Name: Fish Taco Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon chili powder (for 1 pound fish; increase proportionally); 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, for seasoning the fish; 1 pound white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi; wild caught preferable)

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Introduction

Fish tacos are a delightful, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare at home. This fish taco seasoning recipe brings a perfect blend of spices that enhances the natural taste of white fish, making your tacos irresistible.

A metal baking tray lined with light brown parchment paper holds three large, raw fish fillets spread out evenly. Each fillet is coated in a red-orange spice mix that gives a powdery, textured look with some darker spots, suggesting a crunchy seasoning layer. The background is a white marbled surface that contrasts softly with the warm tones of the fish and the tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon chili powder (for 1 pound fish; increase proportionally)
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt, for seasoning the fish
1 pound white fish (such as tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi; wild caught preferable)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until well blended. Store the seasoning mix in a closed container if you’re not using it immediately. For larger batches, use 2 tablespoons of the mix per 1 pound of fish.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the fish.
Step 3: Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Sprinkle the fish evenly with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and gently pat it in.
Step 4: Sprinkle the prepared fish taco seasoning as a dry rub over all sides of the fish. Press it lightly so the spices adhere well to the surface.
Step 5: Place the seasoned fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the fish is tender and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 6: Switch the oven to broil. Broil the fish for 2 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and slightly crisp to add a pleasant texture perfect for tacos.

Tips & Variations

Use wild-caught fish when possible for better flavor and sustainability.
Adjust chili powder amount according to your preferred spice level.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
This seasoning mix also works well on shrimp or chicken for taco variations.

Storage

Store any unused seasoning mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. Refrigerate cooked fish leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a soft white corn tortilla topped with golden-brown crispy fish pieces in the center. Thin slices of bright purple cabbage lie under and around the fish, adding color and texture. Drizzles of pale creamy sauce are spread over the fish and cabbage. Small green cilantro leaves are scattered on top, adding fresh green color. Two green lime wedges rest on the white marbled surface next to the taco. The edges of the tortilla are lightly toasted with dark spots. The whole scene is bright and clear, with the white marbled texture beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this seasoning mix for other types of fish?

Yes, this seasoning works well with most white fish as well as salmon or other seafood. Adjust baking times based on fish thickness.

Is it better to bake or pan-fry the fish with this seasoning?

Baking is easy and produces a tender, moist fish, but you can also pan-fry the seasoned fish for a crispier exterior. Either method works great for tacos.