17 Tasty Fish Sandwich Toppings to Savor Now

Fish meat is remarkably lean and packed with healthy fats and amino acids. 

The problem is, it requires a lot of seasoning to get that savory umami taste.

For that reason, while making a fish sandwich, you should pay a lot of attention to what you add, as it can impact and even change the flavor completely.

You might be wondering: “what toppings go on a fish sandwich?”

If you’re looking for some new ideas for fish sandwich toppings, this guide will have you covered with 17 amazing topping ideas that you can try out right now!

While there are plenty of edible fish species out there, the most popular ones have a relatively close flavor profile.

For that reason, the following list should work quite well with all kinds of commonly enjoyed fish species out there:

1. Garnish It with Garlic Aioli Coleslaw

 

This is one of the classic fried fish sandwich toppings but with a slight twist that makes it even better!

Using garlic aioli with mayonnaise as a liquid dressing for the coleslaw gives it the intensity and pungency required to properly flavor fried fish sandwiches.

Additionally, coleslaw has an impressive look that improves the aesthetic appeal of the sandwich and makes it juicier and more enjoyable!

2. Add Some Buttery Avocados

Of all types of meat out there, fish meat is probably the lightest and leanest. 

So, if you want to enjoy some healthy toppings on the sandwich, you should definitely consider avocados!

The buttery smooth texture of avocados, combined with its characteristic earthy flavor, mixes in very well with fish fillets and sandwiches.

Additionally, it has a high concentration of antioxidants and is good for your heart.

If you want it a bit more zesty, consider this Baja avocado sauce recipe!

3. Play It Safe with Tartar Sauce

If you go out to enjoy a fish sandwich in any chain restaurant, tartar sauce is most likely going to be the dressing used to flavor it.

Tartar adds a much-needed tang that clears your palate and helps you enjoy the seasoned flavor of fish sandwiches.

The cold dipping sauce enriches the flavor of all kinds of fish and seafood.

This means that you can use it on whatever fish you’re having tonight!

4. Smother with Russian Dressing

Another highly recommended topping that you might want to go for while enjoying a fish sandwich is some creamy Russian dressing.

The dressing has some peppery and spicy notes that are perfect as a sauce for fried fish.

All that thanks to its horseradish and smoked paprika content along with some hot sauce.

The Worcestershire sauce also gives a sweet and sour hint that balances out the fish seasoning perfectly.

5. Throw in Dill Pickles Slices

Adding some slices of pickles is another safe topping that you can go for if you want to enjoy a traditional fish sandwich.

Of course, the simplest option to go for here is pickled cucumbers, although carrots are also a great pick!

6. Layer with Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini fritters and dip can be a delicious dish on their own. 

However, since they’re shaped like discs, you can easily rest them on top of the fish to add nutritional value and complex flavor.

While making the fritters, make sure that you pair the zucchini with savory additives like chopped scallions and olive oil to give it a richer taste profile.

7. Coat It with Sriracha Mayo Dressing

Although plain mayonnaise works quite well with a huge variety of sandwiches, I’ve always felt like something was missing when I add it and call it a day.

So, if you like spicy dressings and don’t know what to put on a fish sandwich, you should try this one!

This recipe elevates the flavor profile of regular mayo by adding some sriracha sauce and a dash of honey to balance the spiciness.

8. Add a Layer of Pesto Sauce

The aromatic and slightly tangy flavor of pesto sauce makes it an excellent topping for all kinds of sandwiches. 

Pesto sauce is rich in aromatic basil, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts with a dash of olive oil to make it pasty and spreadable. 

This enticing flavor profile works very well with smoked fish, such as salmon and cod!

9. Brighten the Flavor with Capers 

Another topping that is perfect for fish sandwiches and adds a noticeable tang with a mild yet pleasant flavor of green olives is capers.

Ideally, capers are perfect for fried fish varieties, whether they’re deep-fried or air fried. 

I also like to add some mayo and some lime juice to enhance the tanginess of the toppings.

10. Go Classic with Thousand Island Dressing

I’m just a huge fan of the versatility of thousand Island dressing. 

This topping goes very well with almost all types of lean meat sandwiches, including fish varieties.

Although you can buy it directly, the dressing is very easy to prepare with basic pantry ingredients.

This video shows you how to prepare a quick batch of the dressing. 

If you have it on you, I recommend adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce if you like it extra sour.

11. Slice Some Hard-Boiled Eggs

Adding some hard-boiled egg slices to your fish sandwich is a great way to ramp up your protein intake while providing more complexity to the flavor.

Of course, adding eggs alone can render the sandwich bland.

This is why I like to add tomato and lettuce as well as some seasonings like mayo and caramelized onions.

12. Keep It Zesty with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Tangy and zesty is the best way to balance out the mild flavor of fish meat.

If you agree, you might be interested in trying out this cilantro lime dressing!

What I like about this topping is that it’s very easy to make by combining lime juice with cilantro and mayo. 

You can also add an optional dab of hot sauce to bring out the spicy notes.

13. Add a Layer of Hummus

Next up, we have a highly underrated topping that blends incredibly well with fish seasonings and makes for an excellent alternative to mayonnaise.

This is because hummus has a unique piney flavor. 

I also like to add some lemon juice so that it acquires some tang.

Whether you buy or prepare hummus at home, make sure that it’s extra smooth for easy spreading, but not too runny.

14. Mix Things Up with Cayenne Ranch Sauce

Although I’m a big fan of ranch dressing, I find it a bit mild when combined with fish seasonings.

Luckily, the sauce in this recipe adds that spicy twist I was looking for!

So, if you want a unique topping that is perfect for all kinds of fried fish sandwiches, you might want to give the cayenne ranch sauce a try!

To prepare it, all you need is some quality ranch sauce as well as some ground cayenne powder and chili peppers with a dash of hot sauce.

15. “Herbify” with Spinach

Besides being quite healthy, the combination of spinach and sharp cheddar cheese adds a unique flavor to a wide variety of recipes.

In this recipe, the gooey and aromatic dressing is added to a tuna sandwich along with some dijon mustard, mayo, and pickles to create a remarkably satisfying snack!

16. Turn up the Heat Jalapeno Lime Sauce

There aren’t many fish fillet sandwich toppings that are as bold and spicy as this one!

The jalapeno lime sauce is perfect for those who prefer a smokey spicy flavor with powerful tangy notes!

As you can see from the recipe, the sauce has a variety of ingredients. 

Yet, most of them are readily available.

This means that you can adjust and replace various elements to optimize the flavor for your palate!

17. Go Asian with Kimchi

Kimchi is an incredible alternative to try out if you’re tired of good ol’ coleslaw and want something a little more savory and spicy with an earthy aroma.

While kimchi might look quite difficult at first, it’s surprisingly easy!

I found this quick video that shows you how to prepare it in very simple steps. An absolute must-try!

Fish Sandwich Toppings: The Best Companion Side Dishes

Now that you know what goes on a fish sandwich, you might be interested in pairing it up with a side dish!

To help you with that, here’s a quick look at some of the best options to keep in mind:

Cheesy Jalapeno Poppers

A savory sandwich always works perfectly with a cheesy dish on the side.

However, since we’re talking about fish, it must also be spicy!

That’s why I love jalapeno poppers!

There are several ways to make jalapeno poppers at home, but my favorite style is air fried, filled with cream cheese, and wrapped in bacon!

Corn and Tomato Salad

If you’re in the mood for a refreshing and filling side dish, you should go for corn and tomato salad. 

Also, make sure that you drench it with white wine vinegar and lemon to give it the extra tang that compliments the mild flavor of fish!

Quick tip: This recipe works best with cherry tomatoes.

Salt and Vinegar Chips

Fries and chips are some of the easiest and most delicious companions to enjoy alongside fish sandwiches. 

You can sprinkle just about any seasonings you like on the chips.

Alternatively, I like to submerge the potatoes in some salty vinegar before oven-baking to infuse the flavor!

As you can see, the sky’s the limit when it comes to fish sandwich toppings and ideas to take your recipe to the next level.

Since some of these add-ons can dramatically change the flavor of the sandwich, I highly recommend that you try as many of them as possible!