What To Serve With Monkfish: Tasty Side Dishes

Side Dishes to Serve with Monkfish

Vegetable Sides

Monkfish pairs beautifully with a variety of vegetable and salad side dishes. Here are some of the very best options that you might want to try: 

• Roasted vegetable medley 
• Roasted broccoli with garlic and parmesan 
• Simple rocket salad with olive oil, lemon juice, and shavings of parmesan cheese 
• Caprese salad 

(My favourite is the simple rocket salad. It really couldn’t be any easier to make, and it’s sophisticated, classy, and ideal for a special occasion when you want to impress!) 

Grain and Potato Sides

Grains and potatoes make excellent accompaniments to monkfish.

Instant Pot cilantro lime rice is a zesty option, while cheesy broccoli rice combines grains and vegetables in one delicious dish.

For potato lovers, consider fluffy mashed potatoes with a swirl of cream or salted butter, or a more substantial serving of roasted potatoes and carrots.

Sauces and Accompaniments

If you’re looking for a sauce to complement the hearty texture and mild taste of monkfish, go for a classic lemon butter for a touch of understated indulgence. 

Alternatively, a lemon, rosemary, and breadcrumb topping adds a zesty and crunchy contrast to the dish.

For an aromatic and earthy choice, try roasted monkfish with sage and garlic, which also incorporates a sage and cream sauce.

Wine Pairings for Monkfish 

You might also want to consider drinks for what to serve with monkfish. 

When it comes to complementing the flavours of monkfish, both red and white wines have their place.

The key is to choose wines that enhance the taste of the fish and equally hold up to the sometimes robust flavours accompanying the dish.

A popular choice for white wine lovers is a full-bodied oaked Chardonnay, which adds depth and complexity to the fish’s tender flesh.

Another option for a white wine pairing is Sauvignon Blanc, known for its vibrant acidity and fruit-forward notes that can balance out the richness of certain monkfish preparations. 

If you prefer lighter red wines, a classic Pinot Noir may be the ideal choice.

Its subtle flavours, mild tannins, and acidity can work in harmony with the meatiness of the monkfish. 

Mencia, a red wine from Spain, showcases hints of red fruit and an earthy backbone that can also stand up to roast monkfish.

For those who enjoy Spanish white wines, Albarino can be an excellent option.

Its crisp, refreshing taste complements the fish’s natural flavour profile and can enhance the overall dining experience.

Remember, the choice of wine largely depends on the preparation and accompanying flavours of the monkfish dish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and trust your own palate in selecting a wine that creates a delightful pairing for your meal! 

Presentation Tips for Monkfish

When serving monkfish, it’s important to consider not only the flavours but also the visual presentation.

A well-presented meal can make the dining experience more enjoyable and memorable.

In this section, we will share some tips on how to elevate the presentation of your monkfish dishes.

Firstly, consider the colours on the plate.

Choose side dishes with contrasting colours to make the dish pop visually.

For example, you can serve your monkfish with some vibrant, green vegetables like asparagus, broccoli or peas.

To add even more visual interest, include a colourful sauce, such as a red pepper coulis or a bright green herb oil.

Secondly, think about the texture of your side dishes.

Pairing the firm, meaty texture of monkfish with a variety of textures in your sides can create a more pleasing mouthfeel.

For instance, you can combine the fish with a creamy risotto or a crunchy, roasted vegetable like potatoes.

Another important aspect of presentation is portion sizes.

Be mindful not to overcrowd the plate. Instead, serve each element in a moderate amount, arranged in an appealing manner.

You can create height on the plate by stacking ingredients or making use of a ring mould to serve components like mashed potatoes or rice.

Lastly, don’t forget the final touches.

Garnishing your dish with some fresh herbs, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of seasoning can bring everything together and add a professional touch to the presentation of your monkfish dish.

Final thoughts on creating the perfect monkfish dinner 

Monkfish is a truly delicious fish that’s perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion, and a few carefully selected side dishes can make your meal into something that everyone will remember for a long time to come. 

Choose a vegetable or salad based side such as a simple rocket salad with parmesan shavings, add a grain based side like cilantro lime rice, and if you like, add a delicious lemon butter sauce. 

Enjoy! 

For more mealtime ideas, take a look at ideas for side dishes for lobster bisque.