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Here’s how to make the best fish taco seasoning! This dry rub brings in zesty, savory flavor that you can use on any type of fish.
Want to make fish tacos? Here’s the best fish taco seasoning that brings in just the right flavor! It’s got savory and smoky notes, with a barely perceptible hint of heat. I’ve been using this blend for years, and everyone around the table always raves.
Use it as a dry rub and the fish comes out tender with a beautiful crust of spices. Here’s how to make this seasoning blend and how to use it when you’re making fish tacos!
5 Star Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I used this seasoning recipe on Barramundi and it was amazing! It adds a huge burst of flavor. This will be my go to recipe from here on out. Thanks for sharing!” -Brandie
Ingredients In Fish Taco Seasoning
This fish taco seasoning has the typical cast of characters you’d expect in a Mexican seasoning blend! It’s similar to a fajita seasoning or taco seasoning, with a few tweaks. Here are the ingredients you need:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
Smoked paprika is a Spanish version of paprika that smokes the peppers before drying them, which infuses a hint of smokiness into each bite. If you can’t find it, you can use sweet paprika. But it adds great flavor here! If you buy a jar, you can use it up with these Best Smoked Paprika Recipes.
Which Fish Works Best?
This fish taco seasoning works with any kind of white fish that you want to use for tacos! Here are the best types of fish to use:
- Tilapia: has a great mild flavor and buttery texture
- Cod: the flavor is even milder! Cod is a great option here
- Mahi mahi: also tasty: a bit meatier and richer
How to Use Fish Taco Seasoning (as a Dry Rub)
When you use this fish taco seasoning, you can use it as a dry rub. That means you don’t even need to add oil to the fish! It coats the tender fish in a lightly crisp layer of seasoning. Here’s what to do when you make it:
- Salt the fish first, then add the dry rub. Pat the fish dry, then sprinkle it with salt first. This makes sure the fish is well seasoned. Add the fish taco seasoning as a dry rub and pat it to cover the fish.
- Bake for 10 minutes at 400°F. Place the fish on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, until tender.
- Broil for 2 minutes (optional). If you’d like, you can broil for a few minutes until the top is lightly browned.
Pro Tip on Heat Level
Check your chili powder’s heat level. Chili powder varies quite a bit by brand: some are mild and earthy, others are very spicy. If yours is particularly hot, start with 2 teaspoons instead of a full tablespoon, taste the mix, and adjust.
One reader noted after it turned out very spicy with her brand of powder: so yes, brand matters! I always look for a mild chili powder.
Batching & Storage Notes
You can make a single recipe of this fish taco seasoning, or make 2, 3 or 4 times the seasoning and use it for future batches. The key is to use 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of fish.
When you store the seasoning, place it in a sealed jar and store in a cool, dry place: like with your other spices and seasoning blends. It should last about 1 year.
Building the Full Fish Taco
How to make fish tacos? Accessorize it with our fish taco sauce and slaw! Add all the components and you’ve got tacos:
- Fish Taco Sauce: A creamy, zingy sauce that works on just about anything.
- Fish Taco Slaw: A quick and easy slaw that’s simple to make while the fish bakes.
Dietary Notes
This fish taco seasoning recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free and pescatarian (when served on fish!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Use 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of fish. The recipe as written makes one batch for one pound. Scale up proportionally for larger quantities.
Absolutely. It’s great on shrimp (try it with my blackened shrimp), and works well on chicken or vegetables for a Mexican-inspired flair.
Regular sweet paprika is a substitute, but you’ll lose a lot of the smoky flavor. I have a best substitute for smoked paprika guide if you want more options.
It’s similar. Standard taco seasoning is for beef and is usually heavier on the cumin. This version is lighter and uses smoked paprika to add depth without overpowering.
*Best* Fish Taco Seasoning
Here’s how to make the best fish taco seasoning! This dry rub brings in zesty, savory flavor that you can use on any type of fish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 tablespoons, enough for 1 pound fish 1x
- Category: Seasonings
- Method: Mixed
- Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon mild chili powder (see Notes; makes enough for 1 pound fish; increase as necessary)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, for seasoning
- 1 pound white fish, like tilapia, cod or mahi mahi (wild caught preferable)
Instructions
- Mix the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Store in a closed container until using. (You can also increase the quantities to make a larger batch: use 2 tablespoons of mix per 1 pound fish.)
- To use in fish tacos: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat the fish dry, then sprinkle it with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and pat it in. Add the fish taco seasoning as a dry rub and pat it to cover the fish. Place the fish on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, until tender. Then broil for 2 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
Notes
- Chili powder: I like using a mild chili powder, which gives this seasoning a mild flavor. Make sure the chili powder you use is mild. If you’re looking for a spicier blend, use spicy chili powder or add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne (to taste).
More Seasoning Blends to Try
Making DIY seasoning mixes at home is so easy! They taste incredible—much better than store-bought—and are fun gifts, too. Try all our seasoning blends (listed by style):
- Mexican: Fajita Seasoning, Taco Seasoning
- Mediterranean: Greek Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, Herbes de Provence
- Cajun: Cajun Seasoning, Blackened Seasoning
- American: Old Bay Seasoning, Chili Seasoning, Everything Bagel Seasoning, Ranch Seasoning
- All Purpose: Seasoned Salt
Very tasty, but is very spicy! luckily though my family loves spicy! I recommend pairing with a mango salsa!
(Also spices intensity can vary based on how fresh your spices are! Good practice is to try a pinch of the mixed spice before putting it on the meat!)
1 TB of chilli powder is too much. This is so spicy it’s almost inedible and has ruined the snapper I caught.
I’m very sorry! You must have a very spicy chili powder.
I tried the recipe because I had brought a lot of leftover veggies home from restaurant fish fajitas, so I bought a pound of swai and baked/broiled it following your directions with your seasoning rub. Wow, delicious! I can so see using this to eat fish on its own as the main dish. And I love that your 2T per pound ratio does completely cover the fish.
I used this seasoning recipe on Barramundi and it was amazing! It adds a huge burst of flavor. This will be my go to recipe from here on out. Thanks for sharing!