What Goes with Fish Tacos?

By Tobias Vale

August 13, 2025

Fish tacos are a colorful and tasty dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.

To make the meal even more enjoyable, pairing them with the idealfish taco sides is key.

However, from crispy slaws to fresh salsas, and even heartier options like grilled vegetables or cilantro lime rice, the right sides for fish tacos can really boost the flavors.

If you are hosting a casual dinner or a festive gathering, here are some of the top side dishes to serve alongside your fish tacos!

Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a light, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit a variety of tastes.

With a combination of crispy fish, fresh toppings, and a flavorful base, fish tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal.

Here’s a simple recipe for preparing fish tacos:

Ingredients for Making Fish Tacos

4 white fish fillets (like cod, tilapia)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small corn or flour tortillas
1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
½ cup salsa (optional)
½ cup guacamole (optional)
Lime wedges for serving
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Process for Making It

Step 1: Pat fish fillets dry and season both sides with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook fish 3-4 minutes per side until flaky, then break into chunks.
Step 3: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
Step 4: Assemble tacos by placing fish on tortillas and topping with shredded cabbage, salsa, and guacamole.
Step 5: Finish with fresh lime juice and cilantro, then serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Crispy and Crunchy Sides

For those who love texture, crispy and crunchy sides are a perfect match for fish tacos. These sides provide a satisfying contrast to the tender fish while adding layers of flavor.

Here are some options to consider:

1. Tortilla Chips & Salsa

Ingredients for Chips

10-12 corn tortillas
Olive oil for brushing
Salt to taste

Ingredients for Salsa

2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Chips

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and cut tortillas into wedges, placing them on a baking sheet
Step 2: Brush wedges lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt for seasoning
Step 3: Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning

How to Make Salsa

Step 1: Combine diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro in a mixing bowl
Step 2: Add lime juice, salt, and pepper, mixing everything together until well combined
Step 3: Let salsa sit for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve with homemade chips

2. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients for Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

2 large sweet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and peel sweet potatoes, then cut them into evenly-sized fries
Step 2: Toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated
Step 3: Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking
Step 4: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy
Step 5: Serve immediately while hot with your favorite dipping sauce on the side

Breads and Wraps to Try Out

Breads and wraps are essential elements for fish tacos, providing the perfect base for the fillings while adding texture and flavor. These options can make the taco experience even more satisfying:

3. Corn Tortillas

Ingredients for Corn Tortillas

2 cups masa harina (corn flour)
1 ½ cups warm water
¼ tsp salt

How to Make Corn Tortillas

Step 1: Mix masa harina and salt in a large bowl, then slowly add warm water until the dough comes together, soft but not sticky
Step 2: Divide the dough into small balls about 1.5 inches in diameter for consistent tortilla sizes
Step 3: Place each ball between plastic wrap or parchment paper and flatten with a tortilla press or rolling pin to 6 inches
Step 4: Heat a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until properly heated
Step 5: Cook each tortilla 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned with spots, then keep warm in a clean kitchen towel

4. Garlic Bread

Ingredients for Garlic Bread

1 loaf French baguette or Italian bread
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

How to Make Garlic Bread

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F and slice bread into 1-inch-thick pieces for even cooking
Step 2: Mix softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined
Step 3: Spread garlic butter mixture evenly over each bread slice, covering all surfaces
Step 4: Place bread slices on a baking sheet and bake 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown
Step 5: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm alongside fish tacos for perfect flavor contrast

Grilled and Roasted Vegetables

Grilled and roasted vegetables offer a smoky, savory, and flavorful side that complements the lightness of fish tacos. Here are some tasty grilled and roasted vegetable options:

5. Grilled Corn on The Cob

Ingredients for Grilled Corn

4 ears of corn, husked
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Lime wedges (for serving)
Fresh cilantro (optional)

How to Prepare Grilled Corn

Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and brush corn with olive oil or melted butter
Step 2: Sprinkle corn with chili powder, salt, and pepper for flavorful seasoning
Step 3: Grill corn for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until all sides are lightly charred
Step 4: Remove from grill and squeeze fresh lime juice over the hot corn for tangy brightness
Step 5: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot alongside fish tacos for a smoky, flavorful contrast

6. Grilled Peppers and Onions

Ingredients for Grilled Peppers & Onions

2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

How to Prepare Grilled Peppers & Onions

Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat for optimal cooking temperature
Step 2: Toss sliced peppers and onions with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl
Step 3: Grill vegetables for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred
Step 4: Remove from grill and sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired for added freshness
Step 5: Serve warm alongside fish tacos for a sweet, smoky kick that complements the seafood perfectly

Salads for Freshness

Salads add a refreshing crunch and a burst of vibrant flavors that complement the lightness of fish tacos.

Here are some delicious salad ideas to pair with your tacos:

7. Tomato and Avocado Salad

Ingredients for Tomato & Avocado Salad

2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
1 avocado, diced
½ small red onion, finely sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

How to Make Tomato & Avocado Salad

Step 1: Combine diced tomatoes, avocado, and red onion in a large mixing bowl
Step 2: Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste
Step 3: Toss gently to combine all ingredients, being careful not to mash the delicate avocado
Step 4: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for extra color and flavor
Step 5: Serve immediately as a light, fresh side that perfectly complements your fish tacos

8. Cabbage and Carrot Slaw

Ingredients for Cabbage & Carrot Slaw

2 cups shredded cabbage (green or purple)
1 large carrot, julienned
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey or sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

How to Prepare Cabbage & Carrot Slaw

Step 1: Combine shredded cabbage and julienned carrots in a large mixing bowl
Step 2: Whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl
Step 3: Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all vegetables evenly
Step 4: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired for added freshness and color
Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, then serve cold alongside fish tacos

That’s a Wrap

With perfectly seasoned fish, warm tortillas, and a variety of fresh toppings like cabbage, salsa, and guacamole, they make for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Pair them with crispy sides like sweet potato fries, refreshing salads, or grilled vegetables to create a complete dining experience.

If you are serving them for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, fish tacos are sure to impress!