Grilled fish tacos are delicious, healthy, and easy to make. The combination of smoky and grilled flavors with the freshness of the vegetables and the sauce’s creaminess makes this dish an absolute winner.
But what to serve with grilled fish tacos? The selection of right-side dishes is really challenging. You don’t want to overpower the flavor or add too many calories, and at the same time, you don’t want to be too simple.
In this post, we are going to share some delicious and unique side dishes that will perfectly complement your grilled fish tacos. These side dishes are easy to prepare and will leave your taste buds wanting more. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
In Short - What to Serve with Grilled Fish Tacos Grilled Corn Salad, Jicama Slaw, Black Beans and Rice, Grilled Pineapple Salsa, Sweet Potato Fries, Corn and Black Bean Salad, Cilantro Lime Rice, Mango Salsa, Roasted Vegetable Skewers, Mexican Rice, Guacamole, Refried Beans, Coleslaw, Pico de Gallo, Elote, Avocado Crema Sauce, Chimichurri Sauce, Baja Sauce, Southwest Slaw
What are grilled fish tacos? What do grilled fish tacos taste like?
Grilled fish tacos are a popular seafood dish consisting of grilled or fried fish, lettuce, tomatoes, and other toppings wrapped in a warm tortilla.
They can be served with an array of sauces and condiments like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, and more. Grilled fish tacos have a wonderful smoky flavor that comes from the cooking process.
The fish is usually marinated prior to grilling, which adds an additional layer of flavor; the end result is a delicious, juicy taco filled with the perfect combination of flavors!
The mild taste of the fish pairs nicely with spicy salsas and creamy sauces, making it a favorite amongst many taco lovers.
Some people also enjoy topping their tacos with shredded cheese and crunchy vegetables for an extra zesty flavor. Grilled fish tacos are easily customizable and can be served as a meal or appetizer, making them a great addition to any menu!
They’re also quick and easy to make, so if you’re looking for a tasty seafood dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table, give grilled fish tacos a try!
19 Sides to Serve with Grilled Fish Tacos
1. Grilled Corn Salad
Sweet and smoky grilled corn salad is an excellent complement to grilled fish tacos.
All you need to do is grill a few ears of corn with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then slice it off the cob and mix it with some fresh tomatoes, chopped cilantro, onion, and avocado, tossed in a zesty lime dressing.
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2. Jicama Slaw
Jicama slaw is a refreshing and light side dish that pairs well with grilled fish tacos. The jicama adds a slight crunch, and the crispy cabbage and sweet mango bring a tropical twist to the meal.
Toss all ingredients in a dressing made with lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt.
3. Black Beans and Rice
Black beans and rice are a classic Latin American side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled fish tacos.
Cook the rice in chicken broth and add a can of black beans, jalapeno, garlic, scallions, and coriander. Top with some sliced avocado and a dollop of sour cream to complete the dish.
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4. Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Grilled pineapple salsa is a sweet and tangy side dish that works wonders with grilled fish tacos.
Grill the pineapple and chop it into small pieces, then mix it with some diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro, and lime juice.
The acidity of the pineapple will balance the richness of the fish tacos for a mouthwatering experience.
5. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a nutritional and delicious alternative to regular fries.
Slice up some sweet potatoes into small strips, toss them in olive oil, and season them with salt, smoked paprika, and cumin powder.
Roast in the oven until crispy, then serve immediately with your grilled fish tacos.
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6. Corn and Black Bean Salad
A tangy and fresh salad is always a perfect addition to any fish taco.
A corn and black bean salad fits the bill perfectly. It is refreshing and packed with flavors that blend perfectly with grilled fish.
The salad is made using sweetcorn, black beans, red pepper, scallions, and cilantro, which adds a beautiful kick of freshness to every bite.
7. Cilantro Lime Rice
The citrus flavor of lime, together with the freshness of cilantro, makes for an excellent combination that pairs perfectly with fish tacos.
You can make cilantro lime rice by adding fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to cooked rice. The resulting dish is fresh and bright, a perfect taste accompaniment to fish tacos.
8. Mango Salsa
If you love the sweetness of fruits, you might want to consider mango salsa- the perfect blend of sweet and tangy. This salsa is easy to make, with diced mangoes, red pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
A touch of lime juice and salt, and you have a delicious and exotic salsa that enhances the grilled fish’s flavors.
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9. Roasted Vegetable Skewers
If you’re into vegetables or are trying to have a balanced meal, roasted vegetable skewers are a perfect side dish for fish tacos. You can roast vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, and onions on skewers.
These vegetables are easy to prepare and have a smoky and robust flavor that pairs well with grilled fish tacos.
10. Mexican Rice
Sided with the warmth of Mexican rice, grilled fish tacos provide a delicious and satisfying meal.
Mexican rice is full of flavor from garlic, onions, tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder that pairs nicely with the savory flavor of the fish tacos.
11. Guacamole
Creamy and flavorful guacamole is a must-have side dish for grilled fish tacos. The richness of the avocado complements the lightness of the fish tacos perfectly.
In addition, adding fresh cilantro, red onion, and lime juice to your guacamole can really take it to the next level.
12. Refried Beans
Refried beans are another classic side dish that goes great with grilled fish tacos.
They are rich in protein and fiber and provide a nice contrast in texture to the crunchy shells of your tacos.
To make them even tastier, try adding some freshly diced tomatoes or jalapeños for added heat and flavor!
13. Coleslaw
A light and refreshing coleslaw is a great choice as a side for grilled fish tacos.
It serves as an interesting contrast to all of the warm flavors in your dish while still bringing out its natural flavors with ingredients like mayonnaise, cabbage, carrot, and onion.
14. Pico de Gallo
Brighten up your grilled fish tacos by serving pico de gallo on top!
Freshly diced tomatoes combined with red onion and cilantro bring out a sweet yet slightly tart flavor that pairs beautifully with any type of taco filling you choose!
15. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote, which is basically Mexican street corn, is excellent to serve with grilled fish tacos.
This creamy yet slightly spicy treat has all those classic Mexican flavors like cheese, cotija chili powder, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic butter, salt pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper paprika, thyme parsley sugar chili flakes.
So it’s sure to deliver plenty of deliciousness when served up alongside those yummy grilled fisher taco shells!!
16. Avocado Crema Sauce
For something creamy but not too heavy, opt for avocado crema sauce which helps bring out all those amazing flavors in any type of taco filling you decide on; whether it be beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or even veggie, you can’t go wrong here!
The smooth creaminess works wonderfully against the crispness from those golden fried tortillas, plus you get bonus points for being relatively healthy too!!
17. Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri sauce adds vibrant colors plus loads of herbaceous aroma when paired up with any kind of seafood – especially when it comes to those delectable fish tacos!
Its main ingredients consist mainly of parsley, oregano, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic shallots, lime juice, jalapeno peppers, paprika salt, and pepper sugar, so this zesty condiment definitely helps round off this amazing meal perfectly!
18. Baja Sauce
If you’re looking for something creamy but also subtly spicy, then Baja sauce is what will do it!
This savory topping delivers balanced sweetness plus slight smoky heat via its key players – mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce chili powder, chipotle chilies, adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and lime juice!
Not only does it perfectly compliment any kind of fish taco filling, but it also works well with other types of tacos as well
19. Southwest Slaw
To add a crunchy freshness to a meal, try out some southwest slaw – the perfect healthy accompaniment to your grilled fish tacos!
This colorful mix of cabbage, red onion, jalapeno peppers, cilantro lime juice, olive oil, canola oil honey, salt pepper, paprika chili powder, garlic powder, oregano sugar, plus a few additional ingredients makes for a great side that’ll tantalize all your senses while keeping things light and flavorful at the same time!
The best rice to serve with grilled fish tacos
One of the best types of rice to serve with grilled fish tacos is long-grain white or jasmine rice.
White rice has a mild flavor and light, fluffy texture that perfectly complements the smoky, savory flavors of the tacos. Jasmine rice also works nicely as it has a slightly nutty flavor and fluffier grain than other varieties.
To make sure that your rice perfectly accompanies your fish tacos, season it with some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cumin. This will give it an extra layer of flavor to balance out the intense flavor of the taco.
If you want to be even more adventurous, you can add in some chopped bell peppers or onion for added crunch and color. No matter how you decide to dress up your rice dish, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
What are the best flavors to go with grilled fish tacos?
Grilled fish tacos are a tasty and healthy dish, and there are many flavors that pair well with them.
For a classic taste, try serving grilled fish tacos with a salsa made from diced tomato, onion, cilantro, chili pepper, lime juice, and salt. This combination of sweet and spicy adds a great flavor to the tacos.
For something more unique, try adding a mango salsa to your tacos.
This sweet condiment will bring out the subtle notes in the grilled fish while providing an unexpected burst of flavor. The sweetness of the mango pairs flawlessly with the savory notes of grilled fish, creating an amazing taste sensation.
If you’re looking for something even bolder, try topping your tacos with a creamy avocado dressing or guacamole. Avocado’s mild flavor complements the richness of the grilled fish perfectly while providing a nice contrast in texture.
For an extra touch of heat, add fresh jalapenos to this mix, or top your tacos with some hot sauce!
How do you jazz up grilled fish tacos?
To jazz up grilled fish tacos, try adding fresh ingredients like zesty lime crema, thinly sliced red onions, crunchy radishes, and jalapeno peppers. You can also add chopped cilantro for a pop of flavor.
To make it even more interesting, top your tacos with grilled pineapple chunks or mango salsa for sweetness that’s sure to delight! Finally, don’t forget the tangy guacamole to complete the dish! Enjoy!
How do you display grilled fish tacos on a platter?
Grilled fish tacos can be presented in an appealing way on a platter by arranging the tacos attractively alongside their accompaniments. Start by placing the tacos on a large, white platter to make them stand out.
Place the tortillas side-by-side and stack them in layers, with the top layer slightly overlapping the bottom one. Garnish the tacos with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced jalapenos, diced avocado slices, and shredded cheese.
For added flavor and texture, drizzle some Mexican crema or sour cream over the top of each taco. Be sure to have lime wedges placed around the tacos for squeezing over before eating.
Lastly, serve with a side of warm corn or flour tortilla chips for dipping into salsa or guacamole.
Wrap Up on What to Serve with Grilled Fish Tacos
Grilled fish tacos are already amazing on their own, but serving them with the right side dish can take your meal to a whole new level.
From corn salad to sweet potato fries, these sides are sure to bring some variety to your summer dinners.
So, the next time you plan to make grilled fish tacos, try these side dishes and watch your guests’ faces light up with every bite!
FAQs
How many grilled fish tacos per person?
The number of grilled fish tacos per person can vary depending on the size and appetite of each individual.
Generally speaking, most people would be satisfied with one to two grilled fish tacos per person if they were served in a meal, though more could be eaten depending on the situation.
If served as an appetizer, two to three tacos per person may be appropriate.
Also, it’s important to consider the accompaniments; if they are small side dishes, then more tacos may be necessary, while larger sides will mean fewer tacos.
Ultimately, the exact number of tacos that should be served will depend on the preferences and appetites of those who are dining.
What is traditionally served with tacos?
Tacos are traditionally served with a variety of accompaniments, such as guacamole, salsa, onions, cilantro, sliced radishes, and lime wedges.
Other popular toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, hot sauce, and lettuce.
In Mexico, tacos are often accompanied by refried beans or rice. Additionally, an assortment of vegetables such as jalapeños or cooked chiles can also be served with tacos for added flavor and texture.
What to serve with baja fish tacos?
Baja fish tacos are best served with a variety of bright and flavorful accompaniments to enhance their deliciousness.
Consider serving them with freshly made pico de gallo, tangy and zesty guacamole, a crunchy cabbage slaw, or pickled veggies like jalapenos or onions.
To add some sweetness, serve the tacos with a side of mango salsa or pineapple relish. For additional texture, top each taco with a sprinkle of crisp tortilla strips or crushed tortilla chips.
A creamy topping such as sour cream or crema is also an excellent way to add richness to this popular Mexican dish.
What dessert goes with fish tacos?
Many people believe that the sweet and savory flavors of fish tacos pair wonderfully with a fruity dessert. Some popular options include mango sorbet, upside-down pineapple cake, and grilled peach cobbler.
All have a hint of sweetness to offset the robust flavor of the fish tacos. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could try baking a lime tart or creating a Mexican flan topped with cinnamon and chocolate sauce.
Alternatively, you could opt for something more traditional, like vanilla ice cream or coconut ice cream, to cool off your taste buds after the hot and spicy tacos.
What salsa goes with fish tacos?
Fish tacos pair really nicely with a bright and zesty salsa. A tomatillo salsa verde is always a great choice, as its tangy flavor complements the richness of fried fish perfectly.
You can also go for a mango salsa, which adds a sweet, fruity note that pairs particularly well with grilled fish.
For something more exotic, opt for a roasted pineapple salsa – it’s slightly spicy and has an incredible smoky flavor that’s wonderful when paired with fresh fish.
Best corn side dish for fish tacos
Fish tacos are a delicious dish that pairs well with many side dishes. One of the finest sides to serve with fish tacos is corn.
Corn can be served in a variety of ways, such as roasted or grilled on the cob, creamed, or in a salad. It has a sweet flavor that pairs nicely with the flavor of fish tacos.
An excellent accompaniment to grilled fish tacos is freshly-made elote or Mexican street corn.
Elote is traditionally made by grilling corn on the cob and then slathering it with a creamy combination of mayonnaise, chili powder, lime juice, cotija cheese, and cilantro.
Alternatively, Mexican street corn can be served off-the-cob with those same ingredients in a more deconstructed style. Both options provide the perfect balance of crunchy texture and creamy tanginess to pair with grilled fish tacos.
Other interesting side dishes that go well with grilled fish tacos include sweet potato fries, mango salsa, coleslaw, and avocado relish.
