What Goes with Fish Tacos: Delicious Sides for Your Next Taco Night

Fish taco. Credit: Canva

Fish tacos are one of our favorite meals. They’re light, fresh, and flavorful – perfect for a summer evening.

But what goes with fish tacos? The most common side dishes include:

  • Rice and Beans
  • Mexican Rice
  • Slaw
  • Guacamole
  • And many more.

We’ve got some delicious ideas for you! From rice and beans to slaw and guacamole, we’ve got something for everyone. Keep reading for our top recipes for delicious sides to serve with your next fish taco night!

What is a Fish Taco?

What does a fish taco mean?

A taco is a traditional Mexican dish made of a corn or flour tortilla folded around a filling. Tacos can be filled with a variety of items, including meat, cheese, vegetables, and seafood.

Fish tacos are a popular variation on the traditional taco, made with battered and fried fish instead of meat.

What are fish tacos made of?

Most fish tacos are made with whitefish, such as tilapia or cod. The fish is battered and fried, then served in a tortilla with shredded cabbage, salsa, and guacamole.

What kind of fish is used in fish tacos?

Whitefish is a popular choice for fish tacos, but any type of firm-fleshed fish will work. Salmon, mahi-mahi, and shrimp are all good choices.

 Are fish tacos healthy for you?

Yes, fish tacos are a healthy option. They’re low in calories and high in protein and omega-three fatty acids.

What Goes with Fish Tacos?

Fish taco and fries. Credit: Canva

What Side Dishes Go with Fish Tacos?

Fish tacos are a light and healthy meal, perfect for summer evenings. But what goes with fish tacos?

We’ve got some delicious ideas for the perfect side dish.

Rice and Beans

One of the most classic sides of tacos is rice and beans. This simple dish can be made with either white or brown rice, and black or refried beans. It’s a hearty, filling side that goes great with fish tacos!

Mexican Rice

Mexican rice is a fried rice dish that’s flavored with tomatoes and onions. It goes perfectly with tacos, burritos, or any other Mexican-inspired meal.

Spanish Rice

This recipe for Spanish rice is made with long-grain white rice, tomato sauce, and spices. You can make it mild or spicy depending on your taste buds.

Cilantro Lime Rice

This cilantro lime rice is a delicious side dish that goes great with fish tacos. It’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Black Beans and Corn Salsa

If you’re looking for something light and fresh, this black bean corn salsa is just the thing. The flavors in this recipe are amazing. They’ll make you want to go back for seconds.

Another way is making the black bean soup.

Slaw

Another popular side of fish tacos is coleslaw. This shredded cabbage salad is easy to make and goes great with the lightly-seasoned fish in tacos. Plus, it’s a healthy option that’ll help you feel good about indulging in a few tacos!

Guacamole

If you’re looking for something a little bit richer, guacamole is always a delicious option. This avocado dip is perfect for dipping your tacos in, and it goes great with the fishy flavor of the tacos.

Pico de Gallo

And finally, pico de gallo is a must-have side for any taco night. This simple salsa is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro. It’s perfect for garnishing your tacos or dipping them in!

Elote

Elote, or Mexican street corn, is a popular side dish for fish tacos. This grilled corn salad is made with mayonnaise, lime juice, and Cotija cheese (Mexican cheese). It’s the perfect way to add some creaminess to your meal.

Cabbage Salad

If you’re looking for something a little lighter than coleslaw, cabbage salad is a great choice. This simple salad is easy to make and goes perfectly with the fishy flavor of your tacos.

Corn Salad

Corn salad can be made in several different ways, but it’s always delicious. This creamy cold dish makes a perfect side for fish tacos or any other Mexican dish. It’s also an easy side that you can make ahead of time!

Potato Salad

If you want a side dish with more substance, potato salad is always a good choice. This classic American dish goes great with fish tacos and it’s easy to make ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about rushing around on taco night! Potato salad also travels well if you’re planning on taking your tacos to go.

Tex Mex Salad

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, try making Tex Mex salad. This simple dish is made with beans, corn, and tomatoes. It’s perfect to serve with your fish tacos or any other Mexican dish!

Sweet Potato Fries

And finally, if you’re looking for fry to go with your tacos, sweet potato fries are always a good choice. These crispy fries are perfect when dipped in guacamole or ranch dressing. They’re the perfect way to finish off your taco night!

Taco Sauce

Taco sauce is a type of salsa that is made with tomato sauce and chili peppers. It’s perfect for adding spice to your tacos or dipping them in.

There are several different brands of taco sauce available, so choose the one that you like best.

Or you can also make your own homemade taco sauce. It is easy and quick to make.

Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a delicious appetizer that goes great with fish tacos. These stuffed jalapenos are made with cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar cheese. They’re the perfect way to start your taco night,

What Wine Goes with Fish Tacos?

If you’re looking for something to drink with your fish tacos, there are several different choices.

A good choice would be Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, both of which pair well with the light flavor of the fish.

If you prefer red wine, then try something like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. These heavier wines pair well with the spiciness of some fish tacos.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a wine that you enjoy drinking and that will complement the flavors of your meal.

How to Make Fish Tacos?

These perfect fish tacos are a great summer meal and they’re so easy to make at home.

Fish taco with dipping sauce. Credit: Canva

Easy Fish Tacos Recipe

Cook time: 21 mins

List of Ingredients

For the fish:

  • 1 pound cod, tilapia, halibut, or other white fish fillets
  • 2-3 teaspoons chili powder, enough to coat the fish
  • 1 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, olive oil, or canola oil

For the fish taco sauce ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 3-4 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or garlic clove

To assemble:

  • 1/2 small head red cabbage (for alternative, go for purple cabbage, green cabbage, or savoy cabbage, or skip the slaw entirely.), shredded (about 4 cups)
  • 12 taco-sized corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro

Method

Make the fish taco sauce:

  1. In a small bowl whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and hot sauce (for spicy flavors) for the taco sauce in a small mixing bowl.
  2. Stir until combined.

Make the red cabbage slaw:

  1. Combine the shredded cabbage with 3 tablespoons of the taco sauce in a medium bowl.
  2. Stir to coat.

Warm the tortillas:

  1. In a dry skillet over medium-high heat on a gas stove. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on both sides.
  2. Alternatively, warm 1 to 3 tortillas in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds in the microwave.
  3. Keep warm tortillas by wrapping it in a clean dishtowel while you make the fish.

Season the fish:

  1. Sprinkle the fish with a bit of chili powder and season with salt.
  2. Marinade over fish and coat fish with seasonings by using your fingers to ensure that all of the fish is fully coated.

Cook the fish:

  1. Warm a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add one tablespoon of oil, 
  2. Place the fish in a pan and cook for 2 minutes. Turn the fish and cook for another 2 minutes.
  3. If required, turn the fish over and cook for another 1-2 minutes longer, depending on the thickness of fish. The fish is done when it is opaque all the way through and flakes apart easily.

Serve the tacos:

  1. Remove the fish from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Use a fork or knife to gently break up the fish into big pieces.
  2. Build the tacos with a few fish pieces, some cabbage slaw, cilantro for an earthy flavor, and your favorite toppings. Then drizzle with taco sauce.

Tips

Tips for making fish tacos:

  • Use fresh fish for the best flavor. If you don’t have fresh fish, frozen works just as well. Be sure to thaw it out before cooking.
  • Don’t overcook your fish or it will be dry and rubbery when you eat it.
  • Use corn tortillas if possible because they hold up better than flour tortillas.
  • If you’re not a fan of fish, shrimp or chicken are great substitutes for tacos.
  • Store the leftover taco in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • And finally, have fun with your toppings. Try adding some different flavors and textures to your tacos.

FAQs

What is a good side to go with fish tacos?

Potato salad, Tex Mex salad, sweet potato fries, and taco sauce are all great sides to go with fish tacos.

What sides go good with shrimp tacos?

Again, potato salad, Tex Mex salad, sweet potato fries, and taco sauce are all great sides to go with shrimp tacos.

What can you put on tacos?

Pretty much anything goes when it comes to tacos! You can put any type of protein (fish, shrimp, chicken), vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, onions), and toppings (avocado, pico de Gallo) you like. Just use your imagination!

What goes with tacos for a party?

For a party, you can put out a variety of sides and toppings so that your guests can build their own tacos. This is always a popular option because everyone loves tacos!

Shrimp Taco Sides

Looking for delicious shrimp taco sides in English? Try the classic combination of black beans and rice, or add a fresh twist with a zesty corn and avocado salsa. For a burst of flavor, don’t forget to serve with tangy lime crema and a side of crispy tortilla chips. Enjoy!

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