Not sure what to serve with tilapia? We share the perfect flavor matchups for this versatile, kid-friendly fish that cooks up quickly for easy dinners.
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Tilapia is a light and flaky fish, perfect for grilling, baking and more. To complete your meal and get the most out of this delicious dish, sides dishes are essential.
Because of tilapia’s mild flavor and texture, it pairs well with sides dishes full of bright, punchy flavors. There are so many good options of what to serve with tilapia fillets.
Before choosing sides, consider the flavors in your tilapia recipe. For example, to decide what to serve with Parmesan crusted tilapia, you might choose Italian style side dishes like garlicky green beans with tomatoes.
What are some good vegetables to serve with tilapia?
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, squash, and peppers make an excellent accompaniment. They’re easy to prepare, versatile enough to be dressed up or down as needed, and have just the right crunchy texture to create an interesting contrast with the tilapia.
Another great choice are leafy green sides like wilted kale or sautéed spinach. These sides also add a hint of freshness as well as vitamins and minerals to the meal.
No matter what vegetable side dishes you choose for your tilapia dinner, you’re sure to end up with something flavorful and satisfying.
We recommend: Roasted Brussels Sprouts
What are some good fruits to serve with tilapia?
Serving fruit alongside your tilapia creates a unique and flavorful meal. Try peaches, mangoes, strawberries, and even pineapple for a sweet kick.
Not only are these fruit side dishes easy to prepare, but they also provide natural sweetness that pairs well with the delicate flavor of tilapia.
We recommend: Mango Avocado Salsa
What are some good starches to serve with tilapia?
When looking for side dishes to serve with tilapia, you can’t go wrong with starches like quinoa, couscous, rice and potatoes.
Quinoa is a great choice due to its nutty flavor and protein content. You could even add some herbs or spices for an extra layer of flavor.
Couscous is a great side dish due to its mild taste and slight crunchy texture. Rice is a great gluten-free choice and can sop up any sauce you’re serving alongside.
Hashbrown casserole is indulgent with cheese, butter and sour cream, so it’s a nice contrast to a light fish like tilapia. Or, choose sweet potatoes, yams, or fingerlings that pair wonderfully with grilled or pan-fried tilapia.
We recommend: Homemade Mashed Potatoes
What are some good sauces to serve with tilapia?
Tilapia is a mild white fish that can take on a variety of flavors and ingredients. One of the best sauces to serve with tilapia is a sauce made with butter and lemon juice, which provides just enough acidity to keep the dish lively.
Another great sauce option for tilapia is pesto, which pairs beautifully with the light flavor of the fish and fills it out with bold herby flavors.
The sauce you choose should depend on what else you are serving as side dishes or accompaniments. If these are creamy or rich, then an acidic sauce such as one based in tomatoes, vinegar, or citrus can provide delicious contrast.
We recommend: Baked Tilapia Veracruz
More ideas of what to serve with baked tilapia
- Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower
- Balsamic Roasted Asparagus
- Easy Rice Recipes for Sides and Dinners
- Lemon Garlic Pasta
