A trip to the Pacific Northwest of the United States is probably the first thing to come to mind when I think of the best parts of the United States — all of that nature, sea, and trees, not forgetting, of course, all the wonderful food!
Read Also: Tilapia Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Tilapia
One dish that definitely stands out because of its distinct flavors is parmesan-crusted tilapia.
This dish is definitely one of my all-time favorites.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made it. There’s just something about the flavors and mouth-watering aroma that makes it hard to resist!
But wait — this delicacy also pairs great with sides.
Here’s a list of side dishes that go well with parmesan crusted tilapia!
See Also: 18 Easy Sauces for Tilapia I Can’t Resist
But first…
Why Consider Serving Sides For Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia?
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is a delicious fish dish that can be served as a meal in itself.
But there are several side dishes you can serve with it to make it even more special.
For example, you can offer side dishes of potatoes and asparagus, or you can include bread and cheeses.
This will help you add variety to the meal while also enhancing the flavors of all ingredients.
It’s also recommended that you serve this dish with side dishes that complement the flavors of all ingredients in the dish.
For instance, if the flavors of the fish and vegetables are very strong, try serving them with complementary side dishes that are less intense.
If you like the idea of serving bread and cheese with the fish, that’s fine.
It’s just a tip.
Another reason why you should consider serving side dishes with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia is because it provides a great opportunity to try out new dishes.
The fish can be served with a variety of side dishes that are not usually paired with other fish dishes.
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia: 12 Best Sides
Parmesan Crusted Tilapia. Who says that you’re only supposed to eat your greens while you’re lounging in the sunshine?
Parmesan gives Tilapia a rich, crunchy, buttery coat that your taste buds will love. As if that wasn’t enough, the creamy Parmesan topping pairs great with the freshness of the spinach, making it a classic combination.
So, what else to serve with your tilapia meal?
There are literally hundreds of options.
From salads to mashed potatoes, your taste buds are sure to find a favorite.
Keep on scrolling and browse through for some fabulous side dishes to go with your parmesan crusted tilapia.
1. Roasted Corn
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/262756959500547080/I always try to have a dish of corn on the table alongside my meals. It’s so quick and easy to serve, and makes a great addition to just about any meal.
You can serve it straight from the cob, but I prefer to dip the cobs, one at a time, in some batter and then roast them in a hot oven.
This makes them extra crispy! It’s also an inexpensive way to add some flavour to your table, and it’s a great way to get your children involved in the cooking process.
2. Mashed Potatoes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/11329436552681211/Everyone loves mashed potatoes, and for good reason! They’re a great way to add lots of flavour to your meal, and they’re super easy to make.
Just peel and chop your potatoes, and then pop them in a saucepan with some milk, butter, and freshly grated parmesan.
Simmer on a low heat for 15-20 minutes until they’re soft.
A handheld blender will make life much easier, but don’t worry if you don’t have one – it’s not a deal-breaker. Just be careful not to over-blend, or you’ll end up with a soggy mess!
3. Garlic Cheese Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/66709638222951145/Toasted garlic bread is always a winner, as it’s so incredibly tasty and filling.
The trick is to ensure that the bread is extra crispy, which can be achieved by leaving it in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving.
If you want to make it extra special, you can add a slice of cheese on top.
This will really give it that extra bit of moisture and flavour.
4. Balsamic Roasted Carrots
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/795237246712133238/You can’t go wrong with a serving of balsamic roasted carrots! They’re delicious and full of flavour, and they make an excellent accompaniment to a parmesan crusted tilapia.
A favourite of mine is to toss some baby carrots with a dash of olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
5. Roasted Tomatoes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/15833036180023201/A serving of oven-roasted tomatoes is an absolute must when you’re serving up a parmesan crusted tilapia.
This is another one that is really easy to prepare, but you must be careful not to overcook them otherwise they taste mushy.
So keep an eye on them whilst they cook, and remove them from the oven when they’re nice and soft.
6. Roasted Potatoes
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/88594317659495767/Tilapia is a rich and flavourful fish, which pairs really well with creamy sauces and rich cheeses.
To make this meal extra special, serve it with roasted potatoes. You can do this in the oven, or even on the grill.
Either way, you’ll need to boil the potatoes, then bake or grill them until they’re crispy and caramelised, and then mash them.
7. Green Beans
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/238127899038209324/To balance out the richness of the fish and give it an extra kick of flavour, a side serving of green beans works well.
You can even pair them with some roast potatoes! Simply steam the green beans for a few minutes.
8. Broccoli Salad
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68743817776/Broccoli salad is a lovely side dish to serve alongside a parmesan-crusted tilapia.
It’s so quick and easy to prepare, and you can use any leftover broccoli you may have in the fridge to make it.
Just whizz it in the food processor to break it down a little, and add a little mayo, some honey, and your favourite salad dressing.
Some people like to add some chopped nuts, too, for extra crunch.
9. Baked Beans
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1618549858688535/A side of baked beans is another great option to serve alongside parmesan crusted tilapia. It’s so quick and easy to prepare, and takes just a few minutes to bake in the oven.
The only thing to remember is that the beans will need a bit of time to cook, so don’t rush them!
Ideally, you’ll want to start them at least an hour before you start cooking the fish, so they have time to absorb all the flavours of the sauce.
10. Macaroni and Cheese
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/844493670421497/Macaroni and cheese is one of those dishes that goes down a treat with everyone. It’s super easy to prepare, and just a few minutes of chopping and stirring will have you ready for the table.
You can vary the flavour of your macaroni and cheese depending on what you have in the fridge.
I’ve included a few suggestions below, which could be prepared using a combination of different ingredients.
As always, a good rule of thumb is to use what’s in season and in abundance.
11. French Fries
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/844493670641527/A simple side serving of French Fries is a super fun and healthy option to serve with parmesan crusted tilapia.
It’s really easy to prepare and is packed with healthy fats. A good tip to remember when making fries is to try and avoid using lots of oil, as they tend to take on a greasy appearance.
This is also where you can make the most of using frozen French fries instead of fresh.
It’s the perfect way to serve them if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to make them fresh.
If you want to add some flavour, you can choose to add some ketchup, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce to the mix before serving.
12. Zucchini Fritters
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/71072500362089379/Zucchini fritters are one of my favourite ways to serve fish! I love the fact that they’re super simple to make and they’re also great for kids and adults alike.
I’d recommend making this at home if you’re having a hard time trying to make sure that your kids eat fish, as they’ll find this way of eating fish so much more appealing.
3 Tips For Serving Sides For Parmesan Crusted Tilapia
1. Not Too Overpowering in Taste or Texture
Most side dishes are meant to complement the main dish, so keep in mind the flavors, colors and textures of the dish you are pairing it with.
Tilapia is a mild fish, so a side dish should not be overly spicy or sour. It should have a clean, salty taste.
And it should not overwhelm the fish. This means adding a few extra ingredients to the dish can create a flavorful side dish that won’t distract from the fish.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Your Side Dish Interesting
If your guests are unfamiliar with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia, they’ll be looking to you to explain the dish.
Serve it with an interesting side dish to keep your guests from reaching for the salt shaker.
We made this dish by topping a pan of garlic-butter-sautéed broccoli with Parmesan cheese. It was a big hit.
3. Choose a Vegetable That’s in Season
Choosing seasonal veggies means you’ll be able to find produce that’s in peak harvest.
We like to make our side dishes with summer vegetables, like tomatoes and corn.
While we love a good, crusty Parmesan on our fish, we also love it on our veggie side dishes.
Related:
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What to Serve with Pan Fried Tilapia: 13 Best Side Dishes
What Seasoning to Put on Baked Tilapia (10 Best Options)
What Vegetables Go with Baked Fish? (11 Veggies)
17 Herbs that Go Well with White Fish
What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia: 12 Best Sides
Ingredients
- Roasted Corn
- Mashed Potatoes
- Garlic Cheese Bread
- Balsamic Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Tomatoes
- Roasted Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Broccoli Salad
- Baked Beans
- Macaroni and Cheese
- French Fries
- Zucchini Fritters
Instructions
- Pick any of these sides to serve with your fish dinner.
- Prepare the ingredients according to the recipe.
- Enjoy your meal in no time!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.