Fish and chips is one of those classic combos that's just insanely craveable and satisfying. You've got tender, flaky white fish encased in a delightfully crunchy, golden-fried batter, accompanied by a pile of thick-cut chips/fries.
It's salty, savory perfection. But as irresistible as that duo is on its own, having a few accompaniments on the side really helps round things out into a more complete, flavor-packed feast.
From zesty dipping sauces to cut through the richness to crisp, acidic salads, crunchy veggie sides to salty, briny pickles and more, I've rounded up a serious array of tasty sides that make ideal partners for your fresh-caught fish and hot chips.
Get ready to turn that British pub staple into an epic meal!
Dipping Sauces
1.Tartar Sauce
If you ask me what to serve with fish and chips, my answer would be simple: You can't have fish and chips without a creamy, tangy, dill-flecked tartar sauce for dipping and drizzling!
This homemade sauce it's so easy to make and tastes insanely good - way better than any store-bought version.
The whole process takes about 15 minutes. Simply combine mayo, finely chopped dill pickles, fresh dill (or parsley), lemon juice, sugar, and black pepper in a bowl. Give it a stir and that's literally it.
This tangy, creamy sauce is the perfect accompaniment to fish dishes like salmon cakes, fish sticks (I use the Trident ones from Costco), or breaded fish fillets.
It stays fresh in the fridge for a few days too. Trust me, once you try this homemade tartar sauce, you'll never go back to the jarred stuff again. It's a total game-changer for your fish and chips nights!
2.Malt Vinegar
A splash of this intensely sour vinegar is an absolute must for drizzling over those hot, crispy chips.
Its zinginess helps cut through the richness while adding loads of lip-puckering flavor.
3.Lemon Caper Sauce
For something light to serve alongside the fish, look no further than this bright lemon-caper sauce.
It comes together in under 10 minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
First, melt some butter in a pan and sauté garlic and shallots for a couple minutes. Then add white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a little salt. After letting that simmer for 5 minutes, stir in chopped parsley and briny capers.
The result is a bright, buttery sauce with a lovely lemon flavor and pops of saltiness from the capers. It's so versatile - I love drizzling it over fish, chicken, pasta, or roasted veggies. The briny capers make it an especially great pairing for fish and chips.
4.Remoulade
Remoulade sauce is my go-to condiment for adding massive flavor to seafood dishes! It's a creamy, tangy, slightly spicy sauce that originated in Louisiana.
Prepping it is a breeze - just whisk together mayo, mustard, paprika, horseradish, creole seasoning, pickle juice, lemon juice, hot sauce, garlic and parsley. The hardest part is waiting an hour for the flavors to meld while it chills.
I love slathering this sauce all over fried fish, crab cakes and po' boy sandwiches. But it's also amazing as a dip for fries or fritters, or drizzled over roasted veggies. The zesty flavors instantly elevate any bland food.
With just 5 minutes of prep, this remoulade is one condiment you'll want to always have on hand. It makes such a perfect tangy, creamy accompaniment to fish and chips or any fried seafood. Dunk everything in it!
5.Curry Sauce
Give your fish and chips a fun flavor twist by serving them with creamy, aromatic curry sauce on the side for dipping. This aromatic curry sauce is quick and easy to make, taking under 20 minutes.
You simply sauté the onion and aromatics, add the spices and broth, then finish with the coconut milk. It's a great sauce to simmer chicken, shrimp, or veggies in.
Curry is a perfect side to serve with classic British fish and chips because the creamy, slightly spicy sauce complements the crispy fried fish and fries so well. The flavors and textures create a satisfying contrast.
Crispy Side Dishes
1.Battered Sausages
For another handheld, crispy fried delight to enjoy alongside your fish, you can't go wrong with some delicious battered sausages. This battered sausage recipe is a must-try for any fish and chips lover!
The prep is simple - just whisk together some basic ingredients like flour, egg, and water. No beer needed! The secret is the bicarbonate of soda which helps create that signature light, crispy batter.
I use big juicy pork sausages, but you can also try Cumberland or kielbasa. No need to pre-cook them - just dip the raw sausages in flour, then the batter, and fry until golden brown.
It takes only about 20 minutes total to whip up a batch. I love serving these crispy battered bangers with my homemade chips and lashings of salt and vinegar. Talk about the ultimate British comfort food!
2.Crispy Onion Rings
Whether you opt for classic rings or go all out with an entire crispy fried onion bloom, these battered onions make an exceptional crispy, savory partner for dunking into sauces alongside the fish.
I love making these crispy onion rings at home! The preparation is so easy and they turn out restaurant-quality every time.
First, dip the onion rings in a seasoned flour mixture, then a light egg-milk batter.
This double coating method creates an insanely crispy exterior while keeping the onions tender inside. It takes a little extra effort but it's so worth it! I usually fry them, but you can also bake the panko-coated rings for a healthier version.
These onion rings make an awesome appetizer with dipping sauces like bang bang sauce or yum yum sauce. But they're also the perfect crispy side for dishes like fish and chips or burgers. No matter how you serve them, they're guaranteed to disappear fast!
3.Crispy Brussels Sprouts
While brussels sprouts might sound like an unlikely side for fish and chips, once you try them fried to a delightfully crispy state, you'll be hooked on their addictive, salty-sweet crunch.
They're so easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients and 20 minutes in the oven.
I love making these as a quick side when I'm short on time, since the prep is so minimal. Just pop them in the oven when the main dish is almost ready. They're the perfect flavorful accompaniment to fish and chips or any protein really!
You can keep them simple or jazz them up after roasting with cheese, nuts, balsamic, etc. Leftovers are great tossed into salads or pastas too. These brussels sprouts convert even the biggest veggie skeptics - they're that delicious!
4.Mozzarella Sticks
Is there anything more comforting and indulgent than crispy, molten mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce for dipping? Making them it’s so easy and they taste amazing - way more better than the frozen ones.
First, coat the cheese sticks in a crispy panko breadcrumb mixture seasoned with Italian herbs. Then put them into the freezer for an hour to firm up.
Next, fry them up a few at a time until golden brown and crispy on the outside but still oozing with melty cheese inside. The whole process took maybe 30 minutes of prep.
You can also bake or air fry these if you prefer. Either way, they make the perfect appetizer or snack. Dunk them in warm marinara sauce for the ultimate cheese pull experience!
They're so crispy and delicious served fresh. Plus, mozzarella sticks are the ideal side for fish and chips - that salty/cheesy combo is unbeatable.
5.Chicken Nuggets
For a heartier, handheld option to complete the fried food extravaganza, you really can't go wrong with crispy chicken nuggets.
The prep is so easy - just cut some chicken into nugget-sized pieces, coat them in breading, and fry them up. It takes around 40 minutes total.
The breading is a simple mix of flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. I loved the crispy exterior it creates when fried. My kids went nuts over how tender and tasty the nuggets were on the inside.
They're perfect for dipping in sauce like ranch, BBQ, or that amazing Chick-fil-A sauce. I served ours with some fries and coleslaw for the ultimate kid-friendly dinner. But adults will devour these too! Way better than fast food nuggets.
Peas
1.Mushy Peas
These vibrantly green, creamy mashed peas are the ultimate classic British side to serve with battered fish and thick-cut fries.
It's such a classic side dish that perfectly complements fish and chips. The mushy texture and earthy flavor from the marrowfat peas is simply divine with the crispy fried fish and chips.
The best part is that mushy peas are super easy to make, though they do require some advanced preparation. First, you'll need to soak the dried marrowfat peas overnight for at least 12 hours. This helps soften them up for cooking.
Once soaked, you just simmer the peas with some baking soda and water for around 30 minutes until they break down into that signature mushy consistency. Add a touch of salt, and you're done! So simple but so delicious.
I always make a big batch because not only are mushy peas amazing with fish and chips, but they also go beautifully with bangers and mash or meat pies.
2.Minted Peas
For a fun twist on the usual mushy peas, try this minty pea recipe. It is so easy and delicious! Just a few simple ingredients - peas, onion, mint, oil, salt and pepper. It comes together in just 10-15 minutes too.
This dish is so versatile as a side, but I especially love serving it with fish and chips. The cool, minty peas make an incredible contrast to the hot, crispy fried fish and fries. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
It's such an easy, company-worthy vegetable side that comes together effortlessly. Minimal prep, few ingredients, maximum flavor! Definitely a must-try pea recipe.
3.Pea Salad
This classic pea salad is an absolute delight! As someone who loves old-fashioned recipes, I can't get enough of this dish. It's a breeze to prep too, just 15 minutes of hands-on time.
The star ingredients are sweet peas (I prefer frozen petite peas for their crunch), crispy bacon bits, cubed cheddar cheese, and diced red onion. But the real showstopper is the luscious dressing made with mayo, sour cream, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. So tangy and creamy!
I love making this salad for potlucks and gatherings. Everyone is skeptical at first, but they always come back for seconds after one bite. It's an incredibly tasty and crowd-pleasing side that pairs wonderfully with fish and chips. The flavors just work so well together.
Once prepared, just chill the salad for an hour before serving. It keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days, though I don't recommend freezing it. The dressing and textures don't hold up as well. But I doubt you'll have leftovers anyway - it's that good!
Salads & Veggies
1.Coleslaw
You can never go wrong with a creamy, crunchy coleslaw to offset the richness of the fried fish and potato dishes.
It's incredibly easy to whip up, taking only about 3 minutes to stir together the tangy dressing made with mayo, mustard, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Then you just toss in the shredded cabbage and let it chill for an hour to let the flavors meld.
It's the perfect creamy, crunchy side to serve with all kinds of barbecue favorites like pulled pork, ribs, and chicken. But it's also delightful with fish and chips! The cool, tangy slaw contrasts so nicely with the rich, crispy fried fish and fries.
2.Green Salad
This easy green salad is my go-to for almost any meal! It takes just 10-15 minutes to toss together the fresh greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumber, zingy red onion, nutty Parmesan, and crispy homemade croutons.
I love making a batch of the dressing and croutons ahead of time, so putting the salad together is a breeze whenever I need a quick side. The salad stores well too, just prepare the veggies early and just toss everything right before serving.
This salad is so versatile - it complements everything from baked pastas to skillet chicken. But one of my favorite pairings is with crispy fish and chips! The bright, fresh flavors are the perfect contrast to rich, fried seafood and potatoes. The salad helps balance out the indulgent main course.
3.Corn on the Cob in the Oven
I absolutely love baked corn on the cob! It's so easy to prepare in just 10 minutes. Simply shuck the corn, spread on some butter, salt, and pepper, and pop it in the oven. 30-45 minutes later, you've got the most delicious roasted corn.
Baking corn is so convenient since you don't need to boil it first. And the oven gives the kernels an incredible sweet, roasted flavor.
Plus, the butter absorbs right into the corn for rich, buttery goodness in every bite! It's an easy crowd pleaser that pairs wonderfully with fish and chips. The flaky fish and crispy fries are complemented perfectly by the sweet, tender roasted corn.
4.Baked Beans
For a hearty, saucy side that won't weigh you down, baked beans are a surefire crowd pleaser alongside fish and chips.
The recipe is pretty easy, but you do need to plan ahead. First, soak the dried beans for 8 hours, then simmer them for about an hour until tender.
Once the beans are cooked, mix up a quick sauce with ketchup, tomato paste, sugar, spices, and vinegar. Pour it over the beans and bake until thickened, about 20-25 minutes.
These baked beans are the perfect side dish for fish and chips. The tomato sauce perfectly complements the crispy, fried fish and chips, adding a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the meal. Plus, the beans provide a nice textural contrast to the crunchy exterior of the fish and chips.
5.Roasted Veggie Medley
This mixed vegetable medley bake is so simple to prepare and makes the perfect nutrient-packed side dish.
I love how hands-off this recipe is once it's in the oven. The veggies get tender but still retain a nice crisp texture. While it bakes, I can focus on preparing the main dish.
This medley is extremely versatile too - it pairs beautifully with just about any protein like chicken, pork or fish. The veggies' naturally sweet and savory flavors complement the meat so well. Any leftovers make a delicious vegetable couscous salad for lunch the next day.
With just 15 minutes of prep, you get a crazy flavorful, nutritious side that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It's the perfect crowd-pleasing veggie dish!
Pickles
1.Dill Pickle Spears
It just wouldn't be fish and chips without some big ol' dill pickle spears for adding tangy, salty, crunchy refreshment between bites of fried food.
It does take some time to get everything ready for canning, but the process is straightforward.
After processing, simply let the jars cool completely, test the seals, and tuck them away in your pantry.
Serve them whole or sliced into chips.
2.Bread & Butter Pickles
For a sweet-and-sour twist, these sugary pickled cucumber slices hit all the right flavor notes alongside the rich fish and salty fries.
It only takes about 15 minutes to slice up the cucumbers and onions and make the sweet and tangy brine on the stovetop. Then you let everything marinate together for a couple hours. So quick!
The hardest part is waiting for them to chill in the fridge before digging in. But once they're ready, these crisp, zesty pickles are the perfect accompaniment to burgers, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards. The flavor is addictively delicious - a little sweet, a little tangy, a little bit of that classic dill flavor.
Their brininess cuts right through the richness.
3.Pickled Onions
I absolutely love pickled red onions! They add the most amazing bright, tangy pop of flavor to all sorts of dishes. Making them is easy too.
Just slice up some red onions, quickly make a vinegar brine on the stovetop, and pour it over the onion slices. In an hour or so, you've got bright pink, crunchy pickled onions ready to liven up salads, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and more.
Pickled red onions make such an easy, low-effort ingredient but they elevate simple meals in the best way. I'm addicted! They're the perfect zippy, flavorful topping for fish and chips too.
4.Pickled Jalapeños
If you're looking to add some heat to the mix, crispy-tangy pickled jalapeño slices are a fantastic fiery accompaniment for bringing on the sweat while enjoying fish and chips.
These pickled gems are incredibly versatile. I've been putting them on everything from tacos and burgers to salads and sandwiches. They make an awesome zingy topping for eggs too. The longer they sit, the sweeter and milder they become.
5.Pickled Beets
These deep purple, tangy-sweet pickled beets lend such an incredible pop of electrifying color and earthy flavor to balance out the heaviness of the meal.
They're so easy to make and last up to 6 weeks in the fridge.
6.Banana Peppers
For those who love a bit of a pickle kick without too much spice, these mildly hot pickled banana pepper rings deliver the perfect fruity, brine-y punch to cut through all the fried goodness.
This recipe is so simple - just some vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed and the peppers.
The mustard and celery seeds give the peppers such a nice, lightly spiced flavor. They make a great tangy, crunchy topping for sandwiches, tacos, you name it. And they're the perfect zippy side for fish and chips!
While you can process them for longer shelf storage, I just keep mine chilling in the fridge.
📖 Recipe
What to Serve with Fish and Chips
Ingredients
Dipping Sauces
- Tartar Sauce
- Malt Vinegar
- Lemon Caper Sauce
- Remoulade
- Curry Sauce
Crispy Side Dishes
- Battered Sausages
- Crispy Onion Rings
- Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Chicken Nuggets
Peas
- Mushy Peas
- Minted Peas
- Pea Salad
Salads & Veggies
- Coleslaw
- Green Salad
- Corn on the Cob in the Oven
- Baked Beans
- Roasted Veggie Medley
Pickles
- Dill Pickle Spears
- Bread & Butter Pickles
- Pickled Onions
- Pickled Jalapeños
- Pickled Beets
- Banana Peppers
Instructions
- Pick a side dish.
- Add a dipping sauce or salad.
- Enjoy it!
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