What to Serve with Pan Fried Tilapia: 13 Best Side Dishes

If you’re not sure what to serve with pan fried tilapia, you’re in luck.

In this article, I’ll provide you with 13 of the best side dishes that pair perfectly with pan-fried tilapia.

See Also:

• 18 Easy Sauces for Tilapia I Can’t Resist
• Tilapia Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Tilapia

From veggies to pasta dishes, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.

So, read on to discover the perfect side dishes for your pan fried tilapia!

1. Roasted Veggies

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4785143347826694/

Are you getting enough veggies in your diet?

Roasting veggies is the perfect way to get that delicious flavor you want, while still getting all the health benefits of eating vegetables.

I love pairing roasted veggies with fish for a complete meal.

Pro Tip: To get an even roast, cut all your vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

Creative Ways to Change Up This Side Dish:

• Add different herbs and spices like oregano or garlic powder to give your veggies some extra flavor.
• Swap out one vegetable for another, such as adding sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
• Drizzle some olive oil and balsamic vinegar on top before roasting for a delicious tangy twist!

2. Garlic Butter Grilled Corn on the Cob

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/85498092918388965/

Garlicky and buttery, grilled corn on the cob is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any fish recipe.

All you need to do is brush some melted butter and garlic onto each ear of corn before grilling.

The result?

A sweet, smoky and garlicky flavor that will have your family asking for more!

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add some finely chopped herbs such as parsley or cilantro to the garlic butter mixture.

To change up this dish, try adding cheese (like parmesan or cotija) for a cheesy kick; top with chili powder and lime juice for a spicy-tangy twist; or sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon for something sweet.

3. Baked Beans

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/140806229187546/

Not much is easier than baked beans.

All you need is a can of beans, some seasonings and a few minutes in the oven.

My family loves them with just about any tilapia recipe.

The sweetness from the brown sugar pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the fish.

Pro Tip: Add some diced bacon to really take your beans up a notch!

To change things up, try using different types of canned beans like black or pinto, adding other vegetables like onions or bell peppers, or topping with grated cheese before baking for an extra cheesy treat.

4. Mac N Cheese

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/774124927121205/

My kids LOVE mac n cheese, and it’s the perfect side dish to any fish recipe.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting – what more could you want?

For an extra flavor boost, I like to add a little garlic powder or some freshly chopped herbs.

Pro Tip: Make sure not to overcook your mac n cheese so that it stays nice and creamy!

To switch things up, try making a Mac N Cheese Casserole with bacon bits on top; or make a Jalapeno Popper Mac N Cheese with cream cheese and jalapenos; or even an Alfredo Mac N Cheese with mushrooms for added texture.

5. Sweet Potato Fries

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/4362930880501668/

How about something crunchy alongside your pan-fried tilapia?

Sweet Potato Fries!

They are a great way to get some extra nutrients in and the sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with any fish.

Pro Tip: For an extra crunch, lightly coat your fries in cornstarch before baking them.

If you want to switch up this side dish, here are 3 creative options:

• Swap out sweet potatoes for regular potatoes and season with garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan cheese.
• Cut them into wedges instead of sticks and bake until crispy.
• Add some spice by tossing the fries in a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika and garlic powder before baking.

6. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Carrots

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/32158584831177533/

Sure, raw carrots are super boring, but roasted garlic parmesan carrots?

Now we’re talking!

This side dish is a family favorite that goes perfectly with any type of fish.

The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, and the garlic and parmesan add an irresistible savory flavor.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings – try adding some fresh herbs or dried spices for extra flavor.

Want to switch it up? Try tossing in some diced peppers or mushrooms, sprinkle on some feta cheese, or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness.

7. Caesar Salad

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3237030974580632/

Ah, the classic Caesar salad.

It’s a must-have side dish to any fish recipe in my family.

The smooth, creamy dressing adds the perfect amount of flavor and texture that pairs nicely with any type of fish.

Pro Tip: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier version!

If you’re looking for ways to change up this side dish, here are three ideas:

• Add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini
• Top with grilled shrimp or crispy bacon bits
• Mix in quinoa or couscous for an extra dose of protein

8. Garlic Bread

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/464504149080673946/

Who can say no to crunchy, buttery garlic bread?

This classic side dish is the perfect accompaniment to any fish recipe.

To make it even better, you can sprinkle some cheese or herbs on top before baking.

Pro Tip: brush your bread with a mixture of melted butter and olive oil for extra flavor and crunch.

Here are 3 creative ways to change up this side dish:

• Add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair
• Sprinkle some parmesan cheese and oregano on top before baking
• Brush with a mixture of melted butter and honey for a sweet twist

9. Potato Salad

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/248049891968125469/

Potato salad comes in so many varieties, which makes it the perfect side dish for fish.

It’s creamy and savory, and can be easily customized to fit any flavor profile.

We like to make ours with red potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, onion and dill pickles.

Pro Tip: To make sure your potatoes are cooked through but still firm enough for a salad texture, boil them until they’re fork-tender.

Here are 3 creative ways to change up this potato salad:

• Add roasted garlic or garlic powder for an extra punch of flavor
• Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado dressing
• Top with crumbled bacon or chives

10. Stuffed Peppers

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/92464598591221750/

Although this side dish requires a bit more effort, it’s always worth it.

Stuffed peppers are a classic side dish that pair perfectly with fish recipes.

1. Start by hollowing out the pepper and stuffing it with a mix of cooked rice, ground beef or pork, onion, garlic and tomato sauce.
2. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through.

Pro Tip: Try adding some grated cheese on top for an extra cheesy flavor!

3 Creative Ways to Change Up This Side Dish:

• Swap out the ground beef or pork for shredded chicken
• Add black beans to your filling instead of meat
• Use quinoa instead of rice in your filling

11. Dinner Rolls

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/419116309084176782/

Most people adore dinner rolls, and my family is no exception.

We love having dinner rolls as a side dish to any fish recipe because it helps soak up all the delicious flavors that come with the meal.

Pro Tip: Toast your dinner rolls for an extra crunchy texture!

Here are 3 creative ways to change up this side dish:

• Spread some garlic butter on top of each roll before baking
• Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top before baking
• Mix in chopped herbs such as rosemary or thyme into the dough for added flavor

12. Roasted Garlic Butter Parmesan Potatoes

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/60165345011702680/

Forget about plain mashed potatoes and try this delicious side dish instead.

Roasted garlic butter parmesan potatoes are a great way to add some extra flavor to your fish dinner.

The potatoes are roasted in the oven until they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, then finished off with melted garlic butter and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

It’s sure to be a hit!

Pro Tip: To keep your potato slices uniform, use a mandoline slicer (with guard!) so they all bake evenly.

Here are 3 creative ways to change up this side dish:

• Swap out the Parmesan for feta or goat cheese
• Add fresh herbs like oregano, basil or thyme for an herby twist
• Top with bacon bits for an extra crunch

13. Zucchini Fritters

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/47710077294281352/

Who can say no to zucchini fritters?

They make a great side dish to any fish recipe, and are really easy to make.

All you need is some shredded zucchini, eggs, flour and seasonings of your choice.

Pro Tip: To make sure that the fritters stay together when frying, be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini before adding it into the batter.

Here are 3 creative ways to change up this side dish:

• Add in diced jalapeños for an extra kick of spice
• Swap out regular flour for almond flour for a gluten-free version
• Mix in some grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor

Related:

What to Serve with Blackened Tilapia: 18 Best Sides

What to Serve with Parmesan Crusted Tilapia: 12 Best Sides

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