Fish sticks and fries are a classic comfort food combination that is easy to make and enjoyable to eat. However, you may be wondering what else you can serve with this duo to make it a more satisfying and filling meal. In this article, we will explore various options that go well with fish sticks and fries, including side dishes, salads, and desserts.
Side Dishes to Serve with Fish Sticks and Fries
While fish sticks and fries are a great combination, adding a side dish can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some popular side dish options that go well with fish sticks and fries:
Vegetable Options
Incorporating vegetables into your meal can add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some vegetable options that complement fish sticks and fries:
- Steamed Broccoli**: A simple and healthy option that pairs well with the crispy fish sticks and fries.
- Roasted Carrots**: Sweet and tender, roasted carrots provide a nice contrast to the savory fish sticks and fries.
- Green Beans Almondine**: Quickly sautéed green beans with sliced almonds and a hint of lemon juice make a tasty and crunchy side dish.
Other Side Dish Options
If you prefer non-vegetable side dishes, here are some alternatives:
- Coleslaw**: A creamy coleslaw with a hint of vinegar helps balance the richness of the fish sticks and fries.
- Baked Beans**: Sweet and smoky baked beans in a tomato-based sauce complement the fish sticks and fries nicely.
- Garlic Bread**: A simple garlic bread recipe can be made by spreading garlic butter on toasted bread, perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce.
Salads to Serve with Fish Sticks and Fries
A refreshing salad can provide a nice contrast to the crispy and savory fish sticks and fries. Here are some salad options that pair well with this combination:
Classic Green Salad
A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices is a light and refreshing option. You can add a protein source like grilled chicken or a boiled egg to make it more substantial.
Other Salad Options
If you prefer more flavorful salads, here are some alternatives:
- Caesar Salad**: A classic Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese is a great match for fish sticks and fries.
- Greek Salad**: A hearty Greek salad with mixed greens, feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes provides a satisfying contrast to the fish sticks and fries.
Desserts to Serve with Fish Sticks and Fries
Desserts can be a great way to cap off a meal. Here are some dessert options that pair well with fish sticks and fries:
Fruit-Based Desserts
Fruit-based desserts are a light and refreshing way to end a meal. Here are some options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad**: A colorful fruit salad with a variety of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple is a great way to end a meal.
- Apple Crisp**: A warm apple crisp with a crunchy oat topping and a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a comforting dessert option.
Other Dessert Options
If you prefer non-fruit based desserts, here are some alternatives:
- Chocolate Chip Cookies**: Warm and chewy chocolate chip cookies are a classic dessert option that pairs well with fish sticks and fries.
- Brownies**: Rich and fudgy brownies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth after a meal.
Drinks to Serve with Fish Sticks and Fries
Drinks can play a crucial role in enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some drink options that pair well with fish sticks and fries:
Soft Drinks
Soft drinks like soda and iced tea are popular options that pair well with fish sticks and fries. Here are some alternatives:
- Lemonade**: A glass of freshly squeezed lemonade is a refreshing way to wash down the fish sticks and fries.
- Iced Tea**: A glass of brewed iced tea with a squeeze of lemon is a soothing way to end a meal.
Other Drink Options
If you prefer non-soft drinks, here are some alternatives:
- Water**: A glass of cold water is a simple yet effective way to stay hydrated during a meal.
- Milk**: A glass of cold milk is a great way to wash down the fish sticks and fries, especially for kids.
Conclusion
Fish sticks and fries are a classic comfort food combination that can be enhanced with a variety of side dishes, salads, and desserts. By incorporating some of the options mentioned in this article, you can create a more satisfying and filling meal that is sure to please both kids and adults. Whether you prefer vegetable options, salads, or desserts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So next time you’re thinking of serving fish sticks and fries, consider adding some of these options to make it a more memorable meal.
What are some popular dipping sauces for fish sticks and fries?
When it comes to dipping sauces for fish sticks and fries, there are several popular options to choose from. Some of the most common dipping sauces include tartar sauce, ketchup, and malt vinegar. Tartar sauce is a classic choice that pairs well with the crispy exterior and tender interior of fish sticks. Ketchup is another popular option that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. Malt vinegar, on the other hand, provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the salty taste of the fries.
In addition to these classic dipping sauces, there are many other options to choose from. Some people prefer to use a combination of sauces, such as a mixture of tartar sauce and ketchup or malt vinegar and lemon juice. Others may prefer to use a more unique dipping sauce, such as a spicy aioli or a side of cocktail sauce. Ultimately, the choice of dipping sauce will depend on personal preference and the flavor profile of the dish.
Can I serve fish sticks and fries with a side salad?
Serving fish sticks and fries with a side salad is a great way to add some freshness and nutrition to the dish. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a classic choice that pairs well with the crispy fish sticks and fries. Alternatively, you could opt for a more substantial salad, such as a Caesar salad or a Greek salad, which would provide a satisfying contrast to the rich and crispy fish sticks and fries.
When serving a side salad with fish sticks and fries, it’s a good idea to choose a salad that complements the flavors of the dish. For example, if you’re serving a spicy fish stick, you may want to choose a salad with a cooling ingredient, such as cucumber or yogurt. On the other hand, if you’re serving a more delicate fish stick, you may want to choose a salad with a lighter flavor profile.
What are some other side dishes that go well with fish sticks and fries?
In addition to a side salad, there are many other side dishes that go well with fish sticks and fries. Some popular options include coleslaw, baked beans, and grilled or roasted vegetables. Coleslaw is a classic choice that pairs well with the crispy fish sticks and fries, while baked beans provide a sweet and smoky flavor that complements the dish. Grilled or roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, provide a healthy and flavorful contrast to the rich and crispy fish sticks and fries.
Other side dishes that go well with fish sticks and fries include onion rings, hush puppies, and corn on the cob. Onion rings add a crispy texture and a sweet flavor to the dish, while hush puppies provide a satisfying crunch and a savory flavor. Corn on the cob, on the other hand, provides a sweet and creamy flavor that pairs well with the fish sticks and fries.
Can I serve fish sticks and fries with a variety of toppings?
Serving fish sticks and fries with a variety of toppings is a great way to add some excitement and customization to the dish. Some popular toppings for fish sticks and fries include cheese, bacon, and chives. Cheese adds a creamy and rich flavor to the dish, while bacon provides a smoky and savory flavor. Chives, on the other hand, add a fresh and oniony flavor that complements the fish sticks and fries.
In addition to these classic toppings, there are many other options to choose from. Some people prefer to use a spicy topping, such as hot sauce or diced jalapenos, while others may prefer to use a more unique topping, such as diced ham or chopped hard-boiled eggs. Ultimately, the choice of toppings will depend on personal preference and the flavor profile of the dish.
How can I make fish sticks and fries more substantial?
If you’re looking to make fish sticks and fries more substantial, there are several options to consider. One idea is to add a protein source, such as a grilled chicken breast or a fried egg. This will add some extra calories and protein to the dish, making it more filling and satisfying. Another idea is to add some complex carbohydrates, such as a side of quinoa or brown rice. This will provide some extra fiber and nutrients to the dish, making it more substantial and filling.
Another way to make fish sticks and fries more substantial is to use a more filling type of fish stick. For example, you could use a fish stick that is made with a thicker cut of fish, or one that is coated with a more substantial breading. You could also try using a different type of fish, such as cod or haddock, which is naturally more filling than some other types of fish.
Can I serve fish sticks and fries at a dinner party?
Serving fish sticks and fries at a dinner party is a great way to provide a fun and casual meal for your guests. To make the dish more suitable for a dinner party, you could consider adding some more upscale ingredients, such as truffle oil or caviar. You could also try using a more premium type of fish, such as salmon or halibut, which will provide a more sophisticated flavor profile.
Another idea is to serve the fish sticks and fries in a more creative way, such as in a paper cone or on a wooden board. This will add a fun and playful touch to the dish, making it more suitable for a dinner party. You could also consider serving the fish sticks and fries with a side of champagne or wine, which will add a more celebratory touch to the meal.
How can I make fish sticks and fries healthier?
If you’re looking to make fish sticks and fries healthier, there are several options to consider. One idea is to bake the fish sticks and fries instead of frying them. This will reduce the amount of fat and calories in the dish, making it a healthier option. Another idea is to use a healthier type of oil, such as olive or avocado oil, which will provide a more nutritious flavor profile.
Another way to make fish sticks and fries healthier is to use a more nutritious type of fish. For example, you could use a fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or sardines, which will provide a more nutritious flavor profile. You could also try using a whole wheat or gluten-free breading, which will provide a more nutritious coating for the fish sticks.