Redfish is a versatile and flavorful fish that’s ideal for dinner parties and family meals alike. It is a favorite among seafood lovers because of its mild, sweet flavor and firm texture.
Whether you’re grilling, baking, or pan-searing, redfish lends itself to a variety of cooking techniques that highlight its delicate texture and savory taste.
But what to serve with redfish? The right-side dish can elevate your meal and add an extra layer of flavor and contrast.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some creative side dishes that pair perfectly with redfish and are sure to impress your guests.
What is redfish? What does redfish taste like?
Redfish is any of a variety of saltwater fish in the family Sciaenidae, including red drum, channel bass, spotted seatrout and others.
Redfish typically have a mild flavor and firm texture with large flakes when cooked.
The taste ranges from sweet to nutty depending on its preparation and can be balanced with flavors such as garlic, lemon or butter for more complexity.
43 Best Sides to serve with redfish
1. Grilled Vegetables
Grilled vegetables are an ideal side dish to serve with redfish. You can grill any vegetable you like, but some of our favorites are zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.
Cut them into thick slices and marinate them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing them on the grill. Make sure to turn them over a few times to get those delicious grill marks.
The charred and smoky flavors of the grilled veggies pair perfectly with the mild flavor of redfish.
2. Salad
A light and refreshing salad is an excellent side dish to serve with redfish. You can create a simple salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
Or you can get fancy and add some shaved fennel, orange segments, and a citrus vinaigrette. The acidity of the vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the redfish.
3. Roasted Potatoes
Redfish is a light and healthy protein, so why not serve it with some hearty roasted potatoes? You can use any type of potato you like, but we prefer small new potatoes.
Cut them into bite-sized pieces and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast in the cookstove at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
4. Rice Pilaf
Redfish is a versatile fish that pairs well with many different flavors. One of our favorite side dishes is rice pilaf.
You can easily create a pilaf by sautéing some chopped onions, garlic, and rice in a saucepan.
Add some chicken broth, salt, and pepper, and cook until the rice is tender. Include some chopped herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice, and you have a delicious and flavorful side dish to serve with your redfish.
5. Grilled Corn
Corn is always a summertime favorite that pairs well with many different dishes, including redfish. You can grill or roast corn on the cob or cut the kernels off the cob and grill them in a foil packet.
Brush the corn with butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper before placing on the grill. The sweetness of the corn complements the mild flavor of the redfish.
Discover More: 17 Delicious And Amazing Vegetarian Dishes To Serve With Corn On The Cob
6. Cajun Dirty Rice
Cajun Dirty Rice is a classic side dish that packs a full of flavor and heat.
Made with ground pork, rice, vegetables, and spices like cumin, coriander, and paprika, Cajun Dirty Rice is the perfect complement to redfish’s delicate flavor.
The smoky and rich flavor of the dish pairs well with the fish, providing a great contrast in flavors. You can also include shrimp or crawfish in the dish for a more robust experience.
7. Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
If you’re looking for something simple and satisfying, grilled sweet potato wedges are an excellent choice.
Redfish pairs well with the natural sweetness of grilled sweet potatoes, and the crispy charred edges of the potato wedges add a nice texture to the dish.
To include even more depth of flavor, try seasoning the sweet potato wedges with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
8. Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Walnuts
Roasted beets add earthiness and sweetness to redfish, making it a perfect pair for this flavorful side dish.
Topped with crumbled feta cheese, walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, honey, and red wine vinegar, this salad is a bite of freshness that complements the hearty texture of the fish.
The salad is simple to make and can be prepared before time, making it a great choice for entertaining.
9. Broccolini with Lemon and Garlic
Broccolini is a mild vegetable that’s like a cross between broccoli and asparagus.
Cooked with lemon and garlic, broccolini gives a burst of freshness and texture that goes well with the flavors of redfish.
Tossing the broccolini with olive oil, garlic, and fresh lemon juice in a pan and sautéing it until just tender provides the perfect balance of flavor to satisfy every palate.
10. Creamy Parmesan Polenta
Creamy Parmesan Polenta is a classic Italian side dish that pairs well with redfish.
Made with coarse-ground cornmeal, butter, Parmesan cheese, and cream, creamy polenta is a warm and comforting addition to your redfish dinner.
The mellow and creamy flavor provides a nice contrast to the taste of the fish, making it a perfect choice for cold winter nights.
11. Redfish Gumbo
A New Orleans favorite, redfish gumbo is a thick stew made with roux-based gumbo and redfish fillets.
The dish is typically served over white rice, adding both flavor and texture to the meal.
12. Grilled Redfish
A classic way to prepare redfish, grilling the mild fish fillets brings out the sweetness of the fish in a flavorful way. Accompany with fresh lemon wedges for added flavor.
Explore More: 19 Creative Side Dishes to Serve with Grilled Fish Tacos
13. Blackened Redfish
Another popular preparation method for redfish is blackening – cooking it over high heat in a thick coating of spices like paprika, chili powder and garlic.
Serve it with a side of tartar sauce or remoulade for dipping.
14. Redfish Etouffee
Etouffee is another Southern specialty that features redfish as its star ingredient, mixed with onions, bell peppers, garlic and other seasonings before being simmered in a tomato-based sauce.
15. Red Snapper Veracruzano
Also known as Filete de Huachinango en Veracruzana, this traditional Mexican dish combines pieces of red snapper (which can also be replaced with redfish) cooked in a flavorful tomato-olive sauce with capers and jalapeno peppers for some extra heat.
16. Baked Red Curry Fish
Baked Red Curry Fish is a Thai-inspired dish that combines curry paste, coconut milk and kaffir lime to create an aromatic curry sauce that pairs perfectly with mild redfish fillets when baked together in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until cooked through and flaky on the outside.
17. Pan Seared Redfish With Garlic Butter Sauce
A simple yet elegant way to prepare redfish, pan-searing it with butter results in a crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender and flaky when finished off with a creamy garlic butter sauce that’s simply irresistible!
18. Poached Red Snapper
Poaching delicately cooks the fish in liquid which infuses it with flavor while also maintaining its moisture – perfect for topping off your poached red snapper filets with a zesty mango salsa to complement its sweetness!
19. Fried Red Tilapia Tacos
For something more unique than your typical tacos, try frying up some seasoned tilapia (or any other type of redfish) before stuffing them into warm tortillas along with some shredded lettuce, tomatoes and cheese for an awesomely crunchy taco experience!
20. Red Snapper Ceviche Tostadas
A famous Peruvian delicacy that you can make easily at home is ceviche – combining raw fish marinated in lime juice along with some chopped onion, cilantro and tomatoes – then spooning it onto crispy corn tortilla shells to make delicious tostadas!
21. Grilled Red Tilapia
Transform your grilled tilapia into something really special by serving it alongside some mango salsa and cilantro lime rice bowls – which are sure to transport you on an awesome flavor journey!
22. Pesto Crusted Salmon Burgers
If you’re looking for something hearty yet light on calories, then why not go for these salmon burgers?
They’re made using freshly ground salmon patties coated in pesto-infused bread crumbs, which provides them with an extra crunchy outer layer when cooked!
23. Roasted Whole Lemon & Herb Sea Bass
For something extra special, try roasting up whole sea bass filets stuffed generously inside lemons doused in olive oil herbs like thyme or rosemary, which will give each bite its own unique citrusy herbal taste explosion!
24. Crispy Fish & Chips
One of Britain’s most iconic dishes is their classic take on fish & chips – but why not upgrade yours by using thicker slices of fresh cod or haddock, then deep frying them until they’re golden brown before serving them up alongside some homemade tartar sauce on the side?
Learn More: What to Serve with Fish and Chips| Top 10 fish and chips accompaniments
25. Baked Catfish Fillet Parmesan Style
Giada De Laurentiis serves up this delicious Mediterranean-inspired version featuring catfish fillets sprinkled generously over parmesan cheese before baking until perfectly golden brown – definitely one that’s sure to impress guests at any dinner party!
26. Grilled Red Snapper
For a light and healthy dinner option, try grilling up some seasoned red snapper filets and then topping them off with a delicious homemade tomato & basil salsa – it’s sure to be a hit!
27. Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
Looking for something that feeds the whole family? Try this slow cooker shrimp boil recipe flavored with Old Bay seasoning, sausage and potatoes – all cooked together in one pot for an easy and delicious meal!
28. Honey Soy Glazed Redfish
This simple yet flavorful glaze is perfect for mild fish like redfish fillets – just combine honey, soy sauce, garlic and ginger, then brush it all over the fish before grilling or baking to perfection!
29. Asian-Style Fish Soup
A savory and comforting bowl of soup, this version is packed full of flavor using salmon, white fish, ginger and lemongrass – a truly delicious meal that’s sure to hit the spot!
30. Red Curry Salmon with Coconut Rice
Kick up the flavor with this Thai-inspired dish featuring salmon marinated in a red curry paste, then served over sweet coconut rice for an unforgettable dining experience!
31. Rice
Whether you choose jasmine rice, wild rice, basmati rice, or brown rice – all will pair nicely with redfish.
Find Out More: 31 World Best Sides to serve with Rice- Must Try
32. Quinoa
Quinoa is bursting with protein and fiber and can be flavored in many different ways for a delicious addition to your redfish meal.
33. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
A healthier alternative to French fries and sure to be loved by all! (Recipe)
34. Mashed Potatoes
Comfort food at its best! Serve up some creamy mashed potatoes, and your guests will love you for it.
35. Cornbread
Sweet or savory cornbread makes the perfect accompaniment to a delicious piece of redfish.
36. Baked Beans
The smoky flavor of baked beans complements the delicate flavor of redfish perfectly.
37. Coleslaw
Coleslaw adds a crunchy texture to any plate and also tastes great with grilled or pan-fried redfish fillets.
38. Grits
Hearty stone ground grits make an excellent companion for pan-fried or grilled redfish fillets, especially when topped off with cheese!
39. Couscous
A quick and easy dish that has endless possibilities for customization – making it simple to create the perfect side dish for your meal!
40. Black Eyed Peas
Creamy black-eyed peas cooked in spices and herbs lend a unique nutty flavor that makes them ideal for pairing with grilled or broiled fish fillets like redfish.
41. Roasted Broccoli & Garlic
An easy one-sheet meal side dish that is full of flavor from caramelized garlic cloves, olive oil, salt & pepper; perfect for pairing alongside your favorite seafood entrée like redfish fillets!
42. Green Salad
Opt. for bright leafy greens tossed lightly in a vinaigrette dressing; adding radish slices, cherry tomatoes whole almonds would make this salad even more flavorful when served alongside your favorite seafood entrée such as redfish!
43. Roasted Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Packed with umami flavors thanks to freshly roasted garlic cloves blended into butter, mushrooms sautéed in this luxurious butter sauce take this already tasty side dish over the top when served next to crispy fried fish fillets like Red Fish!
What to serve with redfish on the half shell?
Redfish on the half shell is a classic seafood dish that goes well with a variety of accompaniments.
For a light, summery flavor, try pairing it with a crisp white wine and a citrusy salad.
Alternatively, you could opt for something heartier such as grilled vegetables or roasted potatoes.
A tartar sauce or remoulade can add another layer of flavor to the dish as well. An herby chimichurri sauce can also be an excellent choice for providing an extra kick of flavor.
Finally, some freshly baked crusty bread is always welcome when serving redfish on the half-shell!
Find Out More: 13 Perfect and Mouthwatering Side Dishes to Serve with Catfish
What are the best flavors to go with redfish?
Redfish is a mild-tasting fish with a slightly sweet flavor and moist, flaky texture. As such, it pairs well with bolder flavors that can enhance its taste.
Some of the best flavors to pair with redfish include citrus fruits such as lemon or lime, herbs like dill or tarragon, and spices such as garlic, paprika or cumin.
Citrus provides a sharp contrast to the delicate sweetness of the fish, while herbs can offer depth and complexity to the dish. Spices are an excellent way to add additional flavor without overwhelming the subtle taste of redfish.
Other accompaniments to consider include capers, olives, tomatoes and caperberries. All of these ingredients work together to create a delicious meal that puts redfish in the spotlight.
How do you jazz up redfish?
One way to jazz up redfish is by adding some spicy and tangy flavors.
Begin by marinating the fish in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cayenne pepper, paprika and fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
After that, you can pan-fry the fish in butter alongside the vegetables of your choice for an extra flavorful meal.
Other options include grilling the redfish with barbecue sauce or roasting it in a hot oven with crushed tomatoes and olives for an Italian-style dish. Whatever you choose to do, it’s sure to be delicious!
Explore More: 19 Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Swordfish
How do you display redfish on a platter?
One simple way to display redfish on a platter is by arranging the fish in a circular pattern and garnishing them with fresh herbs and lemon slices.
The fish can be arranged on a white plate or platter, making them stand out even more. Redfish, also known as red drum, are prized for their firm texture and sweet taste.
When preparing them, make sure to season the fillets with salt and pepper before cooking them over high heat. Slice onions or lemons as an additional topping for flavor and texture contrast.
To further enhance the presentation of the dish, consider including a citrus sauce such as garlic butter sauce or chimichurri on the side of the plate.
Once arranged, place in a preheated oven to cook until lightly browned and cooked through. Enjoy!
10 Best redfish dishes you must try
1. Texas-Style Redfish on the Half Shell
Often referred to as “red snapper,” this traditional Southern dish is made by stuffing a redfish with vegetables, herbs, and spices before it is grilled over an open flame.
The rich flavor of the fish, combined with the crunchy texture of the vegetables and herbs, makes this a classic favorite.
2. Cajun Catfish
A popular dish in the South, this traditional recipe features a fried catfish fillet that is smothered in a spicy mix of onions, bell peppers and garlic.
The catfish has a slightly charred flavor that adds to its appeal, as does the seasonings used to give it an extra kick.
3. Smoked Sausage Gumbo
Smoked Sausage Gumbo is a savory gumbo that combines smoked sausage with fresh vegetables like celery, okra and tomatoes.
It’s slowly simmered in a rich stock until the flavors meld together perfectly. Add some hot sauce or Cajun spices to really make it pop!
4. Crawfish Étouffée
Crawfish Étouffée is a creole-style dish made with succulent crawfish tails simmered in a thick, creamy sauce.
The flavor profile is spicy, savory and rich, making it the ideal comfort food for chilly nights.
5. Fish Tacos
A popular dish in the South, these fish tacos feature lightly fried or grilled fish that is mixed with shredded cabbage and topped with a delicious crema or salsa verde.
For an additional kick of flavor, add some diced jalapeno peppers or hot sauce.
6. Fried Oysters
Fried Oysters are crispy little morsels that are deep-fried to perfection and served either as an appetizer or an entrée.
They’re great on their own but even better when topped with cocktail sauce or tartar sauce.
7. Fried Catfish
Fried Catfish is a classic Southern dish featuring lightly battered catfish that’s deep-fried until it’s golden and crispy.
Serve it with your favorite sides, such as fries or hush puppies, for a true Southern meal.
8. Shrimp Creole
Another Creole-style dish, this one feature sautéed shrimp in a thick tomato sauce that is flavored with onions, bell peppers and garlic.
The end result is a flavorful dish that will make your taste buds dance.
9. Gumbo YaYa
Gumbo YaYa is a traditional Cajun stew that combines fresh vegetables, sausage and seafood in a spicy broth for an unforgettable flavorful experience. (Recipe)
Include some hot sauce to kick up the heat!
10. Jambalaya
A combination of rice, vegetables and meat or seafood, this spicy dish is a staple in the Southern kitchen.
The flavors blend together ideally to create a hearty meal that will please even the hungriest appetite.
Learn More: What to serve with Jambalaya- 16 Tasty & quick side dishes
Wrap Up on what to serve with redfish
In conclusion, redfish is a delicious, versatile fish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.
Whether you choose a classic favorite like Cajun Dirty Rice or a more modern option like Roasted Beet Salad, the possibilities are endless when it comes to pairing redfish with the right side dish.
Try experimenting with various flavors and ingredients to find the perfect complement to your redfish dinner.
Your guests are sure to be impressed and satisfied with these creative side dish ideas.
FAQs
How much redfish per person?
Redfish is a delicious, succulent fish that can be prepared in many different ways.
On average, a person should consume about 4-6 ounces of redfish per meal.
This amount is enough to provide plenty of protein and other essential nutrients for an individual’s diet.
Redfish has a mild flavor and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, broiling, searing, and more.
It is also a lean source of protein with less than 2 grams of fat per serving; this makes it an absolute choice for those looking to watch their weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In addition to being a great source of protein and essential nutrients, redfish is full of essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12, iron, selenium and potassium, which help support the body’s natural functions.
For those looking for something unique and flavorful to add to their diet, redfish is definitely something to consider!
What is the best way to eat redfish?
The best way to eat redfish is to pan fry, bake or grill it. When frying redfish, you should use a light seasoning of salt and pepper and then fry in butter or oil until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
If baking redfish, season with herbs such as parsley, oregano or thyme, along with a sprinkle of olive oil, lemon juice and garlic for added flavor.
Grilling can also be used for cooking redfish; brush the fish with oil before adding spices such as cumin, paprika, tarragon or chili powder.
Cook until the flesh of the fish flakes away easily when tested with a fork. Enjoy!
Can I eat fish and meat together?
It is possible to eat fish and meat together, though it may depend on the cuisine.
For example, in countries like India and Thailand, there are dishes that contain both fish and meat. In a similar fashion, Greek Moussaka combines layers of minced beef and eggplant with béchamel sauce, while some Italian recipes call for veal with seafood.
In general, combining fish and meat can result in an interesting blend of flavors.
The two ingredients bring out different flavors in each other – while the meat itself can be quite rich and savory, the seafood enhances the dish with a lightness that helps balance out the heaviness of the meat.
Moreover, depending on what type of fish or seafood you choose to mix with your meat, there can be a wide range of textures that create a unique experience for each bite.
Furthermore, nutritionally speaking, combining fish and meat together can have benefits since it offers a variety of nutrients from multiple food sources.
Fish is known to be an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamin D; meanwhile, red meats such as beef or pork are great sources of iron and zinc.
As such, consuming both together could provide you with additional vitamins and minerals than eating either one alone.
So yes, indeed you can eat fish and meat together if that is something you would like to try!
