We love flounder! Seriously, who knew fish could be so versatile? You know us—we’re all about the sides that make the meal.
So, here’s the scoop on what to dish up alongside your flounder. Some of us had the bright idea of pairing it with classic options like roasted potatoes.
Others? Well, they’re advocates for a good, hearty salad to balance things out. We might even slip in a cheeky lemon slice or two for that zest.
It’s not just about the fish—it’s about the whole experience. So whether you’re a fan of the tried-and-true or up for a little experimentation, we’ve got the perfect lineup of sides to make your flounder feast a hit.
Top 13 Side Dishes for Flounder
Here are our top 13 side dishes to serve with flounder:
Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
Lemon Herb Couscous | Couscous, lemon, herbs | Light, zesty | Easy | 15 mins |
Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, butter | Creamy, savory | Easy | 25 mins |
Sautéed Spinach with Pine Nuts | Spinach, pine nuts, olive oil | Nutty, fresh | Easy | 10 mins |
Quinoa Pilaf with Vegetables | Quinoa, mixed vegetables, broth | Nutty, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan | Asparagus, Parmesan, olive oil | Smoky, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
Buttered Rice | Rice, butter, parsley | Buttery, light | Easy | 20 mins |
Corn Fritters | Corn, flour, eggs | Crispy, sweet | Medium | 20 mins |
Zesty Coleslaw | Cabbage, carrots, vinegar dressing | Tangy, crunchy | Easy | 15 mins |
Herbed Orzo Salad | Orzo, herbs, lemon | Fresh, bright | Easy | 20 mins |
Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic | Cauliflower, garlic, olive oil | Earthy, savory | Easy | 25 mins |
Tomato Basil Salad | Tomatoes, basil, balsamic vinegar | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
Baked Polenta with Parmesan | Polenta, Parmesan, butter | Creamy, cheesy | Medium | 30 mins |
Crusty Sourdough Bread | Flour, water, yeast | Crispy, warm | Medium | 2 hours |
These side dishes balance the delicate flavor of flounder with light, fresh, and slightly savory accompaniments. Each side offers a unique complement to the fish, while keeping the meal vibrant and flavorful.
1 – Lemon Herb Couscous
Picture this: Fluffy couscous meets lemon zest. Who knew tiny grains could be so cooperative? It’s like a citrusy hug in every bite.
Toss in some fresh herbs for that extra “wow” factor. We all need a bit of greenery, after all. It plays well with fish, balancing out the flavors perfectly.
Quick to make, easy to eat. Serve it with our lovely flounder and watch your meal come together in harmony.
2 – Garlic Mashed Potatoes
You know the feeling when potatoes show up on the table? We do too. They’re creamy, they’re buttery, they’re just a bowl of comfort. Mash them with roasted garlic for that extra kick.
Balance the richness with some fresh chives. We like ours as velvety as possible. Keep it simple.
Choose Yukon Golds, they mash well and taste fantastic. Working those lumps out of your potatoes? Worth it. Thick and creamy every time.
3 – Sautéed Spinach with Pine Nuts
Spinach rocks. Loads of greens in every bite, spruce it up with pine nuts. Simple excellence, right there. Tender leaves meet crunchy nuttiness, a texture win.
Drizzle some olive oil, toss gently. Flavor levels rise effortlessly. A pinch of salt goes a long way. It’s an easy side our taste buds nod to. We prep it in minutes, perfect when you’re on the go. Squeeze some lemon on top. Add a little zing, makes it pop.
4 – Quinoa Pilaf with Vegetables
Quinoa pilaf is the ultimate veggie underdog. We like ours with a colorful veggie mix. Healthy, tasty, and versatile. Cook that quinoa fluffy. Always rinse. Control that bitterness.
Our trick? Sauté some onions and bell peppers. Extra flavor hit. Add a pinch of cumin. Smells divine. Sprinkle with parsley. Bright and fresh vibe.
We crave quick meals, right? This one checks the box. Quick cook, fast enjoy. Easy swap for rice too. Every bite, a mix of nutrition and yum.
5 – Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan
We’ve got asparagus for you—loads of flavor in those green spears. Grill them up nicely. They’re crunchy and soft at the same time.
Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle some parmesan on top. The cheese melts beautifully. It’s salty and nutty, just how we like it. Use fresh stalks for the best bite.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for zing. Simple prep, great result. Easy side dish for flounder. A tasty twist for your meal.
6 – Buttered Rice
You know what’s easier than you think? Butter and rice, the dynamic duo. Rice cooked just right, then swirled with butter. Boldly simple.
Add salt for a slight flavor lift.
We like it fragrant. Basmati or jasmine works wonders. Quick to prep, even quicker to vanish. It’s fluffy. It’s rich. We all need basics sometimes. Really good with fish, if you’re into that pairing business. Easy, breezy, buttery.
7 – Corn Fritters
Corn fritters, the crispy bites we all enjoy! Fry them to golden perfection, toss them on a plate. Add a twist; mix some jalapeños for heat.
Our secret? Fresh corn. Frying them right is key. They’re crispy outside, fluffy inside.
We pop them in our mouths, savoring every crunch. Pair with sour cream or salsa. These are easy to make, quick to eat. Perfect side dish to complement fish. They’re tasty and quick—worth trying!
8 – Zesty Coleslaw
Zesty coleslaw is our go-to cool crunch. Cabbage, carrots, and zingy dressing make the showstopper. Use fresh veggies for that crisp bite. Chill before serving.
Our tip? Add a splash of vinegar for kick. Stir in some celery seed. Enhance that classic flavor. We like ours light on mayo to keep things fresh.
Pair it with fish for extra texture. Quick fix for a lazy day spread. Enjoy the color, relish the crunch.
9 – Herbed Orzo Salad
So, herbed orzo salad. What’s the buzz? We mix tiny pasta morsels with fresh basil, dill, or parsley. Orzo’s got that chewy allure we can’t ignore. Lemons add a citrus nip. Toss in juicy tomatoes and cucumbers.
Olive oil’s a must. Keeps it slick and lush. Sprinkle feta on top—’cause cheese, why not? Chill it or go warm. Both work. Simple assembly, big flavors. We appreciate its straightforward charm. Easy substitute for boring sides.
10 – Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic
We roast cauliflower until golden. This side rocks with garlic’s robust bite. Simple and savory wins every time. Add olive oil for that rich finish. Salt’s a must to bring flavors together.
Feeling adventurous? Spice things up with smoked paprika drizzle. We love a crispy texture, so keep an eye out for that perfect char. Microwave woes? No worries here, just the oven magic.
Cauliflower’s mild taste allows endless play; our take proclaims it the understated classic.
11 – Tomato Basil Salad
Tomato Basil Salad brings fresh vibes. Tomatoes get juicy. We mix them with fragrant basil. This is a summer staple.
Bring on the sunshine. Olive oil’s the secret weapon. Add a sprinkle of salt. Makes flavors pop. We might add mozzarella. It’s optional.
The salad’s bright. It suits any fish dish too. Bite-sized convenience. That’s a win. Keep it simple with ingredients. Ripe tomatoes do the trick. Use good basil. We enjoy its color. Add some balsamic vinegar. Sharpens it all up.
12 – Baked Polenta with Parmesan
We’re all about baked polenta. It’s creamy on the inside with a crispy top. Parmesan makes this dish shine. You’ll get that nutty flavor in every bite. Nice texture, too.
Rinse the polenta well. It cooks smoother. Use a non-stick pan, helps with cleanup. We sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking. Few extra minutes? Adds a golden crust.
Polenta swaps nicely for pasta or rice. Quick to toss together. Simple ingredients make it a win for us.
13 – Crusty Sourdough Bread
We think sourdough is where it’s at. Crispy crust? Check. Soft inside? Yes, please. The tang gives it character. Bake till golden.
Warm it up before serving. Makes it heavenly. Use a sharp knife for cutting. That way, you keep the crust intact. A loaf lasts a good while. Relish it with any meal.
Dip it in olive oil or spread butter. It’s versatile like that. Good for sandwiches. A simple joy, nothing more, nothing less.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.