What To Eat With Fish Sticks? 6 Delicious Pairings You Need To Try


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When it comes to easy and quick meals, fish sticks are a go-to for many families. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and flaky on the inside, and perfect for dipping in sauces. But what should you serve with them? As appetizing as they are, fish sticks alone may not be enough to satisfy hunger cravings or complete a well-balanced meal.

This is where pairings come in handy. Combining fish sticks with complementary sides can enhance their flavors and textures, while also providing essential nutrients that your body needs. While fries and ketchup might seem like an obvious choice, there are many other delicious options to explore.

In this article, we’ve compiled six of our favorite pairings that will take your fish stick game to the next level. Whether you prefer something light and refreshing, or hearty and filling, there’s a pairing for every taste and occasion. From zesty citrus salads to creamy pasta dishes, these ideas are sure to please everyone at the table. So, grab a plate and let’s dive into some mouth-watering combinations!

Classic Fries and Tartar Sauce

Golden and Crispy Fries

Fish sticks are a classic menu item many people enjoy, but what to eat with fish sticks can be tricky. A plate of golden and crispy fries is an excellent choice! The crunchy texture makes them the perfect counterpart to soft and tender fish sticks.

French fries require minimal effort to prepare but will make your meal feel like you got it at a restaurant. Below, weโ€™ll share how easy and quick it is to make delicious homemade fries from scratch that pair perfectly with fish sticks!

Creamy Homemade Tartar Sauce

No fish stick meal would be complete without tartar sauce -a creamy condiment made from mayonnaise, pickles, onion, lemon juice, and sometimes capers. Often served chilled, this accompaniment has a sweet-and-sour flavor that enhances the taste of fried fish.

Although store-bought options are available, making tartar sauce at home can help elevate the experience further. Itโ€™s fantastic for dipping fries in as well!

Perfect Pairing for Burgers and Sandwiches

Fries and tartar sauce are perfect not only with fish sticks but also with burgers and sandwiches. They add a delightful crunch and creaminess while complementing the flavors of various toppings. For example, try adding some tartar sauce on top of your burger or sandwich to change up the game!

The combination creates a balance between neutral carbs, salty proteins, and sour-yet-sweet condiments, all while satisfying your cravings.

Easy and Quick to Make

Making homemade golden fries and tartar sauce doesnโ€™t have to mean standing over a hot stove for hours! Preparing fries only requires cutting potatoes, frying them in oil for a few minutes until golden brown and crispy, then seasoning them with salt or other spices. Tartar sauce is equally as easy โ€“ mix all ingredients together, refrigerate it until you need it, then serve!

Whether for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast, the classic combination of hot crunchy fries and creamy tartar sauce guarantees satisfaction every time – so next time you ask yourself what to eat with fish sticks? Remember this effortless yet delicious option!.

Creamy Coleslaw and Lemon Wedges

If you’re wondering what to eat with fish sticks, creamy coleslaw and lemon wedges are a great choice. Not only do they provide a refreshing contrast to the fried seafood, but they also pack in plenty of flavor and nutrition.

Crisp and Refreshing Coleslaw

One of the best things about coleslaw is its versatility. You can make it as sweet or tangy as you like, depending on your personal preference. However, for pairing with fish sticks, we recommend a crisp and refreshing version that isn’t too heavy on the mayo. This will help cut through the richness of the fried batter and balance out the dish.

A simple recipe for coleslaw involves shredding cabbage, carrots, and onions into thin strips. Then, mix together some mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Toss the dressing with the vegetables and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Zesty and Tangy Lemon Wedges

Lemon wedges are another classic accompaniment to fish sticks. Their bright and zesty flavor helps cleanse the palate and adds a burst of acidity to each bite.

To serve, simply slice a fresh lemon into small wedges and arrange them on the same plate as the fish sticks. Squeeze them over the fish just before eating to enhance the flavors even further. Tip: if you’re feeling fancy, try grilling the lemon wedges beforehand for a slightly charred flavor.

Great Side Dish for BBQ and Picnics

While coleslaw and lemon wedges are obviously delicious with fish sticks, they also work well as side dishes for other meals, particularly during the summer months. With their light and refreshing flavor profiles, they’re perfect for outdoor BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.

For a twist on classic coleslaw, try incorporating other ingredients like sliced apples, raisins, nuts, or even jalapeรฑos for added heat. Likewise, lemon wedges can be jazzed up with some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra burst of flavor.

Healthy and Low-Calorie Option

If you’re watching your waistline, don’t worry โ€“ coleslaw and lemon wedges are relatively healthy side dishes that won’t derail your diet. Both are low in calories and provide key nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health and wellbeing.

Just be mindful of portion sizes when enjoying these sides, as too much dressing or lemon juice can add up in terms of calories and sodium. Stick to one or two small wedges of lemon per serving, and use a light hand when tossing the coleslaw in dressing.

“I love coleslaw because it’s such a versatile dish. You can make it sweet or savory, crunchy or creamy, depending on your mood.” – Ina Garten
“Lemon is one of my go-to ingredients for adding brightness and acidity to any dish. It also has plenty of health benefits to boot!” – Jamie Oliver

Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Aioli

Crispy and Flavorful Potatoes

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish to add to your fish stick meal, then garlic roasted potatoes might just be the perfect fit. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them the perfect complement to any type of fish. When it comes to fish sticks, the mild flavor perfectly balances out the intense flavors coming from the potatoes.

The great thing about this side dish is that it’s easy to make and requires little preparation time. Simply wash and cut your potatoes into small pieces, toss them with olive oil and minced garlic, sprinkle some salt and pepper, and pop them in the oven until they’re golden brown and tender. You can also add some rosemary or thyme to bring out more flavors.

Garlic Infused and Fragrant

One of the best things about garlic roasted potatoes is the wonderful aroma that fills up your kitchen while they cook. The garlic-infused scent brings anticipation to any meal, especially when served with hot and crispy fish sticks straight out of the oven. Garlic not only adds fragrance but also enhances the overall flavor of your potatoes, making them more enticing to eat along with fish sticks.

You can also serve your garlic-roasted potatoes with homemade aioli sauce to give an extra zesty kick to your taste buds. Aioli is essentially a mayonnaise-based dipping sauce infused with strong garlic flavorings. It’s easy to make as well: simply whisk together egg yolks, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until everything is properly combined. Use the resulting mayo-like mixture to dip your potatoes and enjoy an exciting explosion of flavors in your mouth!

  • Quick recipe for garlic roasted potatoes:
  • Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (205ยฐC)
  • Cut washed potatoes into small pieces
  • Toss with olive oil and minced garlic in a bowl until well coated
  • Add salt, black pepper, and rosemary to taste
  • Spread the potatoes evenly on a baking tray and place them in the oven
  • Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and tender
  • Remove from oven and serve with your favorite dipping sauce
“Garlic roasted potatoes is one of my favorite side dishes. It’s easy to make and pairs well with many meals. The fragrance that fills up my kitchen every time I cook it is simply heavenly.” -Alyssa D’Souza

Garlic roasted potatoes and aioli are perfect side dishes to eat with fish sticks. From their alluring aroma, crispy texture, and strong flavorings, they serve as excellent complements to any type of fish, including traditional fish sticks. Try this simple but delicious recipe today and enjoy an elevated culinary experience that will surely leave you craving more!

Grilled Vegetables and Balsamic Glaze

Colorful and Nutritious Vegetables

If you are wondering what to eat with fish sticks, give grilled vegetables a try. Not only do they add color to your meal, but they are also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health.

When grilling vegetables, be sure to season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for added flavor. Some colorful vegetable options to try include:

  • Red bell peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Eggplant
  • Mushrooms
  • Squash

These veggies are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain beneficial vitamins and minerals. They can help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Sweet and Tangy Balsamic Glaze

To take your grilled vegetables to the next level, make a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze to drizzle on top. In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper to a simmer until it reduces by half.

“Balsamic vinegar adds a rich, tangy flavor to grilled or roasted vegetables. It’s also loaded with antioxidants and has been linked to reducing inflammation and improving heart health.” -Jo Lewin, registered nutritionist

This glaze will complement the flavors of the grilled veggies while adding some extra zing to your dish. Plus, balsamic vinegar has numerous health benefits, making it a great addition to any meal.

If you are searching for a healthy and tasty side dish to serve with fish sticks, grilled vegetables and balsamic glaze are a great option. They provide essential nutrients for your body and add color to your plate while satisfying your taste buds.

Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Mango Salsa

If you’re looking for a healthy, protein-packed side dish to accompany your fish sticks, look no further than this quinoa salad. Not only is it nutritious, but it’s also bursting with flavor thanks to creamy avocado and sweet mango salsa.

Protein Packed Quinoa

Quinoa is widely regarded as a superfood due to its high protein content and numerous health benefits. This ancient grain is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce on their own. It’s also rich in fiber, B vitamins, and several minerals including magnesium, potassium, and iron.

To prepare the quinoa for the salad, rinse 1 cup of dry quinoa under cold water then add to a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and fluffs up (about 15-20 minutes). Allow to cool before adding to the salad.

Creamy and Rich Avocado

Avocados are loaded with monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and help improve cholesterol levels. They’re also packed with fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamin E. The creaminess of ripe avocados makes them a perfect addition to any salad.

To make the dressing for the salad, you’ll need 1 ripe avocado, 1 small garlic clove, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, ยฝ teaspoon of ground cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth, then adjust seasoning to your liking.

Sweet and Juicy Mango Salsa

Mangoes are not only delicious, but they’re also rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. The sweetness of ripe mangoes pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado dressing to create a tropical flavor explosion.

To make the salsa for the salad, you’ll need 1 large ripe mango, ยฝ red onion, ยผ cup of fresh cilantro, and the juice of 1 lime. Peel and dice the mango, finely chop the onion and cilantro, then combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Toss together gently and serve over the quinoa salad.

  • To assemble the salad:
  • Add cooked quinoa to a large mixing bowl
  • Pour the avocado dressing over the quinoa and toss well to coat
  • Top the dressed quinoa with the mango salsa
  • Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired
Quinoa is high in protein which makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to up their protein intake.

If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful accompaniment to your fish sticks, this quinoa salad with avocado and mango salsa is sure to satisfy. Not only is it packed with protein and other essential nutrients, but it’s also easy to prepare and bursting with exotic flavors and textures. Give it a try at your next meal!

Sweet Potato Fries and Chipotle Mayo

Savory and Sweet Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re looking for a healthier and more flavorful alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries are the perfect solution. They are lower in calories and higher in fiber because they are made from sweet potatoes rather than white potatoes.

When it comes to seasoning your sweet potato fries, there are many options, but two of our favorite combinations include savory and sweet seasonings. For savory fries, try sprinkling rosemary and garlic powder on top before baking them in the oven. The herbs add depth and flavor without too much added salt or fat. Alternatively, for something sweeter, dust cinnamon sugar over your fries before baking them until crispy outside and tender inside.

  • Sweet potato fries are lower in calories and higher in fiber than traditional fries.
  • Add savory herbs like rosemary and garlic powder for robust flavors.
  • Cinnamon sugar is a great option for those with a sweet tooth.

Spicy and Smoky Chipotle Mayo

If you want to take your sweet potato fries to the next level, add some homemade chipotle mayo! This sauce is easy to make and goes well with almost anything. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds by adding more or less chipotle pepper.

To make the chipotle mayo, simply mix together mayonnaise, lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Once blended, drizzle this spicy and smoky sauce over your warm and crisp sweet potato fries for an incredibly delicious experience.

“Sweet potato fries are one of those things that never go out of style.” -Marcus Samuelsson
  • Make your own chipotle mayo for amazing smoky flavor with a hint of spice.
  • Adjust the heat level to suit your taste using more or less chipotle peppers.
  • Drizzle the chipotle mayo over crispy fries just before serving for best results.

No matter what seasoning or dip you choose, sweet potato fries are sure to be a hit when paired with fish sticks. The combination is great for lunch or dinner and makes for an easy meal that everyone will enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some healthy side dishes to serve with fish sticks?

Some healthy side dishes to serve with fish sticks include roasted vegetables, quinoa salad, baked sweet potato fries, and a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. These options provide a good balance of nutrients and flavors to complement the fish sticks.

What are some kid-friendly options to pair with fish sticks?

Some kid-friendly options to pair with fish sticks include mac and cheese, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli. These options are familiar to kids and can be easily prepared alongside the fish sticks.

What type of vegetables go well with fish sticks?

Vegetables that go well with fish sticks include roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, sautรฉed spinach, and roasted Brussels sprouts. These vegetables provide a good balance of flavors and textures to complement the fish sticks.

What types of sauces or dips pair well with fish sticks?

Some sauces or dips that pair well with fish sticks include tartar sauce, ketchup, honey mustard, and garlic aioli. These options provide a good balance of flavors to complement the fish sticks and can be easily prepared or purchased.

What are some creative ways to use fish sticks in a meal?

Some creative ways to use fish sticks in a meal include making fish tacos, adding them to a Caesar salad, using them as a topping for pizza, or making a fish stick sandwich. These options provide a fun twist on traditional ways to serve fish sticks.

What are some international flavors that complement fish sticks?

Some international flavors that complement fish sticks include teriyaki sauce, curry, salsa, and tzatziki. These options provide a unique twist on traditional ways to serve fish sticks and can be easily prepared or purchased.

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