What To Serve With Fish Cakes? 10 Simple Dishes

Whether homemade or store-bought, I love how easy and comforting fishcakes are. I love making my own fishcakes and then popping them into the freezer. They can be a healthy and easy weeknight meal, depending on what you serve with them and how you cook them. But if I have leftover salmon, tuna, or white fish, I often make up a batch of fish cakes. If you’re like me, you probably spend a fair amount of time wondering what to serve with fish cakes.

A good fish cake needs a tasty side, so here are 10 simple sides to go with them. I think you’ll love how these sides will spruce up a seemingly simple fish cake.

What are fish cakes?

Fish cakes are a tasty mash-up of your favorite cooked fish (cod, trout, salmon, tuna, perch, etc.), mashed potato, fresh herbs, seasoning, and a binding agent such as egg and breadcrumbs. Actually, there are a ton of different ways to make fish cakes. 

Some are coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried, while others are grilled or baked.

I like to season my fish cakes really well and taste a tiny pan-fried piece of the mixture before cooking the whole lot. This is a great way to double-check if you’ve seasoned them well.

What to serve with fish cakes?

Here are 10 delicious and easy-to-whip-up sides to go with store-bought or homemade fish cakes:

1. Mashed Potato: 

It might seem like a lot of potatoes, as I put the potato into my homemade fishcakes, to begin with. I’m okay with it. 

I’m crazy about a big bowl of mashed potato with two crispy fish cakes and a tablespoon of tartar sauce. Tartar sauce is basically mayonnaise flavored with chopped-up capers, pickles, dill, and mustard. It’s a classic sauce to go with fish, and its acidity creates a good balance.

2. Crunchy Asian-style salad: 

Sometimes, I want to have a fishcake with a large crunchy bowl of salad. What I do is slice up a bunch of vegetables into long thin strips or ribbons. I usually go for carrots, snap peas, zucchini, red cabbage, sprouts, and cucumber.

Then, I’d make up a little dressing with soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, and have a lovely side for fish cakes. I would drizzle a little sriracha over the fishcakes with this, and you have a dreamy combination for lunch or a light dinner.

3. Savory rice: 

I will often make a big bowl of basmati rice and then add fresh steamed peas, chopped cilantro, lemon zest, and a few toasted nuts to it. I’m in love with this as a side to fish cakes. 

It’s so fresh and a little more summer-inspired than having fish with mashed potato. This combo goes well with a side of fresh pineapple sprinkled with chili salt.

4.  Boiled baby potatoes: 

A classic side to any fish dish. Baby potatoes make a lovely light side to fish cakes, as they don’t detract from the flavors. Add a little melted butter, salt, and freshly chopped parsley, and you’re in for a treat.

5. Egg noodles: 

For a super quick and delicious mid-week meal, cook a few egg noodles up and toss them in soy sauce and sweet chili to enjoy with your fish cakes. I’m cilantro mad, so I usually add a handful to the bowl.

6. Green Vegetable platter: 

Another healthy option is a big platter full of steamed broccoli, zucchini, green beans, and fresh peas. I like steaming these and then drizzling them with pesto. I serve these with fish cakes and wedges of lemon or lime on the side.

7. Pasta and tomato sauce: 

The ocean’s answer to spaghetti and meatballs.

8. Hamburger rolls and fillings: 

Move over beef burger! A fun summer idea is to make fish sandwiches by putting out fresh bread rolls, fishcakes, sliced tomato, cucumber, cheese, and pickles. 

You can make some really yummy sandwiches with a bit of mayo and ketchup on the side. If you’re into a tropical vibe, offer pineapple slices to go with this.

9. Pita bread: 

If you want a festive lunch option, put a platter of pita bread out with your fishcakes. Add a bowl of tzatziki on the side (basically plain yogurt and grated cucumber) and a large Greek salad.

10. French Fries:

Whether you make these the traditional way or bake them as a healthier alternative, they’re a great side to fish cakes. Add a salad and some ketchup, and you have a serious crowd-pleaser.

FAQ

What is an excellent accompaniment to fish?

Generally speaking, potato dishes and rice are a great side to fish. They both provide a subtle taste to go with the delicate fish flavors.

Potatoes are usually boiled, steamed, baked, or fried as French fries. Tartar sauce is another classic side; a good squeeze of lemon or lime gives the dish some freshness.

Lemon butter or garlic butter sauce is also a great way to dress up some cooked fish.

What should I serve with tuna cake?

Serve tuna cakes on a baby spinach bed with Caesar dressing and toasted sunflower seeds. They are also great with egg noodles and soya sauce. 

I love a big crunchy Asian-style salad and corn on the cob to go with it. Mayonnaise and lemon are great to serve with tuna cakes as they complement the fish flavor with acidity.

Are fish cakes healthy?

Fish cakes are generally a great source of healthy protein and calcium. Grilled or pan-fried fish cakes are generally healthier than ones that have been shallow or deep-fried. Anyway, they’re a pretty good protein alternative to chicken and red meat.

Wrapping it up!

I hope this helps you figure out what to serve with your fish cakes. The list is endless as to what to serve with fish cakes but try to think of textures and a balance in flavor.

Add something crunchy as a side and something a little acidic as a sauce, and you’ll have a delicious combination.

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