture onto a baking dish.
Add the sour cream as a layer on top, and then add the cheddar cheese on top of that.
Bake your three-bean dip for 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
Serve your three-bean dip warm or at room temperature with tortilla chips on the side.
#6. Mexican Sweet Potatoes
These Mexican sweet potatoes are a sweet and savory treat that complements your fish tacos any day. You can add more spice and heat if you want to, but these potatoes are perfect just like this.
Ingredients:
2 medium sweet potatoes
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your Mexican sweet potatoes:
Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees °F.
Wash and clean your sweet potatoes. Chop them into smaller wedges or cubes.
Transfer your sweet potato pieces to a bowl.
Stir in olive oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Toss the potatoes until the oil and spice mixture entirely covers them.
Place the potatoes on a lined baking sheet and bake your sweet potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes or until crunchy and golden.
Serve your Mexican sweet potatoes warm with fresh parsley on top.
#7. Grilled Avocados with Queso Fresco
For those that always go to guacamole, why not try something else with this delicious fruit? You can make these grilled avocados with queso fresco in minutes and surprise everyone!
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
2 limes, juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
⅓ cup queso fresco or queso blanco
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your grilled avocados with queso fresco:
Cut your avocados in half and put them in.
Drizzle with half the olive oil and lime juice on top of each half.
Place the rest of the olive oil on your grilling skillet. Once warm, add the minced garlic and cook for one minute.
Place your avocados with the cut side down and grill each one for about 2 minutes.
Remove them from the grill, season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Serve warm or at room temperature with queso fresco and cilantro on top.
Tip: To make your grilled avocados more filling and nutritious, try adding pico de gallo as well.
How Can I Pick The Perfect Sides for Fish Tacos?
We all like fish tacos here and there, particularly during summer days and near the water. However, it can be daunting to think about making fish tacos and what to serve with them. You can choose one or more of these side dishes to make your meal that much tastier.
For fish tacos with a creamy sauce, go with something more acidic to cut through the heaviness. Try the fresh pineapple salsa, which is always a great addition to any taco dish. The black bean and avocado salad is also a tasty choice due to its savory and sour flavors.
If you make fish and shrimp tacos, you can choose something a little denser that leaves everyone full. Try the garlic-lime rice, which is very savory and somewhat pungent. You can also go with the grilled avocados with queso fresco, which is dense yet incredibly fresh.
When your taco has some cabbage or vegetables, you can go with taco sides that are a little different. Try the three-bean dip for filling and flavorful or the Mexican sweet potatoes that also bring in some heat. Otherwise, try the creamy lime coleslaw for citrus and creaminess together.
If you are using leftover tacos, reheating tacos in the oven is the best way to make sure it tastes like fresh before serving.
Conclusion
Your fish tacos no longer have to go on their own. Now you are aware of the many taco side dishes that can go with them. Choose one, two, or three to make your meal that much better.
Juliana has a BA in Journalism and Creative Writing as well as a M.S. in Nutrition, Dietetics, and Sensory Sciences. She loves traveling, trying new foods, and cooking. When she isn’t busy working, you can find her running with her dog Milo or reading a book in the sun.
