What to Serve with Cod: Best Sea-worthy Sides

Baked, broiled, sauteed, or fried, cod makes for a main dish everyone will love for dinner. But then comes the problem of what to serve with cod.

Fortunately, this light and delicate white fish has many options for proper pairing to turn it into your kind of meal.

From elegant options to family feasts, side dishes for cod are abundant.

Take classic sides and turn them into something new and exciting. Make fried versions have contrast with fresh ingredients.

Contrasting with the texture of your cod preparation is also key. You want to have crisp or creamy choices alongside that tender cod.

Making a harmony of textures and flavors is how to make a cod dinner most memorable.

Take a look at what to serve with cod to get cooking tonight! 

Our Fave Sides to Go with Cod

How you prepare your cod for dinner tonight is key to choosing sides to go with cod. Take a look at these exciting preparations and pick and choose your favorites!

1. Aromatic Asian Coleslaw

When making an Asian-style ginger-sauced cod or even serving it crispy and fried, pairing it with a cool and refreshing flavor is the perfect way to go.

Make Asian coleslaw by replacing thick, creamy dressing with something that has soy sauce, lime, and crunchy peanuts to go with those cabbage and carrot shreds.

Plus, it gives a colorful presentation.

2. Super Simple Zucchini Fritters

Why do we always forget about zucchini in our fridge? Bring it front and center with this super simple recipe.

All it takes are 5 easy ingredients that include shredded zucchini, flour, eggs, scallions, and olive oil to make these pillowy fritters that even the kids will adore.

Kelly at Just A Taste has a wonderful recipe that you’ll have on the table fast!

3. Cajun-Spiced French Fries

Sure, fries are a definite classic when it comes to pairing with cod cooked in any style – or even with your leftover cod recipes.

But if you’re tired of the same routine, try spicing things up…literally!

Adding Cajun seasoning to fries really adds more layers of flavor, heating things up where it really counts to pair with that cod.

Want to lighten them up?

Use your air fryer or bake them and you’ll have this crispy, spicy side dish for cod on your table in no time. 

4. Hot Jalapeno Hush Puppies

In the south, hush puppies are a staple at any fish fry.

These balls of deep-fried cornmeal delight are fun to eat for everyone.

They’re definitely the best with fried cod, though if you add jalapeno to them, you’re going to really take things over the edge of Flavortown (but you can tame them down with some fried jalapeno dipping sauces to dunk them in!).

Some think you shouldn’t mess with tradition, but adding a little extra heat is a surefire way to shake things up without imposing on that deep-fried traditional flavor.

Sommer at A Spicy Perspective has a recipe that will get you cooking in no time!

5. Citrusy Lemon Rice

And now for a cod side dish that will match any type of cooking method you dish up.

Rice is always a good side for fish, especially cod. But it’s, well, boring.

You need something to fill you and your family up so make some citrusy lemon rice instead.

Simply steam up some rice and infuse it with zesty fresh lemon and herbs to make it a match made in heaven for any white fish, including a meal with halibut.

6. Cheesy and Garlicky Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the best green veggies to serve with cod.

However, if you’re just sauteing it up or roasting it with a little seasoning, it gets a bit tiresome.

For more indulgent cod dinners, even fried versions, a nice and refreshing side of cheesy and garlicky asparagus is a game-changer.

Roasting it in the oven makes for easy cleanup, plus there’s no trace of bitterness.

Who could say “no” to cheese either?

These go amazing with fish dishes like tuna steaks as well!

Karina at Café Delites has a keto version that everyone will adore. 

7. Sriracha Spiced Fried Okra

Another staple around the southern fish-fry table is okra.

Usually fried, this side is a classic treat that you’ll love with fried cod.

Instead of just frying up bite-sized bits of this unique green veggie, add sriracha to the mix to give it a more poppable and pleasing taste.

All it takes is just a little bit of added spice to really bring out the best in this family side dish for cod.

8. Luscious Lobster Mac and Cheese

Broiled, baked, or sauteed cod tends to be lighter in texture and flavor than the fried version.

Serve a surefire way to add rich texture in the dreamy version of a luscious mac and cheese with hunks of fresh lobster.

Bring the flavors of the sea together in this dish and you’ll have a side for cod that kids and adults will love so much they’ll scrape every last bit of it off their plates and into their mouths. 

9. Easy Cheesy Grits

Take a favorite from the breakfast table and bring it to your dinner table.

With easy cheesy grits, you’ll have a treasured cod side dish in no time.

Use cornmeal and cheese to create this lovely and rich texture that matches beautifully with fresh or fried cod.

Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions to add a pop of color when plating!

10. Heavenly Herbed Cornbread

Cornbread is another regular around the fish-fry table. Take this classic and give it a modern makeover.

It’s such a sweet and enjoyable bread, but if you add chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme, it takes something old and makes it new again.

Plus, it will pair well with cod no matter how you prepare it which is always a win!

11. Lemony Mediterranean Potatoes

Potatoes, the partner you need for any meal! When preparing cod, potatoes should be a staple on your dinner table.

For light preparations, adding something heartier to fill up your family and guests is an excellent idea.

Take a page out of Mediterranean styles by pairing your oven-roasted potatoes with lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.

It’s absolutely out of this world!

12. Sweet and Cheesy Scalloped Corn Casserole

Delicate cod is even more enjoyable with the sweetness of corn.

It’s colorful and nutritious, plus baked with cheese and buttery breadcrumbs, a scalloped corn casserole is a surefire way to please everyone at the table.

You can make use of fresh corn right off the cob, use frozen kernels, or even canned and it will still turn out amazing.

Check out this recipe by Sara from Dinner At The Zoo to see how it’s done!

Which of these delightful cod sides will flank your amazing cod dinner tonight?

Perhaps trying them all out is in order to see which ones your family loves best!