What to Serve with Fish Sticks: Creative & Delicious Meal Ideas

Fish sticks. Fish fingers. Whatever you call them, they’re a freezer staple for many families, especially when you need a quick and easy meal. But let’s be honest, serving them the same old way can get a little…fishy. If you’re wondering What To Serve With Fish Sticks to jazz up your dinner routine, you’ve come to the right place!

While classic pairings like fries and ketchup are comforting, there’s a whole ocean of possibilities to explore. This article will dive into exciting and flavorful ways to elevate the humble fish stick from a basic standby to a family favorite. And what better way to start than with a fun and surprisingly tasty twist: Fish Stick Tacos!

Delicious and easy fish stick tacos, a creative way to serve fish sticks for a quick weeknight dinner.

Why Fish Stick Tacos are a Brilliant Idea

Before we explore all the wonderful sides and accompaniments, let’s talk tacos. Fish stick tacos might sound unconventional, but they are a game-changer for several reasons:

Kid-Friendly Fun: Tacos are inherently fun to eat! Wrapping fish sticks in a warm tortilla with colorful toppings is a fantastic way to get even picky eaters excited about dinner.
Quick & Weeknight Winner: Just like fish sticks themselves, these tacos are incredibly fast to prepare. While the fish sticks bake, you can whip up a quick slaw and sauce, and dinner is on the table in minutes.
Sneak in Veggies: Tacos are a perfect vehicle for loading up on fresh vegetables. A crunchy slaw, creamy avocado, and vibrant cilantro not only add flavor but also boost the nutritional value of your meal.
Customizable for Everyone: Set up a taco bar with various toppings, and everyone can customize their tacos to their liking. This is great for families with different tastes and dietary needs.
Deliciously Unexpected: Fish stick tacos are a delightful surprise! The crispy fish sticks combined with fresh taco toppings create a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s far from boring.

Ingredients for fish stick tacos, including fish sticks, tortillas, slaw, sauce, and garnishes.

Beyond Tacos: What Else to Serve with Fish Sticks

While fish stick tacos are a fantastic main course, you might be looking for side dishes to complete the meal, or perhaps alternative ways to serve fish sticks altogether. Here are some delicious and versatile ideas for what to serve with fish sticks:

Classic Comfort Sides:

French Fries or Potato Wedges: A timeless pairing! Crispy fries or seasoned potato wedges are always a hit with fish sticks. Consider sweet potato fries for a slightly healthier twist.
Mac and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is another comforting side that complements the crispy fish.
Coleslaw: A cool and crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the fried fish.

Healthier & Fresh Sides:

Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini brings out their natural sweetness and adds valuable nutrients to your meal. Toss them with olive oil, herbs, and spices for extra flavor.
Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness of the fish sticks and adds freshness to your plate.
Steamed or Sautéed Greens: Spinach, green beans, or asparagus are quick and healthy sides that pair well with fish.
Quinoa or Rice: For a more substantial meal, serve fish sticks with a side of quinoa or brown rice. You can add herbs, vegetables, or beans to the grains for extra flavor and nutrition.
Corn on the Cob or Creamed Corn: Sweet corn is a delicious and kid-friendly side that complements fish sticks beautifully.

Fun & Flavorful Sides:

Slaw (Different Variations): Experiment with different slaw recipes! Beyond classic coleslaw, try a vinegar-based slaw, a creamy cilantro-lime slaw, or even a fruity slaw with apples or pineapple.
Dipping Sauces Galore: Don’t limit yourself to just ketchup! Offer a variety of dipping sauces like tartar sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or a homemade lemon-dill aioli.
Pickled Vegetables: Pickled cucumbers, carrots, or jalapeños add a tangy and crunchy element that balances the richness of the fish sticks.
Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado slices or guacamole provide healthy fats and a smooth texture that complements the crispy fish.
Black Beans or Corn Salsa: A vibrant black bean and corn salsa adds a Southwestern flair and extra fiber to your meal.

Close-up of fish stick tacos with slaw, sauce, and toppings, showcasing the texture and vibrant colors.

Fish Stick Taco Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to try those amazing fish stick tacos? Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to get you started:

Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

12 Fish Sticks / Fish Fingers (gluten-free if needed)
4 Tortillas (wheat, corn, or gluten-free)
1 Avocado, sliced

For the Easy Slaw:

¼ small Red Cabbage, finely shredded
1 medium Carrot, grated
½ Lime, juice only
Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

⅓ cup Mayonnaise
½ Lime, juice only
1 tsp Tomato Ketchup
Dash Hot Sauce (optional, to taste)
Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Quick Pickled Red Jalapeño Peppers (or sliced fresh jalapeños)
Fresh Cilantro (Coriander)
Lime wedges

Instructions:

Cook the Fish Sticks: Preheat your oven according to the fish stick package instructions. Arrange the fish sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake until golden brown and crispy, following package directions.
Warm the Tortillas: While the fish sticks are cooking, wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them in the oven or microwave until pliable.
Make the Slaw: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, grated carrot, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss to combine.

Mixing shredded red cabbage and grated carrot for the easy slaw.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, tomato ketchup, and hot sauce (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings to your preference.
Assemble the Tacos: Once the fish sticks are cooked and the tortillas are warm, assemble your tacos. Place 3 fish sticks on each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of slaw, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of the sauce.

Assembling fish stick tacos with slaw and sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with pickled jalapeño peppers and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.
Adding pickled jalapeños and cilantro as garnishes to fish stick tacos.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the slaw or sauce for extra heat.
Creamy Avocado Sauce: Blend avocado with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy and cooling sauce.
Mango Salsa: For a tropical twist, top your tacos with a fresh mango salsa made with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
Cheese Please: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or crumbled feta cheese over your tacos for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free Fish Stick Tacos: Use gluten-free fish sticks and corn tortillas to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.

Fish stick tacos with various toppings, demonstrating customization options.

Tips for Perfect Fish Stick Tacos (and Fish Sticks in General)

Crispy Fish Sticks are Key: Make sure to cook your fish sticks until they are golden brown and crispy. This will provide the best texture for your tacos. Baking them is a healthier option than frying.
Warm Tortillas: Warming tortillas makes them more pliable and flavorful. You can warm them in the oven, microwave, or directly on a dry skillet.
Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to overfill your tacos, or they will be difficult to eat. It’s better to make two slightly less full tacos than one overflowing one.
Prep Ahead: You can make the slaw and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the tacos. This makes weeknight dinner even faster.
Taco Bar Fun: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings and let everyone assemble their own tacos. This is a great way to get kids involved in dinner preparation.

A taco bar setup with bowls of toppings for fish stick tacos.

Serving Suggestions for Fish Stick Meals

Whether you’re making tacos or serving fish sticks in a more traditional way, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

Family-Style Platter: Arrange the cooked fish sticks on a platter alongside bowls of your chosen sides, sauces, and toppings. This encourages everyone to customize their plates and helps create a fun, interactive dining experience.
Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, plate individual servings of fish sticks with your selected sides.
Garnish is Your Friend: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, a wedge of lemon or lime, or a drizzle of sauce can make even simple fish sticks look more appealing.
Consider a Theme: For example, if you’re making fish stick tacos, embrace a Mexican-inspired theme with sides like black beans, rice, and salsa. If you’re serving fish sticks with roasted vegetables, perhaps a lemon-herb theme would be fitting.

Fish stick tacos served on a plate with lime wedges and cilantro garnish.

Reheating Leftover Fish Stick Tacos (and Fish Sticks)

While fish stick tacos are best enjoyed fresh, you can reheat leftovers.

Fish Sticks: To reheat fish sticks and maintain some crispiness, bake them in a preheated oven or air fryer until heated through. Microwaving can make them soggy.
Taco Components: It’s best to reheat the fish sticks separately from the tortillas and toppings. Warm the fish sticks in the oven, and gently reheat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fresh toppings are best added after reheating.

Ready to Transform Your Fish Stick Dinner?

Fish sticks are a fantastic base for a quick and satisfying meal. By thinking beyond basic sides and exploring creative options like fish stick tacos and flavorful accompaniments, you can turn this freezer staple into a dinner that everyone will love. So next time you’re wondering what to serve with fish sticks, remember these ideas and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and stress-free meal!

A person holding a delicious fish stick taco, ready to take a bite.

Did you try this Fish Stick Taco recipe or have your own favorite sides for fish sticks? Leave a star rating and comment below to share your thoughts! Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and follow us on social media for more easy and delicious meal ideas!

Pin image for fish stick tacos recipe on Pinterest.