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Home » Florida Keys Seafood Recipes

What To Serve with Baked Fish

felice kaufman author bio
By Felice Kaufman · Updated: Sep 9, 2026

Many people wonder what to serve with baked fish. Here in Key West, we cook a lot of fish and know the sides that make a meal come together. The right side dish brings out the fresh flavors and textures of your baked fish and can turn a simple dinner into something memorable.

Top down view of Old Bay baked yellowtail snapper with lemon asparagus rice and a lemon wedge.
Jump to:
  • Popular Fish of The Florida Keys
  • Lemon Asparagus Rice
  • Roasted Cauliflower with Asparagus and Carrots
  • Mixed Garden Salad
  • Roasted Little Red Potatoes
  • Roast Purple Sweet Potatoes
  • Chickpea Cucumber Tomato Salad
  • Steamed Broccoli and Carrots
  • Roasted Baby Gold Potatoes
  • Sweet Coleslaw
  • New York Deli Macaroni Salad
  • Cheddar Mac and Cheese
  • Sautéed Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
  • Cajun Dirty Rice
  • Steamed Brussels Sprouts
  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes
  • Mango Pico de Gallo
  • Authentic Spanish Rice with Peas
  • Tostones with Pink Sauce (Tostones con Mayo Ketchup)
  • Almond Flour Breadsticks
  • Homemade Cauliflower Rice
  • Sautéed Tomatoes with Shallots
  • Peach Mango Salsa For Fish
  • Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
  • Caesar Salad
  • Roasted Baby Eggplant Poppers
  • Mexican Black Bean Salad With Chili Key Lime Vinaigrette
  • Garlic Roasted Broccoli
  • Whipped Sweet Potatoes
  • Mango with Chili Lime Salt
  • Steamed Purple Sweet Potatoes
  • Sauces For Baked Fish
  • Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
  • Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
  • Mayo Ketchup Sauce
  • Cilantro Lime Crema
  • What Goes with Baked Fish?
  • Top-Rated Fish Recipes

Popular Fish of The Florida Keys

There's nothing like fresh fish from South Florida. From snapper to mahi, swordfish, wahoo, and grouper to hogfish, pompano, and so many more, the Florida Keys are the place to fish!

Some of the best fish to eat in the Keys include the red snapper, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail snapper, and mahi mahi. They're known for their mild, sweet flavor and flaky texture. We like to bake, grill, broil, fry, and sear them right on the stove.

Lemon Asparagus Rice

Here's an easy recipe for Lemon Asparagus Rice to serve alongside your fish. This side dish is simple, flavorful, and perfectly complements the rich taste of roasted fish.

1
Asparagus mixed with Jasmine rice on a plate with a spoon.
Lemon Asparagus Rice

Roasted Cauliflower with Asparagus and Carrots

This roasted vegetable medley is seasoned with fresh garlic and oregano. It's the perfect nutrient-dense side for your fresh-caught fish.

2
Black plate of roasted cauliflower and asparagus, carrots, and garlic with herbs.
Roasted Cauliflower with Asparagus and Carrots

Mixed Garden Salad

A mixed garden salad is a fresh side dish that works with any fish dinner. Made with crisp greens, fresh vegetables, and a simple lemon Dijon vinaigrette, it's an easy salad for everyday lunches and dinners.

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Mixed garden salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion as lemon Dijon dressing is poured over fresh greens
Mixed Garden Salad

Roasted Little Red Potatoes

Roasted small red potatoes are ideal for quick weeknight dinners. They have a sweet, creamy taste and are ready in 20 minutes.

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Crispy roasted red potatoes in a bowl.
Roasted Little Red Potatoes

Roast Purple Sweet Potatoes

Roasted purple sweet potatoes are rich, slightly sweet, and full of antioxidants. Toss with a little butter and salt, then roast until tender and caramelized.

5
roasted purple sweet potato cubes
Roast Purple Sweet Potatoes

Chickpea Cucumber Tomato Salad

A Mediterranean mix of chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta is dressed with extra virgin olive oil. This makes a perfect cold salad to enjoy with fish dinners.

6
Cold chickpea cucumber feta salad in a bowl with red gingham napkin.
Chickpea Cucumber Tomato Salad

Steamed Broccoli and Carrots

Wholesome and hassle-free Steamed Broccoli and Carrots is a fat-free side dish that's quick to make. Get your veggies right with this easy recipe. Ten minutes from start to finish!

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Steamed broccoli and carrots on a white plate with a lemon slice.
Steamed Broccoli and Carrots

Roasted Baby Gold Potatoes

Instead of French fries, try our Oven Roasted Baby Gold Potatoes. Less fat and very tasty too!

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overhead shot of Roasted baby Yukon Gold Potatoes
Roasted Baby Gold Potatoes

Sweet Coleslaw

Sweet coleslaw pairs perfectly with baked fish. Its cool, crunchy texture balances the warm, flaky fish and adds a fresh, tasty bite to the meal.

9
sweet creamy coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, peppers, and creamy dressing
Sweet Coleslaw

New York Deli Macaroni Salad

New York Deli Macaroni Salad is a sweet pasta dish. It's made with elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and some chopped vegetables.

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Bowl of deli-style macaroni salad with mayonnaise.
New York Deli Macaroni Salad

Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Our easy cheddar mac and cheese recipe uses melty cheddar for the perfect weeknight dinner or anytime comfort food fix. Kids love it!

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stovetop macaroni and cheese
Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Sautéed Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Sautéed Garlic Parmesan Green Beans are a tasty side dish that goes well with fish. Cook the green beans quickly in a skillet with garlic until tender-crisp. They're topped with grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. This dish has a great mix of textures and flavors.

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Bowl of garlic green beans with parmesan cheese and lemon zest
Sautéed Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

Cajun Dirty Rice

Enjoy a quick and easy take on Dirty Rice, blending seasoned rice with a mix of meats for a flavorful New Orleans-inspired dish.

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authentic cajun dirty rice with sausage, liver, and beef.
Cajun Dirty Rice

Steamed Brussels Sprouts

For an easy vegetable side, try steamed Brussels sprouts. They're easy to make, have a creamy texture, and go with almost any kind of fish.

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Steamed brussels sprouts with parmesan and lemon.
Steamed Brussels Sprouts

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Velvety garlic mashed potatoes are the perfect side for roasted fish dinners, with the garlic infusing the dish with its rich flavor.

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creamy garlic mashed potatoes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mango Pico de Gallo

Mango pico de gallo is made with vine-ripened Florida mangos, key limes, juicy tomatoes, and fresh veggies. This is a great cold side dish for any meal.

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bowl of mango pico de gallo with tortilla chips
Mango Pico de Gallo

Authentic Spanish Rice with Peas

In 30 minutes, you can have a pot of piping-hot authentic Spanish rice that goes well with almost any entree. It is fluffy, and the grains are separate. You're going to love it!

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Spanish rice with peas, green bell pepper, and onion served on a white plate with a lime wedge.
Spanish Rice with Peas

Tostones with Pink Sauce (Tostones con Mayo Ketchup)

Tostones are a tasty treat in many Caribbean cuisines. Pair them with garlicky mayo ketchup sauce for an irresistible snack or side dish.

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Tostones with pink sauce on plate.
Tostones with Mayo-Ketchup

Almond Flour Breadsticks

Almond Flour Breadsticks are a great side for fish instead of bread. These easy grain-free breadsticks are made with Simple Mills Almond Flour Baking Mix. They take 22 minutes to make and go with everything! Yeast-free.

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Gluten-free everything bagel breadsticks served with chive cream cheese on a dark platter.
Almond Flour Breadsticks

Homemade Cauliflower Rice

By taking a head of cauliflower and "ricing" it in a processor, you get a delicious, low-starch substitute for white rice. I have included instructions for steaming and roasting the cauliflower.

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Cooked cauliflower rice in a serving bowl.
Homemade Cauliflower Rice

Sautéed Tomatoes with Shallots

Add a sweet burst of flavor to your baked fish dishes with sautéed tomatoes and shallots. Quickly sauté fresh tomatoes with shallots in a little olive oil, then finish with fresh herbs and a pinch of salt and pepper.

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tomatoes with shallots and thyme.
Sautéed Tomatoes with Shallots

Peach Mango Salsa For Fish

This peach mango salsa mixes sweet ripe peaches with tangy juicy mangoes. It makes a refreshing side or topping for any fish dish.

22
peach mango salsa with lime and tortillas
Peach Mango Salsa

Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes

Baked sweet potato cubes are simple, quick, and go with almost any meal. Cutting them into even pieces helps them roast fast with crispy edges and a soft center.

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roasted sweet potatoes in a bowl with a serving spoon
Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes

Caesar Salad

A Caesar Salad is always an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, low-carb meal. This version keeps things simple, featuring a rich anchovy dressing and crisp Romaine lettuce. Here's an easy recipe to make a classic salad.

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caesar salad with roasted broccoli and chicken croutons
Caesar Salad

Roasted Baby Eggplant Poppers

Roasted baby eggplant is a delicious addition to any dinner plate. You can also serve the dish as an attractive appetizer. Simple to prepare and delicious to eat, I promise you won't be able to stop at one!

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Roasted baby eggplant and garlic on sheet pan.
Roasted Baby Eggplant Poppers

Mexican Black Bean Salad With Chili Key Lime Vinaigrette

This Mexican Black Bean Salad is full of colorful ingredients. It has sweet bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños. Toss all these ingredients with a zesty Chili Key Lime Vinaigrette. The tangy dressing gives a refreshing kick. This salad is a great side dish or a light meal.

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Mexican bean salad with chili key lime vinaigrette in glass bowl with tongs.
Mexican Black Bean Salad

Garlic Roasted Broccoli

How often do we consider vegetables a treat? Roasting broccoli with garlic is a delicious, low-calorie dish that's packed with nutrients. It's perfect on its own or as a side to your favorite fish and meat dishes.

27
roasted broccoli with garlic and pecorino romano cheese
Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Whipped Sweet Potatoes is a velvety and luscious side dish made with baked sweet potatoes for maximum flavor. It's seasoned with butter, pumpkin pie spice, real maple syrup, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

28
whipped sweet potatoes seasoned with pumpkin pie spice and butter.
Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Mango with Chili Lime Salt

This mango dish is Mexican street food. Vine-ripened mango is paired with chili powder and lime juice for the ultimate sweet and savory side dish or dessert.

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Sweet and savory mango side dish.
Mango with Chili Lime Salt

Steamed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Steamed purple sweet potatoes are soft, moist, and naturally sweet. Their vibrant color makes them an attractive side dish, while their mild flavor pairs well with baked fish.

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overhead view of plate of steamed purple sweet potatoes with lemon wedges, olive oil, salt and pepper
Steamed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Sauces For Baked Fish

The right sauce can completely change a baked fish dinner. These easy homemade sauces add flavor without much extra work.

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Honey mustard sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that works surprisingly well with baked fish and crispy seafood recipes. Serve it on the side for dipping or drizzle over fish sandwiches and wraps.

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chicken nugget dipped in creamy honey mustard sauce with fork on plate
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This lemon garlic butter sauce is rich, simple, and perfect for baked fish, shrimp, lobster, and crab. Made with butter, garlic, and fresh lemon juice, it adds fresh flavor to almost any seafood dinner.

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A golden fillet of fish topped with rich lemon garlic butter sauce and fresh herbs.
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Mayo Ketchup Sauce

Mayo ketchup sauce is a smooth and creamy dipping sauce that pairs well with baked fish, fries, and roasted vegetables. It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients.

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mayo ketchup sauce with spoon scooping creamy dipping sauce served with fried plantains and lime wedges
Mayo Ketchup Sauce

Cilantro Lime Crema

This creamy cilantro lime crema adds fresh flavor to baked fish with lime juice, garlic, and herbs. Drizzle it over fish tacos, rice bowls, or simple seafood dinners.

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cilantro lime crema in white bowl with fresh cilantro and lime
Cilantro Lime Crema

What Goes with Baked Fish?

Here in Key West, we cook a lot of fish!

Selecting the right side dish can enhance the fresh flavors and textures of your fish, making all the difference in your next baked fish dinner.

Enjoy our easy side dishes for baked fish. We have many recipes featuring fresh fish from Florida, Key West Pink Shrimp, and local produce from nearby farms.

If you're visiting Key West, stop by the Keys Fresh Fish Market. The market is on the waterfront on Front Street in Stock Island, next door to Hogfish Bar & Grill, and the fish is super-fresh!

Top-Rated Fish Recipes

Blackbelly rosefish fillet browned in a skillet and served with lemon butter sauce and green beans.

Pan-Fried Blackbelly Rosefish

Yellowtail snapper with asparagus rice.

Baked Yellowtail Snapper with Old Bay Seasoning

Key lime pie with whipped cream.

Key West Key Lime Pie Recipe

blackened swordfish with sauteed tomatoes and shallots.

Blackened Swordfish

More Florida Seafood Recipes

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  • Close up of shrimp and crab salad with pasta, peas, and creamy lemon dressing on a spoon
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    Pan Seared Shrimp
Felice Kaufman image

Welcome!

Hi, I’m Felice. I live in the Florida Keys and share easy recipes made with fresh seafood, steak, and seasonal vegetables. My cooking is inspired by island life and made with simple, real food.

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