Turn your simple fish sticks into an amazing dinner with these fantastic side ideas!

Fish sticks are my go-to when I’m super tired or just not feeling like cooking. Let’s face it, we all have those days!

They’re easy, delicious, and I make them at least once a month. Sure, they’re store-bought, but who says you can’t turn them into something special?

If you’re looking to make your quick dinner a little more exciting, you’re in luck! Here are 12 tasty sides that pair perfectly with fish sticks.

1.Fried Okra

Not a fan of okra? Let this dish change your mind! Imagine crisp, golden okra pods that are so good, you might not even realize you’re eating okra. The secret?

A simple cornmeal batter and a quick deep-fry. The result is a game-changer–crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside. Plus, it’s the perfect sidekick to your favorite fish sticks.

Give it a try and see why this crispy fried okra is a total game-changer!

2.Sweet‌ ‌Potato‌ ‌Fries‌

Sweet potato fries bring a touch of sweetness to balance out your savory meal, and they’re a healthier twist on regular fries. The best part? No deep fryer needed!

Just toss those sweet spuds with your favorite herbs and spices–like paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin–and bake them to perfection. The result? A flavor explosion that’s both delicious and easy to make.

Perfect as a side dish or a snack, these oven-baked fries are a tasty way to elevate your meal.

3.Tartar Sauce

Let’s face it–anything crispy and golden deserves a delicious dip to go with it. For fish sticks, there’s no better match than a creamy tartar sauce. The good news? It’s a breeze to make!

All you need are a few simple ingredients: mayonnaise, mustard, sour cream, dill pickles, parsley, onion powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Mix them together, and you’ve got a tangy, flavorful dip that elevates your fish sticks to the next level. Short on time? No worries!

Store-bought tartar sauce is a great shortcut that still hits the spot. But trust us, once you try homemade, you’ll wonder how you ever skipped making it from scratch.

4.Fried Green Tomatoes

These Southern-style fried green tomatoes are a must-try! They’re so delicious, even the pickiest eaters will be hooked. The process is simple: slice green tomatoes, coat them in a cornmeal batter, and fry until golden.

Since you’re already using the oil for frying, why not make the most of it and cook up some fish sticks too? The result?

Crispy on the outside, tangy on the inside–perfect as a side or snack.

5.Roasted Vegetables

Let’s make your fish sticks meal a bit healthier and more colorful! Pairing them with roasted veggies is a great way to balance things out. Plus, it adds some vibrant colors to your plate.

You can choose any veggies you like, but root veggies like potatoes, carrots, and onions are always a good start–just slice them up and roast them in the oven. Brussels sprouts are another tasty option.

If you’re not a fan of their slightly bitter taste, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top to mask it.

Cauliflower is also a fantastic choice–whether you roast the whole head or just the florets, it’s delicious. Try seasoning it with parsley and sesame seeds for extra flavor. And don’t forget asparagus!

It has a subtle bitterness, but coating it with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs before roasting turns it into a crunchy, savory treat.

Whatever veggies you pick, this combo will make your meal more balanced and flavorful!

6.Mac and Cheese

Looking for the perfect side to go with your fish sticks? A creamy bowl of mac and cheese is just what you need!

It adds that rich, velvety texture that pairs amazingly well with the crispy fish. Plus, it’s super filling and brings that comforting vibe to your meal. Want a lighter twist?

Swap the pasta for cauliflower – it’s a game-changer for fewer calories and just as satisfying!

7.French Fries

Fish and chips–does it get any more classic? This iconic duo is a must-have when you’ve got a variety of dips ready to go.

French fries aren’t just a perfect side for fish sticks; they also pair amazingly well with all those tasty condiments you’ve prepared.

Plus, if your deep fryer is already out, why not knock out two delicious tasks at once? No deep fryer? No problem!

You can still enjoy those irresistible, crispy fries by baking them in the oven–less oil, same great taste.

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle those spuds with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder before baking. It’s the ultimate combo that’s easy to make and even easier to love!

8.Lemon Rice

Fish sticks are tasty on their own, but they’re even better paired with a side that makes the meal feel complete. Serve them with a bowl of rice for a hearty, well-rounded dish.

If plain rice feels too bland, try brightening it up with a squeeze of lemon juice. The citrus adds a refreshing aroma and a zesty zing that perfectly balances the richness of the fish sticks.

Together, they create a balanced and satisfying meal that’s easy to enjoy any time of day.

9.Cucumber Salad

Looking for a fresh side to balance out the richness of your fish sticks? This cucumber salad is just the ticket!

With just a few simple ingredients–cucumbers, red onions, dill, oregano, and a dollop of Greek yogurt–you can whip up a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.

The cool, crisp cucumbers paired with the tangy yogurt and a sprinkle of herbs create the perfect contrast to those golden, crispy fish sticks. It’s a match made in heaven!

10.Salsa‌ and Guacamole‌

Growing up, my mom always served fish sticks with either tartar sauce or ketchup. I never imagined there was a whole world of dips out there waiting to be tried!

Now that I’m older, I love mixing things up with different sauces to give my crispy fish sticks a fresh twist.

For a Tex-Mex vibe, I whip up a quick salsa by blending diced tomatoes, cilantro, onions, lime juice, salt, and pepper. It’s bright, zesty, and pairs perfectly with the crunchy fish.

I also make a simple guacamole by mashing ripe avocados with a squeeze of lime juice, some chopped cilantro, and a dash of jalapeño for a little heat.

And here’s a fun idea: if you’ve got some tortilla bread on hand, why not turn your fish sticks into a taco?

Just wrap those golden, crispy sticks in the bread, add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a deliciously easy fish taco dinner. Yum!

11.Coleslaw

Coleslaw and fish sticks are the perfect pair. The crunchy, refreshing slaw provides a nice contrast to the crispy, hot fish sticks. Plus, it helps balance out the richness of the fried fish.

Best of all, it’s super easy to make! Whether you use pre-shredded cabbage and carrots or shred them yourself, you can whip this up in just a few minutes.

You can go classic with a mayo-based dressing or try a tangy vinaigrette–either way, it’ll taste great with those fish sticks. Just remember to chill it in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

This lets the flavors meld together, making the slaw even tastier.

12.Fresh Fruits

Who says fish sticks can’t be paired with fresh fruit? It’s a surprisingly great combo! Imagine crispy, golden fish sticks served alongside fresh bananas, mangoes, pineapples, or grapes.

The fruits add a light and refreshing touch, balancing out the richness of the fried dish.

Plus, you can enjoy them as they are or drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup for an extra burst of sweetness. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to make your meal feel complete.