Cod is a delicious and versatile fish that can be cooked in many ways. To make your meal complete, it's important to pair it with the perfect side dishes.
Here are 20 tasty ideas for sides that go great with cod fish and why they're a perfect match.
Looking for a quick answer?
The best side dishes to serve with cod are quinoa, zucchini noodles, ratatouille, couscous, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, farro, coleslaw, corn on the cob, jasmine rice, pineapple salsa, cucumber salad, garlic bread, sweet potato fries, grilled asparagus, and green beans, and sautéed mushrooms.
Now, let's get cooking!
Table of Contents
- 1. Quinoa
- 2. Zucchini Noodles
- 3. Ratatouille
- 4. Couscous
- 5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 6. Mashed Potatoes
- 7. Steamed Vegetables
- 8. Rice Pilaf
- 9. Farro
- 10. Coleslaw
- 11. Corn on the Cob
- 12. Jasmine Rice
- 13. Pineapple Salsa
- 14. Cucumber Salad
- 15. Garlic Bread
- 16. Sweet Potato Fries
- 17. Sautéed Mushrooms
- 18. Butternut Squash
- 19. Grilled Asparagus
- 20. Green Beans
- More Recipes
- What To Serve With Cod
1. Quinoa
Nutritious and versatile, quinoa adds a light, nutty flavor and a pleasant texture that complements the tender cod perfectly. It is also high in protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying choice to serve alongside fish.
2. Zucchini Noodles
A low-carb alternative to pasta, zucchini noodles are light and fresh, making them an excellent side dish for a healthy cod meal. Their subtle flavor allows the cod to shine, while their spiral shape adds a playful and visually appealing touch to the plate.
3. Ratatouille
This flavorful vegetable medley is rich in taste and adds a touch of rustic, Mediterranean flair to your cod fish. Made from a combination of eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, ratatouille brings a bounty of flavors and textures that enhance the fish without overwhelming it.
4. Couscous
Light and fluffy, couscous is a quick-cooking grain that can be easily flavored with herbs and spices to complement the taste of cod. Its delicate texture and ability to absorb the flavors of the dish make it an ideal accompaniment to fish.
5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, roasted Brussels sprouts offer a delightful contrast to the flakiness of cod. Their earthy and slightly bitter flavor pairs well with the mild taste of the fish, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
6. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes offer a comforting and classic side to the delicate taste of cod. With their smooth and buttery texture, they create a satisfying contrast to the fish, adding richness to your meal. Whether seasoned with garlic or mixed with herbs, mashed potatoes provide a versatile and delicious accompaniment that’s sure to please.
7. Steamed Vegetables
Steamed vegetables, including favorites like broccoli, cauliflower, and peas, bring vibrant colors and a healthy balance to a cod meal. Their mild flavors and crisp textures complement the fish without overshadowing it. Offering both nutrition and visual appeal, steamed vegetables make an excellent choice for a wholesome seafood dinner.
8. Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf, cooked with broth, onions, and mild spices, makes a versatile side that complements cod's delicate flavor. The fluffy rice absorbs the fish's juices and adds a comforting touch. Whether it's a family dinner or a special occasion, rice pilaf's subtle flavors and satisfying texture make it an excellent pairing with cod.
9. Farro
Farro is a hearty, nutty grain that makes an excellent side for cod. Its chewy texture and rich, earthy flavor stand up well to the light and flaky fish. To prepare, simmer the farro until it's tender but still has a slight bite, then toss it with some herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness. This wholesome grain not only adds substance to your meal but also absorbs flavors beautifully.
10. Coleslaw
Coleslaw's blend of crisp cabbage and carrots with a tangy, creamy dressing is a refreshing side dish for cod. The crunchiness of coleslaw contrasts wonderfully with flaky fish, adding an extra layer of texture. It's a lively addition to the plate that brings a balance of flavors and excitement to your meal.
11. Corn on the Cob
Whether grilled, boiled, or roasted, corn on the cob adds a sweet and juicy dimension to your cod dinner. Its natural sweetness and chewy texture pair wonderfully with the mild and flaky fish. A favorite for summer gatherings or cozy family meals, corn on the cob brings a festive and tasty touch to the table.
12. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is a fragrant and fluffy side that enhances the delicate flavors of cod. Known for its aromatic, slightly sweet taste, jasmine rice is the perfect backdrop for the subtle nuances of the fish. Steam the rice to perfection and fluff it with a fork to create a light and airy texture that pairs beautifully with cod, either as a bed for the fish or as a simple, elegant side dish.
13. Pineapple Salsa
Pineapple salsa, with its sweet and spicy mix, brings a tropical flair to your cod dish. Chunks of juicy pineapple, hot peppers, and fresh herbs create a zesty combination that adds a burst of flavor. This unique and colorful side dish adds excitement and complements the mild flavor of cod beautifully.
14. Cucumber Salad
Fresh cucumber salad is a delightful side for cod, with its cool taste and crunchy texture. Often mixed with dill, vinegar, and sometimes tomatoes, it’s a light and healthy choice that offers a pleasant contrast to the tender fish. It's a simple yet refreshing side that can brighten up your seafood dinner.
15. Garlic Bread
Garlic bread, with its rich buttery aroma and crispy texture, makes an inviting side to accompany cod. The robust garlic flavor adds a savory depth that pairs nicely with the mild fish. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a side, garlic bread is a crowd-pleaser that adds warmth and comfort to the meal.
16. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a tasty twist on a classic side. Their sweet, earthy flavor and crispy exterior provide an appealing contrast to the soft texture of cod. Baked or fried, these vibrant orange fries add a splash of color and a touch of sweetness that complements the main course delightfully.
17. Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms, cooked to tender perfection with garlic and herbs, bring a rich, earthy flavor to the plate. Their savory taste and meaty texture complement the flakiness of cod, enhancing the meal's depth and complexity. A versatile and flavorful choice, sautéed mushrooms are a gourmet touch that elevates a simple cod dish.
18. Butternut Squash
Butternut squash, whether roasted, mashed, or turned into a creamy soup, offers a sweet and nutty complement to cod. Its velvety texture and rich flavor add a touch of autumn warmth to any meal. Versatile and nourishing, butternut squash blends well with various herbs and spices, making it a delightful side dish for a cozy cod dinner.
19. Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus, with its slightly charred exterior and fresh, tender inside, makes a sophisticated and nutritious addition to a cod meal. Its distinct flavor and vibrant green color enhance the plate aesthetically and gastronomically. Quick to prepare and delightful to eat, grilled asparagus is a healthy and elegant side that pairs wonderfully with cod.
20. Green Beans
Green beans are a vibrant and healthy side dish that pairs wonderfully with cod. Lightly steamed or sautéed with a bit of garlic and olive oil, they provide a crisp texture and a fresh, clean flavor that complements the mild taste of cod perfectly. You can add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of almonds for an extra touch of flavor, making this simple side both nutritious and delicious.
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What To Serve With Cod
Ingredients
- 1 cod
Instructions
- Make the best cod using your favorite recipe.
- Make a side dish from the list above. You can eat cod with quinoa, zucchini noodles, ratatouille, couscous, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, farro, coleslaw, corn on the cob, jasmine rice, pineapple salsa, cucumber salad, garlic bread, sweet potato fries, grilled asparagus, and green beans, and sautéed mushrooms.
- Serve and enjoy a wonderful meal ๐