Breaded fish sticks are the ultimate comfort food. With their crunchy outside and tender, flaky inside, they bring back childhood memories. Whether you're having homemade or frozen fish sticks, these sides will elevate your meal to a whole new level.
Easy sides for fish sticks come straight from the freezer or pantry. Think French fries, corn on the cob, canned corn, coleslaw, potato chips, baked beans, sour pickles, macaroni and cheese, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes. Just heat or serve!
What Are Fish Sticks?
Also called fish fingers, fish sticks are a popular frozen convenience food made from white fish fillets, baked or fried until golden brown and crispy. They make a great snack or a quick meal for kids and adults.
According to The Tasting Table, Gorton's, a seafood company in Gloucester, Massachusetts, developed commercial fish sticks in the USA in the 1950s.
Modeled after the hot dog, fish sticks were made as a convenient handheld food that only needed to be heated in the oven. Try our Fried Mahi Mahi recipe to make homemade fish sticks with fresh Mahi Mahi from Key West.
Best Sauces For Fish Sticks
Fish sticks need a sweet, tangy sauce to take them to the next level.
The best sauces for fish sticks include classic tartar sauce, ketchup, or a homemade cocktail sauce. You can also try ranch, honey mustard sauce, or spicy mayo for more flavor.
Tartar Sauce
Creamy tartar sauce is the classic dip for fish sticks. Pickles, capers, lemon, and herbs give it a bright, tangy flavor.
Spicy Mayo
Spicy mayo is a simple sauce that pairs well with fish sticks. It's creamy with a little heat and takes just a minute to mix together. Drizzle it over the fish or serve it on the side for dipping.
Honey Mustard Sauce
Honey mustard is sweet, tangy, and especially kid-friendly. It comes together in minutes and works well for dipping crispy fish sticks.
Mayo Ketchup
Mayo ketchup sauce is a creamy, slightly tangy sauce made from two familiar condiments. Mix it in minutes and serve it alongside hot, crispy fish sticks.
The Best Sides for Fish Sticks
Pair fish sticks with potatoes for a classic meal. Top choices include crispy hot French fries, potato wedges, or mashed potatoes. The combination of fish and potatoes creates a comforting meal.
Oven Roasted Russet Potatoes
Oven-roasted white potatoes are a healthier version of French fries.
Roasted Baby Gold Potatoes
Roasted baby gold potatoes are tiny, round gold potatoes baked with olive oil and seasonings.
Sweet Coleslaw
Sweet coleslaw is the perfect side for fish sticks! The creamy, tangy crunch pairs beautifully with crispy fish, making it a classic, delicious combo.
Roasted Tiny Red Potatoes
Roasted tiny red potatoes are ideal for quick weeknight fish dinners. They have a sweet and creamy taste and are ready in 20 minutes.
Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are little crispy sweet potato chunks that bake in the oven or air fryer.
Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Air-fryer sweet potatoes cook quickly with soft centers and lightly browned edges. Make them as cubes or whole potatoes for an easy side that children and adults enjoy.
Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Smooth, poached-garlic mashed potatoes and crispy fish make the ultimate comfort food.
Pasta Sides
Quick and Easy Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese is always a home run! Our stovetop version is made in one pot.
Deli Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad has a creamy texture and a flavorful mix of ingredients. It's a staple side dish that perfectly complements crispy breaded fish.
Best Vegetables To Go with Fish Sticks
The best vegetable pairings have texture and a hint of sweetness.
Steamed Broccoli and Carrots
Steamed broccoli and carrots are a healthy, sweet side dish that's easy to make. Ready in just ten minutes from start to finish!
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Green beans with Parmesan is a flavorful side dish. Cook string beans in a skillet with garlic until tender-crisp, then finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli is a simple sheet pan recipe that gets very crispy. It's easy to make, and this dish adds a wholesome touch to your meal. Kids love this too!
Fish Sticks and Rice
Spanish Rice
Spanish rice is my mom's recipe, and it's perfect. I've been eating this rice since I could sit up, and it goes with almost anything.
Lemon Asparagus Rice
Lemon asparagus rice with lemon zest is a very refreshing grown-up rice side.
Cajun Dirty Rice
Cajun Dirty Rice is a savory Southern side made with fluffy rice, seasoned meat, and bold Cajun spices. Its hearty flavor pairs well with crispy fish sticks.
Don't Forget the Lemon!
Not only does lemon look pretty on your plate, but the acidity of lemon juice enhances the flavor of fish.
Sides for Fish Sticks FAQ
Fish sticks pair well with simple sides like French fries, coleslaw, or macaroni and cheese. For a lighter option, serve with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or rice. Tartar sauce, ketchup, or lemon wedges are classic sides.
For a quick weeknight dinner, open a can of corn, steam vegetables, or make white jasmine rice. A simple green salad works too. These sides come together in minutes.
To cook frozen fish sticks, bake them on a sheet pan in a preheated oven at 350°F or 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through until they're golden and crispy.
