What To Serve With Mackerel? 16 Tasty Side Dishes

Eating mackerel is always a good idea because it's tasty and good for you. But having the right sides can make it even better.

Here you can find 16 delicious sides that go perfectly with mackerel's strong flavor. From veggies to grains, each side adds something special to your plate.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with mackerel are mashed potatoes, green beans, quinoa, zucchini noodles, roasted tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, sautéed mushrooms, brown rice, honey roasted carrots, arugula salad, garlic spinach, lemon rice, sweet potato fries, and grilled vegetables.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs wonderfully with mackerel. Their creamy texture and buttery taste provide a comforting contrast to the fish's rich flavor. Adding a bit of garlic or herbs to your mashed potatoes can elevate the dish, making it the perfect accompaniment to the savory taste of mackerel.

2. Green Beans

Green beans, when lightly steamed or sautéed with a touch of garlic, offer a crisp and fresh side that balances the oily richness of mackerel. Their slight crunch and vibrant color add a healthful and appealing aspect to your meal, making it more balanced and nutritious.

3. Quinoa

Quinoa is a fantastic grain alternative that complements mackerel well. Its nutty flavor and fluffy texture make it a hearty side, capable of soaking up any sauce or seasoning you pair with the fish. Quinoa is also packed with protein and fiber, adding a wholesome element to your dish.

4. Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles, or "zoodles," provide a light and healthy alternative to traditional pasta. They pair excellently with mackerel, especially if the fish is served with a sauce. Zoodles can be quickly sautéed in a bit of olive oil and garlic for a simple, yet delicious side dish that won't overpower the main course.

5. Roasted Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes, seasoned with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, become sweet and tangy, offering a burst of flavor that complements the mackerel's natural taste. Their juiciness and slight acidity cut through the richness of the fish, providing a delicious contrast in flavors.

6. Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelized outer leaves and tender centers, make a hearty side that stands up to the strong flavor of mackerel. Tossing them with a bit of balsamic vinegar before roasting can add a lovely depth of flavor, making them an irresistible addition to the meal.

7. Sauteed Mushrooms

Sauteed mushrooms, with their earthy flavor and meaty texture, are a great side dish for mackerel. They can be sautéed in butter or olive oil with a touch of garlic and thyme, creating a simple yet flavorful complement to the fish. Mushrooms' umami-rich profile enhances the overall savoriness of the dish.

8. Cauliflower Parmesan

Cauliflower Parmesan takes the beloved flavors of a classic Parmesan dish and applies them to cauliflower, creating a deliciously crispy and cheesy side that pairs beautifully with mackerel. The natural sweetness of the cauliflower complements the fish's rich flavor, while the golden, cheesy crust adds a satisfying crunch. It's a lighter alternative that doesn't skimp on taste.

9. Butternut Squash

Butternut squash, with its sweet, nutty flavor, is a wonderful side dish for mackerel. Roasting the squash caramelizes its edges, enhancing its natural sweetness, which contrasts nicely with the savory depth of the fish. Season with herbs like sage or rosemary to bring a warm, autumnal flavor to your meal.

10. Brown Rice

Brown rice is a hearty, nutritious side that complements the rich taste of mackerel well. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor make it an excellent base for absorbing the flavors of the fish and any accompanying sauce. Brown rice also adds a wholesome, fiber-rich component to the meal, making it more satisfying.

11. Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables bring a smoky, charred flavor to the table, making them an ideal companion to mackerel. Mixing a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and eggplant, you can achieve a colorful and nutritious side dish. The grilling process intensifies the vegetables' natural sweetness, offering a delightful contrast to the savory, rich taste of mackerel.

12. Honey Roasted Carrots

Honey roasted carrots are a sweet and savory side that pairs perfectly with mackerel. The honey enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots, while roasting them brings out a delicious depth of flavor. This side dish adds a splash of color and a hint of sweetness to your plate, balancing the bold flavors of the fish.

13. Arugula Salad

An arugula salad, dressed with a simple lemon vinaigrette, offers a fresh, peppery contrast to the oily richness of mackerel. The sharpness of the arugula and the brightness of the lemon cut through the fish's richness, providing a light and refreshing side that cleanses the palate.

14. Garlic Spinach

Garlic spinach is a quick and easy side that's packed with flavor. Sautéing spinach with garlic and a touch of olive oil creates a tender, flavorful dish that complements the strong taste of mackerel without overpowering it. This side adds a healthy, green element to your meal, enhancing its overall nutritional value.

15. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a delightful side that adds a sweet and crispy element to your mackerel meal. Their natural sweetness and soft interior paired with a crispy exterior offer a pleasant contrast to the fish's texture and flavor. Seasoned with a little salt and perhaps a sprinkle of smoked paprika, they're an irresistible addition to the table.

16. Lemon Rice

Lemon rice brings a zesty, refreshing flavor to the table, making it an excellent companion to mackerel. The citrus notes of the lemon brighten the dish, while the rice offers a comforting, satisfying base. This side is especially good with grilled or baked mackerel, as it complements the smokiness of the fish.