Fish and chips are one of the most popular dishes that people love having for dinner. Crispy and tender fish coated in a crunchy batter, paired with thick-cut chips so delicious, they’ll quickly become your favorite.
Fish and chips are a classic dish that’s enjoyed all around the world. This deep-fried delight mostly comprises fish fillets and chips or fries, but have you ever thought about what to serve with fish and chips?
If you want to add some variety to your plate, here are some of my go-to side dishes that’ll complement your fish and chips perfectly.
Finding the right complement can add an extra oomph to your meal, and we’re here to help.
Whether you’re dipping your chips in sauces or looking to eat your fish with something light and refreshing, we have put together a list of quick and amazing dishes that you will love to serve with fish and chips.
What are fish and chips? What do fish and chips taste like?
Fish and chips is an ideal traditional British dish of fried battered fish and french fries. It usually consists of a whitefish such as cod or haddock, deep-fried in batter or breadcrumbs.
The taste is generally savory, with a slight hint of saltiness from the batter and underlying fish flavor, accompanied by a crispy texture from being fried.
Potatoes used for the fries can have different tastes depending on how they are cooked as well, ranging from light and fluffy to crunchy and golden brown.
Overall it is an enjoyable combination that has become popular around the world!
14 Best Sides to serve with fish and chips
1. Mushy Peas
If you’re a fan of British cuisine, mushy peas make the perfect side dish for fish and chips.
This traditional green side dish is made with boiled marrowfat peas, butter, and salt – and they taste delicious.
2. Coleslaw
The creamy texture of coleslaw is the perfect contrast to the crispiness of fish and chips.
Coleslaw’s tangy flavor comes from its combination of mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and sugar.
3. Onion Rings
Onion rings make a great side dish for fish and chips. The crispy and tangy flavor of onion rings perfectly complements the tender fish.
Discover More: 20 Best and delicious Condiment for Onion Rings – Must try
4. Tartar Sauce
A classic tartar sauce can take your fish and chips to the next level.
This creamy and tangy sauce is made of mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and lemon juice. It can also be made with herbs such as parsley, dill, or cilantro.
5. Grilled Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a perfectly delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with fish and chips.
This quick and easy recipe is made with just a few simple elements such as olive oil, salt, and pepper – and it’s ready in 10 minutes.
6. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries have become more and more popular in recent years, and for a good reason.
These antioxidant-rich fries are an excellent alternative to traditional chips, and they taste great with fish.
7. Green Salad
Sometimes, all you need is a light salad to accompany your fish and chips feast.
A green salad of your choice topped with balsamic vinaigrette or a homemade dressing can freshen up your palate and balance out the heaviness of fish and chips.
8. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s a fantastic side dish for fish and chips.
This warm, toasted bread with a garlicky flavor adds a warm and crunchy texture to the meal.
Explore More: 23 Hearty Soups Perfectly Paired with Focaccia Bread
9. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a tasty and nutritious side dish for fish and chips. You can roast any vegetables you like, such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or even Brussels sprouts.
10. Lemon Wedges
A simple lemon wedge can elevate the flavor of your fish and chips. Squeezing some fresh lemon juice over your fried fish can add a zesty flavor and freshness to the dish.
11. Lemon Butter Sauce
If you’re looking for something light and refreshing to serve with your fish and chips, try a lemon butter sauce.
It can be made with just a few ingredients, like butter, lemon juice, and parsley. And it’ll add a lovely bright finish. (Recipe)
12. Garden Salad
A light and refreshing garden salad is the perfect match to complement fish and chips.
Fresh greens, ripe tomatoes, cucumber, and a dressing like balsamic vinegar and olive oil can elevate the dish and provide that necessary bit of freshness.
13. Baked Beans
Baked beans are also considered the classic fish and chips side dish.
They provide a sweet and savory flavor to your dish, making it even more delicious. A simple tin of baked beans, heated way before the fish and chips are ready, can make all the difference.
14. Wedges
The crisp outer texture with fluffy filling is surely the perfect side dish to go with fish and chips. Wedges can be oven-baked or fried, but they never disappoint.
Best sauce to eat with fish and chips
Fish and chips are a perfect classic dish that many people enjoy, and there are multiple types of sauces that can be accompanied with them to add even more flavor.
Here are five of the best sauces to pair with fish and chips for an enhanced culinary experience:
1. Tartar sauce
Tartar sauce is a condiment that is made from mayonnaise, capers, gherkins, lemon juice, and other seasonings such as parsley and dill. (Recipe)
It pairs perfectly with fish and chips by adding a zesty tartness that complements the mild flavor of the fish.
2. Vinegar
Not just any vinegar will do when it comes to enjoying fish and chips – opt for malt vinegar, which is prepared from malted barley.
The slightly sour notes of this type of vinegar bring out the natural flavors in the fried fish while also cutting through some of its richness.
3. Cocktail sauce
Cocktail sauce is a traditional choice made from ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, and other spices and flavoring agents like garlic powder or paprika.
The combination creates a spicy-sweet flavor that adds an extra zing to each bite of your favorite British staple meal.
4. Mustard
Mustard is another great option for adding flavor to your fish and chips. Choose either traditional yellow mustard or try tangy Dijon mustard for an extra kick!
Additionally, you could make your own honey mustard blend by combining Dijon mustard with honey for added sweetness.
5. Lemon Aioli
If you’re looking for something truly special to pair with your fish and chips, try making lemon aioli!
To do this, simply combine mayonnaise with garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice and zest, olive oil (or avocado oil), salt & pepper – mix them all together until creamy perfection is achieved!
The result is a delicious creamy texture full of zesty citrus flavor that will elevate your classic fish & chip meal into something extraordinary!
Find Out More: 17 Best Chips to Enhance Your Ceviche Experience
What are the best flavors to go with fish and chips?
Fish and chips are an ideal classic dish that pairs well with a variety of flavors.
For an added flavor kick, try adding some malt vinegar to the chips. This traditional condiment gives the dish a tangy taste that will complement the fish nicely.
For a more subtle flavor, you can include herbs like parsley or rosemary over the top of the fish before baking it.
Lemon wedges are also a great accompaniment, as they give a bright citrus flavor to the meal and can be squeezed directly onto your fish and chips for maximum impact.
Another popular topping is tartar sauce, which adds an extra creamy element to the dish and brings out its savory flavors even more.
How do you jazz up fish and chips?
You can jazz up fish and chips by adding some unique ingredients and spices.
Try coating the fish with lemon zest, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or other flavorful seasonings.
You can also try using various types of batter for the fish, such as beer batter or tempura.
Additionally, you can add herbs and diced vegetables to the mix before frying them together for a delicious twist on classic fish and chips.
Learn More: What to Serve with Fish Sticks- 20 Quick & Tasty Side Dishes
How do you display fish and chips on a platter?
To display fish and chips on a platter, start by arranging the chips in an attractive pattern.
This can be done by forming them into a large circle or a spiral-like design. Place the chips around the edges of the platter to fill out some space.
Place small piles of salt and vinegar shakers in between chips to give them a more decorative look.
For the fish, arrange them in whichever way looks most appealing to you. Consider leaving some space in between each piece so that they do not overlap.
Make sure to show off the golden brown crispiness of each piece, as this is what makes fish and chips look so delicious!
Sprinkle lemon slices around the plate, as these provide a bright and acidic contrast to the fried pieces of batter.
Lastly, finish off this platter with some fresh parsley leaves or other herbs to add vibrant pops of color. Not only does this make it visually pleasing, but it provides an additional layer of flavor as well!
Wrap Up on what to serve with fish and chips.
These are the quick and amazing dishes you can serve with fish and chips. Whether you’re cooking for a big crowd or just for yourself, there are plenty of side dishes to serve with fish and chips.
These quick and amazing side dishes will add flavor, color, and texture to your plate.
So, the next time you make fish and chips, try one of these tasty side dishes, and it’ll take your meal to the next level.
FAQs
How much fish and chips per person?
Fish and chips are a classic British staple and a great option when feeding a large group of people.
Depending on the size of your group, you can usually calculate that each person will require around two to three pieces of fish and around 100g of chips per person.
For larger groups, you may want to increase this amount so that everyone can have enough to eat.
When making fish and chips for a larger group, it’s also important to consider the type of fish being used – larger portions might require thicker fillets to make sure the meal is cooked through properly.
Additionally, if you are serving the dish with sides such as tartar sauce or mushy peas, make sure you factor in enough for everyone!
What vegetable can serve with fish and chips?
Fish and chips is a perfect classic British dish that is often served with mushy peas as a side.
Mushy peas are made from dried marrowfat peas which have been soaked overnight, then cooked and mashed.
Another great side to serve with this traditional dish is a lightly dressed green salad.
A colorful variety of vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots and beets provide a delicious crunch that perfectly complements the savory fried fish and chips.
Adding some diced onions and chopped fresh herbs to the salad adds even more flavor.
For added texture, sprinkle roasted almonds or walnuts over the top for an extra nutty crunch.
What salad to serve with fish and chips?
A great salad to serve with fish and chips is a garden salad. This simple salad consists of crisp lettuce, plum tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion slices, and fresh herbs.
To make it even more flavorful, you can also add in some olives, feta cheese, or chopped-up peppers.
This crunchy and refreshing mix pairs perfectly with the heartiness of fish and chips.
For a healthier take on this classic combination, consider adding in some cooked quinoa or wheat berries for extra texture and protein.
A light vinaigrette dressing will help tie all the flavors together beautifully!
best drinks paired with fish and chips
Fish and chips is a classic meal that has been enjoyed for centuries.
The combination of crispy fried fish and fluffy chips is truly irresistible.
To complete this traditional dish, it’s important to pair it with the right drinks.
A light lager beer complements the flavors of this dish perfectly.
The carbonation helps cut through the oiliness of the fried fish, and its crispness enhances the texture of the potatoes.
A white or rosé wine also pairs nicely with this dish, adding a touch of acidity that helps bring out the delicate flavors of the fish.
For those looking for a non-alcoholic option, soda water topped with fresh lemon or lime juice is an excellent choice.
The sparkling water provides refreshing bubbles while adding some brightness to contrast against the savory flavors of fish and chips.
For something sweeter, a glass of ginger beer can be just as succulent and add a hint of spice to your meal.
What side dish is commonly served with fish and chips?
Fish and chips is a perfect classic British dish, and it is often served with mushy peas, a side of tartar sauce, and a sprinkle of malt vinegar.
Mushy peas are made from dried marrowfat peas that have been boiled until soft, then mashed and seasoned. They are usually served warm and have a creamy buttery flavor.
Tartar sauce is a delicious condiment made from mayonnaise, capers, pickles, and other spices.
Sprinkling malt vinegar onto the fish and chips adds an acidic kick to the meal that helps balance out the richness of the fried fish.
Altogether, these accompaniments make for an amazing flavor combination that enhances this classic dish.
What to serve before fish and chips?
Numerous classic British dishes pair well with fish and chips.
A popular option is mushy peas, a savory side dish made from crushed dried peas mixed with butter, seasonings, and sometimes cream or milk.
Another popular accompaniment is pickled onions, small onions that are pickled in vinegar.
A traditional British tartar sauce — a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, capers, parsley, and lemon juice — often accompanies the meal as well.
Baked beans are also a common accompaniment for fish and chips in the UK.
A lighter option could be chips and coleslaw — crispy fried potatoes served alongside fresh cabbage slaw dressed with mayonnaise.
Additionally, deep-fried calamari rings can add some seafood variety to the plate before the main course of fish and chips.
What fish is best for fish and chips?
Traditionally, cod is the fish of choice for fish and chips.
Cod is often preferred over other types of fish because it has a mild taste that pairs well with the accompanying side dishes like tartar sauce, fries, and mushy peas.
It has a firm texture that holds up to battering and frying, which makes it ideal for this dish.
Additionally, cod also contains omega-3 fatty acids, so it can provide some health benefits when added to your diet.
Although other types of fish may be used in some recipes for fish and chips, such as haddock or pollock, cod remains the most popular choice due to its flavor and convenience.
