What to Serve with Blackened Tilapia- 13 Easy and Tasty Ideas

AndrewByAndrew Updated on

My brother and I go fishing every year, and it’s always a competition to see who can catch the most fish. This year, I finally won with a big tilapia. I was so excited to show my brother my catch, but he wasn’t too impressed. He just said, “nice fish,” and went to the kitchen to see what we could make for dinner.

I’ve never cooked tilapia before, so I asked my brother what the best side dishes for blackened tilapia are. He looked at me like I was crazy and said, “you’re supposed to eat the fish, not the sides.” But after a little convincing, he finally gave in and told me a few of his favorite side dishes for blackened tilapia.

With that said, if you’re looking for a delicious and healthy fish dish to serve up this week, look no further than blackened tilapia. This fish is flavorful and easy to prepare, and it goes well with a variety of side dishes. In this article, we’ll provide a list of the best side dishes that are perfect for pairing with blackened tilapia.

So read on for some tasty ideas that will take your blackened fish dinner to the next level!

What to Serve with Blackened Tilapia

  1. Garlic Parmesan Bread
  2. Mashed Potatoes
  3. Grilled Peppers
  4. Lemon Yogurt And Cucumber Dip
  5. Grilled Corn
  6. Smothered Cabbage
  7. Smashed Avocado
  8. Candied Yams
  9. Corn Fritters
  10. Broccoli Slaw
  11. Baked Beans
  12. Creamy Spinach
  13. Sweet Potato

Garlic Parmesan Bread

While some people might not think to pair garlic bread with fish, I can assure you that it is a match made in heaven. The rich, savory flavor of garlic Parmesan bread perfectly complements the light and flaky tilapia.

Plus, the bread provides a nice contrast to the spicy blackened seasoning on the fish. If you’re looking for a truly decadent meal, you can’t go wrong with garlic Parmesan bread as a side dish.

To make this delicious side dish, start by spreading some softened butter on a loaf of crusty bread. Then, sprinkle on a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese and some minced garlic. Pop the bread in a preheated oven and bake until it’s golden brown and crispy.

Serve the garlic Parmesan bread warm, alongside your blackened tilapia and your favorite vegetables. Trust me, this dish will be a hit with everyone at the table!

Mashed Potatoes

Next on the list of best side dishes for blackened tilapia is a classic favorite, mashed potatoes. Let’s face it, mashed potatoes are an excellent side dish. They’re versatile, they’re easy to make, and they go with just about everything.

But don’t take my word for it, just give it a try. Personally, I love to serve up a heaping helping of mashed potatoes with my blackened tilapia, and I have to say, it’s pretty good. The richness of the potatoes provides the perfect counterpoint to the juicy, flaky fish, and the subtle spices in the tilapia bring out the inherent creaminess of the potatoes.

Plus, there’s just something about that classic combo of fish and potatoes that makes my mouth water. So next time you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make side dish, give mashed potatoes a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Grilled Peppers

Another classic side dish, grilled peppers, is followed closely on the heels of mashed potatoes. Peppers are a fantastic choice for a side dish because they’re healthy, flavorful, and go with just about everything.

And when it comes to blackened tilapia, grilled peppers are definitely one of the best choices. The smoky flavor of the grilled peppers pairs deliciously with the juicy, flaky fish, and the peppers add a nice crunch to the dish.

Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make. Just slice up some bell peppers and toss them on the grill. After a few minutes, they’ll be tender and slightly charred, and they’ll be ready to enjoy. Serve them alongside your blackened tilapia, and you’ll have a meal that’s healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.

Lemon Yogurt And Cucumber Dip

Now, if you’re searching for something a little lighter to serve with your blackened tilapia, try this delicious lemon yogurt and cucumber dip. This refreshing side dish is the perfect complement to the blackened tilapia.

Likewise, the cool, creamy yogurt helps to balance the spiciness of the fish, while the lemon adds a touch of brightness. The cucumber provides a crunchy contrast to the soft yogurt, and the dill gives the dip a lovely herbaceous flavor. This simple yet inviting side dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

So, to make this dip, simply combine plain yogurt, diced cucumber, fresh lemon juice, and chopped dill in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve chilled.

Additionally, this dip can also be enjoyed with other types of fish or poultry, or as a healthy snack with fresh vegetables or pita chips. So feel free to experiment and enjoy!

Grilled Corn

Next, what’s better than fresh corn on the cob in the summer? Grilled corn on the cob, of course! This delicious side dish is the perfect accompaniment to blackened tilapia. The sweetness of the corn pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the tilapia, and the char from the grill adds an extra layer of flavor.

Best of all, preparation is a no-brainer. Simply husk and clean the corn, then brush it with oil. Afterward, grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes, occasionally turning until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. Serve hot off the grill with your favorite dipping sauce. Yum Yum!

Smothered Cabbage

Here is yet another awesome side dish, and let me tell you straight… You can’t have blackened tilapia without smothered cabbage!

Frankly, this classic southern dish perfectly complements the spice and flavor of blackened fish. The cabbage is cooked down in a flavorful blend of seasonings and provides a crunchy texture that contrasts perfectly with the flaky fish. Plus, the savory flavors of the cheese and bacon flawlessly complement the seasonings in the blackening spice blend.

And best of all, it’s so easy to prepare. Simply saute the cabbage in a bit of butter, then add your favorite seasonings. I like to use garlic, onion, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a little extra heat. Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, top with a dollop of sour cream and serve alongside your blackened tilapia.

Also, if you desire other ways to enjoy smothered cabbage, it goes great with roasted chicken or grilled steak. It’s also delicious on its own as a hearty vegetarian main dish.

Smashed Avocado

Following that, smashed avocado is an excellent side dish for blackened tilapia. The rich, creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the flaky fish, and the lemon juice adds a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.

Not to mention, this dish is healthy and easy to make. Simply mash some avocado with a fork, then add fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. You can add diced tomatoes, chopped onions, or shredded cheese for a bit of extra flavor. Serve alongside your blackened tilapia, and chow down!

Candied Yams

Next, I couldn’t have a list of side dishes for blackened tilapia without candied yams on it. This dish is a staple of southern cooking, and for good reason.

For starters, the sweet and savory flavors of the yams complement the spices in the fish, while the creamy texture adds a bit of lusciousness. Plus, candied yams are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them the perfect choice for a busy weeknight meal.

To make candied yams, simply bake yams in a lightly sweetened syrup until they are tender and caramelized. Then, top them with a dollop of butter and a sprinkling of brown sugar. For an extra touch of decadence, you can also add a handful of marshmallows to the top of the dish before serving.

But if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can roast the yams in the oven with a bit of honey and cinnamon. No matter how you prepare them, candied yams are sure to please everyone at the table.

Corn Fritters

Let’s look at another example, corn fritters. This side dish is a great way to use up any leftover cornmeal you may have, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to blackened fish.

In general, fritters are made with a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, eggs, and milk, then fried until they are golden brown and crispy. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ve got a delicious side dish that is sure to deliver satisfaction.

Plus, corn fritters are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even dessert if you’re feeling adventurous. So whip out the cornmeal and give corn fritters a try.

Broccoli Slaw

Lastly, this side dish is a great partner for Blackened Tilapia. The broccoli slaw’s slight bitterness offsets the fish’s spiciness, and the creamy dressing adds a richness that ties the whole dish together. Plus, the slaw can be prepared in advance, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less fussing around in the kitchen.

To make the slaw, combine shredded broccoli, red cabbage, and carrots in a bowl. Add a light dressing of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt to taste. Give everything a good stir, then refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Also, if you’re feeling fancy, you can top the slaw with chopped peanuts or raisins just before serving.

Ultimately, this versatile side dish can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch or served alongside grilled chicken or pork chops. No matter how you enjoy it, I hope you’ll agree that broccoli slaw is a delicious addition to any meal.

Some other delicious side dishes for Blackened Tilapia include:

  • Baked Beans
  • Creamy Spinach
  • Sweet Potato
  •  Fried Okra
  • Roasted Potato Wedges
  • Mango Salsa
  • Fried Corn
  • Green Beans

FAQ

What are the best vegetables to serve with fish?

Fish that is of a sweeter flavor pairs well with bitterish vegetables like kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage. Whereas fish with more of an umami flavor goes well with mushrooms, tomatoes, carrots, and peas.

What is the healthiest way to cook fish?

There are many ways to cook fish that are healthy. Some include: baking, broiling, grilling, and steaming.

Is blackened fish healthy?

Yes, blackened fish can be healthy. When the fish is cooked with spices, it can actually help to reduce the formation of carcinogens. So not only is blackened fish delicious, but it’s also good for you.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, there are a variety of delicious side dishes that go well with blackened tilapia. From candied yams to broccoli slaw, there’s sure to be a dish that will please everyone at the table.

So next time you’re looking for a tasty way to serve Tilapia, be sure to try one of these delicious side dishes.

What have you got to lose more than a few scales? Give one of these dishes a try tonight.

Andrew

Chef