Fish cakes are delicious and come in many different varieties. They are incredibly popular with families and can be an awesome midweek dinner with the right side dishes. Here’s a look at what to serve with fishcakes for a perfect family meal.
Soft in the middle, crispy on the outside and packed with delicious flavours and textures, fishcakes are a nutritious and tasty family dinner and a popular midweek meal in many households. But, you may wonder what to serve with fishcakes.
The good news is there are plenty of options. Fish cakes are relatively simple, meaning they go with almost everything. Here’s a look at some of my favourite and popular options.
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Healthy Sides for Fish Cakes
Fish cakes don’t have to be accompanied by heavy or indulgent sides. Sometimes, a simple sauce or salad is all you need.
Classic Tartar Sauce
No discussion about fish cakes would be complete without mentioning the classic tartar sauce, a fantastic dipping sauce for any fish.
This creamy and tangy condiment, typically made with mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and herbs, enhances the natural flavours of the fish cakes. It provides a refreshing contrast and a burst of flavour that complements the dish perfectly.
Hollandaise sauce could be an alternative if you don’t like tartar.
Zesty Lemon Aioli
Consider pairing your fish cakes with homemade lemon aioli for a lighter and citrusy twist. The combination of garlic, lemon juice, and mayonnaise creates a creamy and zesty sauce that adds a refreshing kick to each bite. The acidity of the lemon balances the richness of the fish cakes, creating a harmonious blend.
Fresh Green Salad
Balance the richness of fish cakes with a fresh green salad. Crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a simple vinaigrette can provide a vibrant and healthy accompaniment. The lightness of the salad will contrast with the heartiness of the fish cakes, creating a well-rounded meal.
Minted Pea Puree
Blending fresh or frozen peas with mint, garlic, and a touch of olive oil results in a vibrant green puree that adds a pop of colour to the plate and brings a burst of freshness that works well with fish cakes alone or as part of a larger meal with chips or another potato dish.
Quinoa and Avocado Salad
Toss cooked quinoa with diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a protein-packed and nutrient-rich salad.
Personally, I wouldn’t do this because avocado is vile and hugely overrated.
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest
Keep it simple and nutritious with steamed broccoli drizzled with olive oil and lemon zest for a tangy option that tastes great with fish.
Cucumber and Greek Yoghurt Sauce
I love a Greek-style cucumber and yoghurt sauce. Easy to make, refreshing and perfect with breaded fishcakes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roast Brussels sprouts with olive oil and your favourite herbs for a crispy and flavourful side. Roasted Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins and fibre, adding a nutritious element to your fish cake dinner.
Mixed Berry Spinach Salad
Combine fresh spinach leaves with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette for a sweet and tangy salad that balances the richness of the fish cakes.
Whole Grain Pilaf
Opt for a wholesome grain pilaf using brown rice or quinoa mixed with vegetables. The fibre and nutrients in whole grains provide a healthy and satisfying component to your fish cake meal.
Remember, incorporating these healthier sides adds nutritional value and contributes to a well-rounded meal. Experiment with combinations to find the perfect balance that suits your taste and dietary preferences.
Kids Side Dishes for Fish Cakes
Of course, if, like me, you are cooking for kids, a wholegrain pilaf might be pushing your luck a little bit.
Fish cakes are popular with kids, but some fancier sides might not be. Fortunately, there are some fantastic family-friendly options when it comes to what to serve with fishcakes.
Cheesy Baked Potato Wedges
Transform plain potato wedges into a kid-friendly delight by baking them with a sprinkle of cheese. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these wedges will surely be a hit with children.
Carrot Sticks with Hummus
Create a colourful and nutritious side by serving carrot sticks with hummus. The dip adds a creamy element, making it a fun and tasty way for kids to enjoy their veggies.
Fruit Kabobs
Kids love food on sticks! Create colourful fruit kabobs by threading chunks of their favourite fruits onto skewers. It’s a playful and healthy way to add a fruity twist to the fish cake meal.
Corn on the Cob Bites
Serve corn on the cob in bite-sized portions for easy handling. Children will enjoy nibbling on these sweet and juicy corn bites alongside their crispy fish cakes.
Mini Mac ‘n’ Cheese Cups
Give classic comfort food a kid-friendly twist by preparing mini mac ‘n’ cheese cups. The small, individual servings make it easy for little hands to manage, and the cheesy goodness is sure to please.
Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Combine the sweetness of apple slices with the creamy goodness of peanut butter for a tasty and nutritious side. It’s a simple yet satisfying option for young taste buds.
Fun-shaped Veggie Chips
Cut vegetables like courgette or sweet potatoes into fun shapes using cookie cutters, and bake them into crispy chips. Kids will love the playful shapes, and you’ll sneak in some veggies in a delightful way.
Baked Beans
Baked beans with fishcakes wouldn’t be my first choice. But then I’d eat baked beans with fish fingers, so why not?
The kids love baked beans and would eat them with anything!
Chips
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with serving fish cakes with mushy peas and chips or fries.
Baked Potatoes
Another option that kids love is a fluffy jacket potato with butter and maybe a little grated cheese.
Herb-Infused Rice
Fish cakes and rice might not be your first thought, but it works really well.
Rice, simply mixed with Italian herbs and perhaps a tablespoon of butter, is an easy and filling side, perfect with fishcakes. Couscous is another tasty option.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a fantastic alternative to chips, and they add a little sweetness to your fishcake dinner.
These kid-friendly side dishes add a family-friendly touch to the meal and ensure that the little ones enjoy a balanced and tasty dining experience alongside their favourite fish cakes.
Potato Side Dishes for Fish Cakes
If you want a filling dinner, adding potatoes is a fantastic option, and chips aren’t the only way to go.
Classic Mashed Potatoes
There’s a reason why mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with fish cakes. Creamy, buttery, and smooth, it provides a comforting and familiar taste. Mash is great with everything!
Crispy Potato Wedges
Create a delightful contrast in textures by serving fish cakes with crispy potato wedges. Wedges are seasoned with herbs and spices and add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Loaded Potato Skins
Stuff potato skins with cheese, bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream for a hearty, indulgent side dish perfect for serving with fishcakes.
Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Infuse your meal with robust flavours by roasting potatoes with garlic and herbs. The crispy exteriors and tender interiors make these roasted potatoes a delightful companion to fish cakes.
Alternatively, potatoes roasted in olive oil, salt, and pepper can be tasty.
Potato Salad with Dill
Prepare a refreshing potato salad by tossing boiled potatoes with a tangy dressing featuring fresh dill. This cold side dish adds a zesty and herby element to the plate.
Scalloped Potatoes
Indulge in creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes as a decadent side dish for your fish cakes. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked ideally create a rich and satisfying accompaniment.
Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes are always impressive – thinly sliced and accordion-cut, then roasted until golden and crispy. The accordion style allows for a delightful play of textures, making it a unique side for fish cakes.
Whether you prefer the comforting familiarity of mashed potatoes or the crispy allure of potato wedges, these potato side dishes add a hearty and fulfilling dimension to your fish cake feast.
Vegetables to Have with Fish Cakes
Add freshness and nutrition to your fish cake meal with these vibrant veggies.
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
Lightly sautéed spinach with garlic offers a quick and nutritious side option. The earthy spinach complements the fish cakes, while the garlic adds a savoury kick.
Roasted Asparagus Spears
Roasted asparagus spears provide a satisfying crunch and a mild, nutty flavour. Seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they make an elegant and nutritious accompaniment.
Grilled Courgette Ribbons
Grill courgette ribbons for a visually appealing side dish. The mild flavour of courgette pairs well with fish cakes, and the ribbon shape adds a touch of sophistication to your plate.
Buttered Green Beans
Keep it simple and delicious with buttered green beans. The crisp-tender texture and buttery goodness make green beans a classic and easy-to-prep vegetable side for fish cakes.
Stir-fried Broccoli and Peppers
Stir-fry a medley of broccoli florets and colourful bell peppers for a crunchy and vibrant vegetable side. Combining textures and flavours adds a delightful twist to your fish cake meal.
Tomato and Cucumber Salsa
Create a refreshing salsa by combining diced tomatoes and cucumbers. Toss olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a light and tangy vegetable side that complements the richness of the fish cakes.
Air Fried Veggies
Air-fried veggies, like carrots, are sweet, crunchy and delicious. Easy and quick to cook, they are perfect with fish cakes. Air fryer veggies are a quick and easy side.
Frozen Peas and Corn
Frozen peas and corn are a quick and easy veggie side for any dinner, and fishcakes are no different. When it comes to what to serve with fishcakes, sometimes, the simplest option is the best!
Including these vegetable sides enhances the nutritional profile of your fish cake meal and brings a medley of colours, textures, and flavours to your plate. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect vegetable pairing.
Salads, veggies, potatoes and other sides are all fantastic with fishcakes, and often, it’s a combination of a couple of the above options that give you the perfect meal.
FAQ – What to Serve with Fishcakes
Both options work well and there are plenty of easy recipes for fish cakes out there.
Yes, there are vegetarian alternatives like potato or chickpea cakes that mimic the texture of fish cakes. These can be paired with similar sides for a satisfying meal.
Absolutely! Many of the suggested sides, such as tartar sauce, aioli, and herb-infused rice, can be prepared in advance to save time on the day of serving. Just store them properly and follow any recommended reheating instructions.
White fish varieties like cod, haddock, or tilapia are commonly used for fish cakes due to their mild flavour and flaky texture. However, you can experiment with your favourite fish or mix different types for a unique blend of flavours. Cod fish cakes are a great place to start.
Absolutely! Many sides, such as salads, minted pea puree, and sweet potato fries, are naturally gluten-free. For sauces like tartar or aioli, you can use gluten-free mayonnaise and double-check the ingredients for gluten-containing items.
Store leftover fish cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Sides like salads should be stored separately to maintain their freshness. Reheat fish cakes in the oven for the best texture, making sure they are piping hot before serving, and consume within a day or two for optimal taste.
Absolutely! Fish cakes can be served as a delightful appetiser for gatherings. For easy finger food, pair smaller-sized cakes with mini versions of the suggested sides for a diverse and tasty spread.
