27 Mouthwatering Side Dishes For Cod

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Cod is a deliciously mild and flaky white fish that cooks up firm and flavorfully. It’s the perfect seafood meal to pair with a variety of recipes. If you’re looking for ideas, check out our list of 27 side dishes for cod!

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For more delicious sides for your favorite meals, try Sides for BBQ Pulled Pork, What to Serve With Burgers, or The Best Sides for Fried Chicken.

Vegetable Side Dishes For Cod

Crispy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
1. Crispy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus_
Photo credit: wholesome yum
Bacon and asparagus go together so perfectly! The crispy, savory bacon wrapped around the tender, salty asparagus. It’s the perfect side dish for white fish like cod.
Check out this recipe!
Roasted Green Beans & Potatoes
2. Roasted Green Beans _ Potatoes_
Photo credit: the feathered nester
Oven roast some green beans and potatoes for the easiest and most delicious side dish. They are tender, salty, and crispy! Featuring olive oil, rosemary, garlic, and just a bit of salt and pepper – yum!
Check out this recipe!
Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
3. Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts_
Photo credit: organically addison
Looking for flavorful side dishes for cod? These honey sriracha Brussels sprouts are roasted and then tossed in the most delicious sauce. If you love sweet and spicy veggies, you have to try these!
Check out this recipe!
Easy Cabbage Dill Coleslaw
4. Easy Cabbage Dill Coleslaw_
Photo credit: a dash of meg nut
Serve up this Dill Cabbage Coleslaw for your next white fish dinner. This appetizer is fresh and bright and it’s ready in under 15 minutes!
Check out this recipe!
Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
5. Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts_
Photo credit: love from the oven
This Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts recipe will become your new favorite appetizer. The air fryer creates the most crispy yet tender recipe. Featuring a bit of olive oil and sprinkled with seasonings.
Check out this recipe!
Yau Garlic Soy Sauce
6. Yau Garlic Soy Sauce_
Photo credit: garlic all day
Have you ever noticed that intriguing leafy lettuce in the Asian supermarket? It’s called Yau Mak (Chinese Lettuce) and is similar to Romaine lettuce. The main difference is you are supposed to cook it and not eat it raw. Try this recipe for blanched yau mak with seasoned garlic soy sauce.
Check out this recipe!

Rice & Grain Medleys

Brown Butter & Sage Polenta
7. Brown Butter _ Sage Polenta_
Photo credit: cooking with wine
Creamy polenta is a fabulous side dish for cod! This delicious starch alternative to potatoes, rice and even pasta. This Brown Butter and Sage Polenta recipe is so good it literally melts in your mouth!
Check out this recipe!
Egg Fried Rice
8. Egg Fried Rice_
Photo credit: savory sweet spoon
Homemade Egg Fried Rice is always a winning side or appetizer! It’s quick and easy with minimal effort and fluffy rice. You can never go wrong with pan-fried egg-fried rice with some soy sauce.
Check out this recipe!
Wild Grain Casserole
9. Wild Grain Casserole_
Photo credit: sense and edibility
Wild Grain Casserole with Caramelized Onion, Dates, and Walnuts is a lovely nutritious side dish for cod! The combination of juicy Medjool dates and crunchy toasted walnuts embedded in fluffy rice is heavenly.
Check out this recipe!
Egyptian Rice
10. Egyptian Rice_
Photo credit: chocolates and chai
If you’ve never had Egyptian rice رز بالشعرية (roz bel shareya), now is your sign to try it! This Egyptian staple features rice cooked with vermicelli noodles, ghee, and a few other ingredients is next level delicious.
Check out this recipe!
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
11. Creamy Mushroom Risotto_
Photo credit: spend with pennies
Creamy Mushroom Risotto is truly a restaurant quality side dish! It’s quick and easy too with rich, earthy flavors like mushrooms. The creamy rice and herbs and white wine for a deeper flavor.
Check out this recipe!
Orzo Rice Pilaf
12. Orzo Rice Pilaf_
Photo credit: the savory cipolla
Orzo translates to "barley" in Italian, but really it’s a short-cut pasta made from semolina flour that looks like a grain. It’s a mouth-watering recipe featuring toasted orzo with aromatic basmati rice in a garlic and onion-infused broth.
Check out this recipe!

Recipes For Soups

Chili With Quinoa
13. Chili With Quinoa _
Photo credit: piping pot curry
Warm up your weeknights with Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili – a quick, healthy dinner for chilly days. Packed with black beans, quinoa, and veggies, it's a protein and fiber boost. Best of all, it's a dump-and-go recipe ready in minutes!
Check out this recipe!
Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
14. Instant Pot Lasagna Soup _
Photo credit: the recipe well
Ultimate comfort food alert: Instant Pot Lasagna Soup! Whether with beef or turkey and a trio of cheeses, it's always a crowd-pleaser when served with tender white fish.
Check out this recipe!
Butternut Squash & Apple Soup
15. Butternut Squash _ Apple Soup _
Photo credit: through the fibro fog
Butternut Squash & Apple Soup is the ultimate side dish for cod! Smooth, nutty squash, sweet apple, and fragrant sage make it flavorful and healthy. Vegan and low histamine for a cozy, chilly day.
Check out this recipe!

Salad Mixes

Pear & Arugula Salad With Goat Cheese
16. Pear _ Arugula Salad With Goat Cheese _
Photo credit: shutter and mint
Enjoy the simplicity of Pear and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese and Apricot Vinaigrette! It is a delightful mix of mild and sweet flavors. Pure magic in a salad!
Check out this recipe!
Black Eyed Pea Salad
17. Black Eyed Pea Salad _
Photo credit: sense and edibility
Enjoy a simple vegan side: Black Eyed Pea Salad with Collard Greens. It's a mix of black-eyed peas, garlic-ginger vinaigrette, and fresh veggies. Prep time covers soaking and simmering dried peas, but feel free to use frozen or canned peas for a quicker option.
Check out this recipe!
Mango Salsa
18. Mango Salsa _
Photo credit: the foodie physician
Colorful and flavorful mango salsa – the ideal pairing for dishes like cod fish tacos and crab cakes. Whip it up in just 20 minutes with a handful of simple ingredients!
Check out this recipe!
Creamy Cucumber Salad
19. Creamy Cucumber Salad _
Photo credit: wholesome yum
Experience a tangy, herby flavor paired with a cool, crunchy, and refreshing texture. This recipe is a breeze with its super simple ingredients, taking just 10 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy a healthy dose of vegetables in your side dish!
Check out this recipe!

Pastas

Wine & Thyme Mac N Cheese
20. Wine _ Thyme Mac N Cheese_
Photo credit: Erica’s recipes
If you want to serve a pasta dish with your cod try this White Wine Mac and Cheese. It’s super flavorful with the crisp and earthy flavors of white wine and thyme that perfectly contrast the sharp white cheddar cheese.
Check out this recipe!
Fettuccine Alfredo With Mushrooms
21. Fettuccine Alfredo With Mushrooms_
Photo credit: cooking with wine
Fettuccine Alfredo with mushrooms is a classic Italian side dish or main course. It’s ready in less than 30 minutes, and no cream is needed.
Check out this recipe!
Boursin Cheese Sundried Tomato Orzo
22. Boursin Cheese Sundried Tomato Orzo_
Photo credit: modern honey
You will instantly become obsessed with this quick and easy one-pot side dish made with orzo pasta in a creamy Boursin cheese! It also features parmesan sundried tomato sauce that’s, absolutely amazing.
Check out this recipe!
Pasta E Piselli
23. Pasta E Piselli _
Photo credit: bless this meal
Try this simple and tasty Italian classic – Pasta e Piselli, or "pasta and peas." It's a one-pot dish with pasta, peas, and a creamy cheesy sauce. Top it with basil and cracked pepper for a delicious dinner!
Check out this recipe!

Our Favorite Recipes

Air Fryer Okra
24. Air Fryer Okra _
Photo credit: evolving table
Create crispy Air Fryer Okra – all the crunch and flavor, minus the excess grease and calories. Sliced okra coated in a seasoned Parmesan-breadcrumb mix, air-fried to perfection. Enjoy this easy Southern snack with homemade ranch for a healthy treat.
Check out this recipe!
Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
25. Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes _
Photo credit: cinnamon and sage co
Looking for the best side dishes for cod? Irresistibly buttery Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes—smooth, creamy, and loaded with flavor.
Check out this recipe!
Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Tangy Apple
26. Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Tangy Apple _
Photo credit: the rising spoon
Refreshing Red Cabbage Coleslaw with Apple & Carrot – no mayo! Crunchy mix of cabbage, carrot, apple, jalapeno, cilantro & green onion, tossed in tangy apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect as a topping for tacos or sandwiches or as a simple, healthy side dish.
Check out this recipe!
Healthy Mushroom Soup
27. Healthy Mushroom Soup _
Photo credit: Aubrey’s kitchen
Searching for a tasty and healthy mushroom soup? Try this easy, creamy recipe with a mix of herbs and spices – the ideal cozy Fall soup! It’s perfect next to a tender slice of white fish like cod.
Check out this recipe!

Cooking Cod Fish

Due to its firm texture and low-fat content, it’s best to cook cod by frying, grilling, steaming, baking, or broiling!

Cod usually comes in filets, so you likely have little prep time associated with cooking this flaky fish. Leave the whole filet intact if you’re grilling, baking, or broiling it. However, if you’re cooking cod in a soup or stew, try slicing it up into smaller pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Cooked cod can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. And for longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Yes, cod can be substituted with other white fish, such as haddock or halibut, in most recipes. However, keep in mind that each type of fish may have a slightly different flavor and texture when cooked.

Yes, frozen cod can be used in most recipes as long as it is thawed properly before cooking. The best way to thaw frozen cod overnight is to place it in the refrigerator.

Elevate your cod game with these 27 mouthwatering side dishes! From fresh salads to flavorful veggies, the perfect companions for your delicious cod feast. Which one will you try first?

Vickie aka The Crazy Family Mom

The creator of A Crazy Family and a stay-at-home mom of a little boy with a big personality. I love to share real food recipes, parenting tips & encouragement, fun kids activities, and so much more! Plus, I am thrilled to provide you with a space to celebrate all that is awesome (and a little crazy) in the world.

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