What to Serve With Salt and Pepper Squid: 10 Easy Side Dishes

The best sides to serve with salt and pepper squid are Asian slaw, green salad, hot chips, coconut rice, fried rice, cucumber salad, steamed greens, noodle salad, lime mayo and chilli dipping sauce.

Salt and pepper squid is a crowd-pleasing dish because it is crisp, light, savoury and easy to share. Whether you are serving it as a starter, part of a seafood platter or the main event, the right side dish helps balance the crunch with freshness, acidity, creaminess or a little extra comfort.

For simple seasoning at home, McKenzie’s Natural Salt & Pepper Grinder is handy for finishing seafood, chips, salads and vegetables just before serving.

10 Easy Side Dishes for Salt and Pepper Squid

1. Asian Slaw

A crisp Asian-style slaw pairs beautifully with salt and pepper squid, adding freshness, crunch, and a little sweetness. Try cabbage, carrot, cucumber, spring onion and coriander with a lime or sesame-style dressing.

2. Green Salad With Lemon Dressing

A simple green salad keeps the meal light and lets the squid stay the hero. Use leafy greens, cucumber, avocado and a lemony dressing to cut through the fried coating.

3. Hot Chips

Hot chips are a classic side for salt and pepper squid, especially if you are serving it as a relaxed main meal. Finish with a little extra salt and pepper while the chips are hot.

4. Coconut Rice

Coconut rice adds softness and gentle sweetness, making it a lovely match for the salty, peppery squid. It works especially well with squid served with chilli, lime or coriander.

5. Fried Rice

Fried rice turns salt-and-pepper squid into a generous meal. Keep the rice simple with egg, peas, spring onion and a little soy so the seafood remains the focus.

6. Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad brings coolness and crunch to the plate. Toss sliced cucumber with rice vinegar, a little sugar, salt and sesame seeds for a simple side that refreshes the palate.

7. Steamed Asian Greens

Steamed bok choy, broccolini or gai lan are a simple way to add colour and balance. Finish with a little sesame oil, lemon or soy for extra flavour.

8. Cold Noodle Salad

A cold noodle salad makes the dish feel fresh and summery. Use rice noodles, herbs, cucumber, carrot and a light lime dressing for a side that works well with crisp seafood.

9. Lime Mayo

Lime mayo is a simple dipping sauce that adds creaminess and brightness. Mix mayonnaise with lime juice, lime zest and a little cracked pepper.

10. Sweet Chilli or Chilli Lime Sauce

A sweet chilli or chilli lime dipping sauce adds heat, sweetness and acidity. It is especially good when serving salt and pepper squid as finger food or a shared starter.

Tips for Plating and Serving

Salt and pepper squid is best served hot, straight after cooking, while the coating is still crisp.

For entertaining, serve it on a large platter with lemon or lime wedges, fresh herbs and one or two dipping sauces. Keep heavier sides, like chips, rice, or noodles, in separate bowls so the squid does not steam and lose its crunch.

If you are serving salt and pepper squid as a main, pair it with one fresh side and one more filling side. For example, Asian slaw with hot chips, or cucumber salad with coconut rice.

FAQs

Salt and pepper squid goes well with fresh salads, slaws, chips, rice, steamed greens, noodle salads and dipping sauces. The best sides add freshness, crunch, acidity or creaminess to balance the crisp, savoury squid.

Lime mayo, aioli, sweet chilli sauce, chilli lime sauce and soy-based dipping sauces all work well with salt and pepper squid. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime is also enough if you want to keep it simple.

Yes, salt-and-pepper squid can be served as a main dish. Add a filling side like chips, coconut rice, fried rice, or noodle salad, then include something fresh, such as slaw, cucumber salad, or leafy greens.

Asian slaw, cucumber salad, green salad, and cold noodle salad all pair well with salt-and-pepper squid. Choose a salad with freshness and acidity to balance the crisp coating and seasoning.

Coconut rice, jasmine rice, and simple fried rice all pair well with salt-and-pepper squid. Coconut rice adds gentle sweetness, while fried rice makes the meal more filling.

Salt-and-pepper squid is best served hot, straight after cooking. This keeps the coating crisp and the squid tender. If it sits too long, the coating can soften.

Steamed Asian greens, cucumber, cabbage, carrot, broccolini, bok choy, and leafy greens all pair well with salt-and-pepper squid. Light, fresh vegetables help balance the richness of the fried coating.

A Simple Way to Serve It Well

Salt-and-pepper squid doesn’t need much to feel generous. Serve it hot with something crisp, something fresh and a bright dipping sauce on the side. Finish with lemon or lime, fresh herbs and a little extra seasoning for an easy dish that feels right at home on a shared Australian table.