Fish cakes are a delightful and versatile dish, perfect for any meal. Whether you're serving them as a light lunch or as part of a more substantial dinner, choosing the right sides can elevate the dish beautifully.

Here you can find 20 excellent side dishes that complement the rich flavors and soft texture of fish cakes.

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The best side dishes to serve with fish cakes are tartar sauce, potato wedges, guacamole, coleslaw, green salad, roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, steamed vegetables, Spanish rice, corn on the cob, potato salad, garlic bread, quinoa, cucumber salad, garlic aioli, and cornbread.

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1. Blooming Onion

Blooming onions, with their crispy petals and savory taste, are a fun and delicious side dish. Often served with a dipping sauce, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that go well with the soft and savory fish cakes. It's a show-stopping side that's sure to impress at any gathering.

2. Potato Wedges

Potato wedges are a classic side that never disappoints. Their crispy exterior and fluffy interior make them a comforting addition to any meal, including one with fish cakes. Season them with herbs, garlic, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor kick. They're a great way to add a satisfying crunch to your meal.

3. Guacamole

Guacamole, with its creamy texture and rich flavors, is a fantastic complement to fish cakes. The smoothness of the avocado and the tanginess of lime juice make it an ideal dip or topping. It's a simple yet delicious way to add a touch of richness to the meal without overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish.

4. Spanish Rice

Spanish rice is a flavorful and filling side dish that pairs well with fish cakes. You can make this rice with various grains like brown rice, quinoa, or bulgur, and add some sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs like thyme or sage for a fragrant and delicious dish.

5. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side dish that adds crunch and freshness to any meal. It's made with shredded cabbage and carrots, and dressed with a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar. You can add some sliced red onions, apples, or cranberries to the coleslaw to give it more depth of flavor.

6. Garden Salad

A Garden Salad is a fresh and vibrant side dish that pairs excellently with fish cakes. It's a blend of crisp greens like lettuce, spinach, or arugula, along with a medley of colorful vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers. This salad brings a refreshing crunch and a variety of flavors to your meal.

7. Cornbread

Soft and crumbly cornbread is a great way to add some texture and sweetness to the meal. You can make cornbread by mixing cornmeal, flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and honey, and then baking it in the oven until golden brown. You can serve cornbread with some butter and honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.

8. Cauliflower Pizza Bowl

For a low-carb yet hearty side, a cauliflower pizza bowl is an innovative choice. You get all the flavors of a traditional pizza but in a healthier form. The cauliflower base, topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, complements the fish cakes with its savory and cheesy goodness.

9. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a healthy and flavorful option that can be seasoned with various herbs and spices. You can roast vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes with some garlic, rosemary, and olive oil for a delicious and aromatic side dish.

10. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Creamy and comforting mashed sweet potatoes are a great way to round out the meal. You can add some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme to the dish to give them a more complex flavor.

11. Tartar Sauce

Tartar Sauce is a classic condiment that goes great with fish cakes. It's made from mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and spices. You can add some chopped fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, to give the sauce a more refreshing taste.

12. Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables are a simple and healthy side dish that can be flavored with various spices and sauces. You can steam vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or cauliflower and toss them with some soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes for an Asian-inspired flavor.

13. Garlic Bread

Crusty and garlicky bread is a great way to add some crunch and flavor to the meal. You can make garlic bread by brushing slices of bread with some garlic-infused olive oil, sprinkling them with some grated Parmesan cheese and herbs like oregano or basil, and then toasting them in the oven until crispy.

14. Quinoa

Quinoa is a fantastic grain choice to serve with fish cakes due to its mild, nutty flavor and fluffy texture. It acts as a great canvas to absorb flavors from a lemon herb dressing or a light vinaigrette. Cook the quinoa in vegetable or chicken broth for added depth, then stir in chopped herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a refreshing side that complements the richness of the fish cakes beautifully.

15. Potato Salad

Another classic side dish that can be served cold or at room temperature. You can add some sliced hard-boiled eggs, diced pickles, or chopped bacon to the potato salad to give it a more complex flavor and texture.

16. Cucumber Salad

A refreshing and tangy salad that pairs well with the richness of fish cakes. You can make cucumber salad by slicing cucumbers thinly and mixing them with some sliced red onions, chopped dill, and a dressing made from sour cream, lemon juice, and honey.

17. Pineapple Salsa

Pineapple salsa is a refreshing and zesty choice that pairs beautifully with fish cakes. The sweetness of the pineapple, combined with the tang of lime and the heat of chili peppers, creates a perfect balance of flavors. This salsa adds a tropical flair to your meal, enhancing the lightness of the fish cakes with its fruity and spicy notes.

18. Gazpacho

Gazpacho offers a cool and refreshing contrast to the warm fish cakes. This chilled Spanish soup, made with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and a hint of vinegar, is vibrant and light. It cleanses the palate and adds a burst of fresh flavors to your meal, making it a perfect summertime accompaniment.

19. Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is a simple and sweet side that complements the savory notes of fish cakes beautifully. Its natural sweetness and juicy kernels provide a pleasant contrast to the crispy exterior of the fish cakes. You can grill the corn to add a smoky flavor or boil it for a softer texture. Either way, it's a crowd-pleaser and adds a pop of color to your plate.

20. Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce, with its cool and creamy texture, is a wonderful addition to fish cakes. Made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and herbs, it brings a refreshing and tangy element to the dish. It's especially good as a dipping sauce, offering a light and herby contrast that complements the fish cakes' richness.

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