Let’s face it, as delicious as fish sticks are, they are not the most sophisticated of foods. Though they are tasty, they are not particularly flavorsome.

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This will be particularly true in the case of most shop-bought fish sticks. Instead, this food is normally reserved for busy evenings when you just can not be bothered to cook.

Fish Sticks Side Dishes to Serve With Them

This does not mean that you can not elevate your fish sticks with some delicious sides. By pairing these sticks with some excellent dishes, you can make the meal flavor-filled and more substantial. Here are some suggestions for side dishes to match with fish sticks.

French Fries

Starting with perhaps the most obvious side dish, french fries are a popular choice. After all, fish and chips is a classic combination.

French fries and fish sticks maybe a little dry, so be sure to serve this dish with a sauce or dip to add some flavor. You can also try adding vinegar to your french fries if you want to infuse them with a tart taste.

What we love about this meal is that it is very hassle-free. This will definitely be the case if you are using shop-bought French fries. Though homemade varieties are superior, they will take a little longer to make.

This recipe enables you to make crispy homemade French fries in your oven. This recipe is healthier than other French fries, largely because you do not need a deep-fat fryer. This handy recipe also gives plenty of advice and variations for you to try out.

Tartar Sauce

If you are looking for a sauce to dip your fish sticks and French fries into, tartar sauce will be ideal. This creamy sauce is perfect for dipping into, providing a sharp flavor that other sauces are unable to provide.

Though this may not be the most filling of side dishes, it will be enough for a small lunch. You can pair tartar sauce with other sides for a more substantial meal.

This will be a great choice for people who are cooking with limited time. After all, tartar sauce is super straightforward to prepare. In fact, it should only take 5 minutes! This will mean that you can prepare tartar sauce while the fish sticks are cooking.

You can also make the tartar sauce in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for when you plan on using it. This lovely recipe uses ingredients such as Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and shallots for additional flavors.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw works well with fish sticks because of their opposing flavors, textures, temperatures, and appearances. Coleslaw manages to be crunchy and creamy, contrasting with the softness of the fish sticks.

Meanwhile, the vibrant colors of the coleslaw can add some vibrancy to the meal. All of these contrasts enhance fish sticks, making them more exciting.

As with the previous two suggestions, you can either make your own coleslaw or use a ready-made variety. If you want a high-quality recipe, we heartily recommend this method from Inspired Taste.

This inventive recipe makes a divine-tasting dressing. It also includes fresh ingredients, such as cabbage and cauliflower. As this recipe states, you can prepare the coleslaw in advance. Consequently, it is one of the most convenient options available.

Macaroni and Cheese

Do you love pasta? Do you love cheese? If so, the chances are that you love macaroni and cheese.

This delicious side dish perfectly combines these two ingredients. Macaroni and cheese work well with fish sticks because it makes the meal more substantial.

The carbs will fill you up and give you more energy. As a consequence, this side dish is best suited to larger meals.

Though macaroni and cheese will take a little longer to make than some of our other suggestions, it remains a simple yet scrumptious side dish.

If you want to make homemade macaroni and cheese, this will be the perfect recipe for you. It only takes 35 minutes to make.

Plus, this side dish is made with two different kinds of cheese, namely cheddar and Gruyere cheese. This results in it being ideal for cheese lovers. The recipe also features different variations for you to experiment with.

Sweet Potato Wedges

If you are bored of fries, you may want to liven your meals up by making sweet potato wedges instead. As their name suggests, these potatoes will provide a sweet flavor to the dish that is otherwise difficult to achieve.

This complements the salty taste of the fish sticks surprisingly well. Sweet potato wedges will not only provide loads of flavors, but they will also be healthier than standard French fries.

If you are looking for a simple yet effective recipe, this one will make delectable wedges. Though they take longer than a lot of other side dishes, it is worth it for their distinctive flavor.

While it may be time-consuming, the recipe is super straightforward. As a consequence, you can get on with other activities while your wedges are cooking. For added flavor, this recipe throws rosemary into the mix.

Rice

If you want a side dish that is a little healthier than fries, rice will be an outstanding option. Most rice dishes will complement your fish sticks.

You are free to use a shop-bought rice dish, though you can also make a homemade version if you have the time and energy.

This pilau rice is bursting with beautiful flavors, due to the additions of cinnamon and turmeric. If you are bored of bland rice, this recipe will be ideal for you.

Mushy Peas

In the United Kingdom, mushy peas are a popular side dish to fish.

Though they may not have the most appealing of appearances, we promise that they have a tasty flavor. Their bright green coloring provides vibrancy to your dish.

Mushy peas are also quite healthy, making them a good accompaniment to fish sticks. In fact, peas are a decent source of vitamins E and C.

If you are interested in trying this British delicacy, this handy recipe will help you. It is very convenient, requiring only 5 basic ingredients.

Plus, it will only take you 15 minutes to prepare. This cooking time is similar to that of fish sticks, meaning you can make them at the same time.

Salad

Like the previous two options, a salad will be beneficial to people who want a healthy side dish. A variety of different salads will complement the fish sticks. Another advantage of this side dish is that it is very customizable.

You can add loads of different vegetables to a salad, allowing you to experiment. We have linked a luscious Greek salad for you to try with your fish sticks.

Roasted Vegetables

Though vegetables are nutritious, they can sometimes taste a little bland. Thankfully, that is not normally the case when it comes to roasting vegetables.

They tend to be packed with flavor. Because of this, they make a good accompaniment to fish sticks. Roasted vegetables can enrich the flavor of the dish.

Plus, this is a side dish that feels more mature than others. You can play around with the vegetables that you are including, allowing you to use whatever you have access to.

If you have the time, it is worth making roasted vegetables. The recipe Damn Delicious takes only 30 minutes and has a delightfully bold taste. Cooked with garlic and thyme, you will likely adore the taste of these roasted vegetables.

Tomato Ketchup

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Comparable to tartar, ketchup is another brilliant sauce for dipping your fish sticks into. Many people love to cover their food in ketchup. Tomato ketchup will work particularly well when it is paired with another side dish, such as fries or wedges.

Though ready-made varieties of ketchup can be tasty, it is also useful to know how to make homemade ketchup.

This helpful recipe gives you two options. The first is a super convenient method that only takes 5 minutes. This will be desirable for people with a hectic lifestyle. The second is a slow-cook version that takes an hour.

Though this may seem time-consuming, you can make the ketchup in advance and have it with your fish sticks whenever you want.

Hash Browns

Hash browns are great for people who want a carbohydrate-based side dish but are bored of fries. Made from potatoes, this side dish is sure to be filling.

Though they may seem a little dry when combined with fish sticks, it is encouraged that you accompany them with a source. For example, hash browns go particularly well with ketchup or brown sauce.

Are you eager to make homemade hash browns? If so, this convenient recipe will guide you through the process.

Baked Beans

Last but not least, you can also try combining your fish sticks with baked beans. The juices from the beans will add some moisture to the dish. Beans have a sweet taste to them that supplements the saltiness of the fish sticks.

This combination will be especially beneficial for people who require comfort food. Though these beans are commonly cooked from a can, you can also make homemade varieties. Check out this succulent recipe if you are keen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Fish Sticks Good For You?

Yes, fish sticks are relatively healthy for you. Fish sticks are high in protein, which is important for muscles, bones, and hormones. It is important to remember that they should be eaten in moderation.

Having a diet that is formed of mainly fish sticks will not be beneficial for you. This is especially true if the fish sticks that you are eating are high in calories and sodium.

What Kind Of Fish Should You Use For Fish Sticks?

Traditionally, white fish are used to make these sticks. For example, hake, cod, haddock, halibut, or pollock are widely used. If you are making your own fish sticks, you can experiment with the type of fish you are using.

However, it is advised that you follow the recommendations of the menu that you are using.

What Is The Difference Between Fish Sticks And Fish Fingers?

These two products are essentially the same. Basically, they are two different names for the same food. While the term “fish sticks” is popular in America, “fish fingers” is the name widely used in Britain.

Final Thoughts

We hope that this list will have given you some inspiration. The next time that you have fish sticks, feel free to try making some of these side dishes. Trying a few of our suggestions will help to make your mealtimes more varied and interesting.

Fish Sticks: Side Dishes to Serve With Them

What should you pair with fish sticks? What are the best side dishes? From French fries to mush peas, discover what to serve with fish sticks.

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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!