What To Serve With Catfish: 17 Tasty Side Dishes

Catfish is a tasty and versatile fish that can be cooked in various ways, such as fried, grilled, or baked. It is popular in many cuisines around the world and can be paired with different side dishes to make a complete and delicious meal.

In this post, we will share 17 side dishes that go well with catfish and why they make a great combination.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with catfish are french fries, yellow rice, collard greens, potato rosti, coleslaw, hush puppies, grilled vegetables, baked beans, corn on the cob, mashed sweet potatoes, and red beans and rice.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. French Fries

Who can resist crispy French fries? The golden and crunchy exterior with a fluffy inside offers a delightful contrast to the soft and flaky catfish. Add a little garlic powder, rosemary, or Cajun seasoning to the fries to jazz them up. Plus, they're great for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate.

2. Yellow Rice

Bright yellow rice isn't just colorful; it's full of flavor. Infused with saffron or turmeric and sometimes adorned with peas or bell peppers, this dish is more than just a bed for your catfish. Its mild spices and fluffy texture offer a perfect counterpoint to the main course, making sure that no flavor overpowers another.

3. Collard Greens

When it comes to soul food, collard greens are non-negotiable. Slow-cooked to perfection with smoky bacon, garlic, and a splash of vinegar, these greens bring an earthy depth to your meal. They offer a tangy, chewy contrast to the catfish, completing the Southern comfort vibe you might be going for.

4. Potato Rosti

Think of potato rosti as the Swiss cousin to your classic hash browns—crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside. Spiced with a touch of garlic and perhaps some rosemary, this dish is comfort food at its finest. The buttery, rich potato is a lovely contrast to the lean and flaky catfish.

5. Coleslaw

Coleslaw offers a tangy and crunchy break from the deep-fried goodness of catfish. Whether you like yours creamy or more on the vinegary side, coleslaw's fresh, crisp texture offers a clean palate reset between bites of fish. It's like a refreshing salad, but way more fun to eat.

6. Hush Puppies

These little balls of cornmeal goodness are a Southern staple for a reason. Fried to golden perfection, hush puppies might be small, but they pack a flavorful punch. Some recipes even include minced onions or jalapeños for an extra kick. Their crusty exterior and soft interior make for a delightful bite that complements the catfish beautifully.

7. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled veggies are the health-conscious diner's best friend. From smoky asparagus spears to charred bell peppers, the slight bitterness of the grill marks adds a whole new layer of flavor. These veggies aren't just a side dish; they're a celebration of summer's bounty that elevates the whole meal.

8. Baked Beans

Imagine a hearty scoop of baked beans next to your catfish. Cooked low and slow with a touch of molasses, mustard, and maybe even some smoky bacon, these beans offer a blend of sweet and tangy that you just can't resist. Their rich sauce and soft texture provide a homely touch that rounds out the meal perfectly.

9. Corn on the Cob

It's the epitome of summer, right? Corn on the cob offers sweet, juicy kernels that burst with flavor. Whether you grill it or steam it, and no matter if you slather it with butter or sprinkle it with chili powder, it's a versatile side that pairs delightfully with catfish.

10. Red Beans and Rice

Here's a dish that's hearty enough to stand on its own but gracious enough to let the catfish shine. Simmered in a pot with spices, sausage, and all the good stuff, red beans offer a complex, earthy flavor. Mixed with rice, it provides a complementary texture and taste that's pure comfort.

11. Fried Okra

Crunchy, salty, and downright irresistible, fried okra is another Southern classic that makes catfish seem right at home. The crispy coating gives way to a tender, slightly gooey interior that's packed with flavor. Dip it in a tangy sauce, and you'll see why these two are often plated together.

12. Creamed Spinach

Creamed spinach feels like a luxurious addition to any plate. It's rich, it's velvety, and it has just enough of a nutritious spin to make you feel good about indulging. The creaminess of this side pairs well with the flakiness of the catfish, making each bite feel like a celebration.

13. Blistered Tomatoes

These aren't your run-of-the-mill tomatoes. Blistered to perfection, they offer a slightly charred skin and an almost candy-sweet interior. They bring a touch of acidity and sweetness to the table, balancing out the deep, savory notes of the catfish.

14. Green Beans

Quick to prepare and ever so tasty, green beans add a pop of color and nutrients to your meal. Sauté them in a bit of garlic and olive oil, and you've got yourself a simple yet flavorful side. They bring a welcomed crunch and freshness to contrast with the tender fish.

15. Cucumber Salad

Light, refreshing, and tangy, a cucumber salad offers a palate-cleansing quality that can be much appreciated in a rich meal. Typically dressed in a simple vinaigrette, the fresh cucumber slices become even more flavorful and refreshing, providing a nice contrast to the catfish.

16. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

For those who want to bring a bit of natural sweetness to the table, mashed sweet potatoes are a go-to. Velvety in texture and rich in flavor, they offer a hint of sweetness that can complement the catfish wonderfully, especially if you've spiced or blackened the fish for a flavor contrast.

17. Cheese Grits

A Southern meal feels incomplete without grits. But these aren't just any grits; they're cheesy, creamy, and undeniably soul-satisfying. The slight corn flavor of the grits pairs well with the catfish, and the cheese adds an extra layer of indulgence to your plate.

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