Best Fish Taco Seasoning Recipe
Introduction
These homemade fish tacos get their vibrant flavor from a perfectly balanced seasoning blend. With smoky, spicy, and savory notes, this fish taco seasoning highlights your favorite white fish beautifully and can be made in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (for 1 pound fish; increase as needed)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, for seasoning
- 1 pound white fish (such as tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi – wild caught preferable)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Store this seasoning blend in a sealed container until you are ready to use it. For a larger batch, double the amounts and use 2 tablespoons per pound of fish.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides evenly with the kosher salt and gently pat it in. Rub the fish with the prepared seasoning blend, coating it thoroughly.
- Step 3: Place the seasoned fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes until the fish is tender and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Switch the oven to broil and cook the fish for an additional 2 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and slightly crisp.
- Step 5: Remove the fish from the oven and let it rest briefly before assembling your tacos with tortillas and toppings of choice.
Tips & Variations
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat if you like spicy food.
- If you prefer a milder seasoning, reduce the chili powder to 1/2 tablespoon.
- Use fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro as taco toppings to enhance the flavors.
- This seasoning also works great on shrimp or chicken for a quick dinner.
Storage
Store the fish taco seasoning mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. Cooked fish should be refrigerated in a sealed container and eaten within 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the fish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this seasoning for other types of fish?
Absolutely. This seasoning works well with most white fish like halibut, snapper, or even salmon for a different but delicious taste.
Is it better to bake or fry the fish with this seasoning?
Baking is a healthier and easier option that locks in moisture, but you can also pan-fry the seasoned fish for a crispier texture. Just be careful not to overcook it.
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Best Fish Taco Seasoning Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Best Fish Taco Seasoning recipe is a flavorful blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, perfectly seasoned to enhance the taste of white fish like tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi. Simply rub the seasoning onto the fish and bake it to tender, lightly browned perfection, making it ideal for delicious homemade fish tacos.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (enough for 1 pound fish; increase as necessary)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
For the Fish
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pound white fish (tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi; wild caught preferable)
Instructions
- Prepare the Seasoning Mix: Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Mix well and store in a sealed container until ready to use. For larger batches, scale up ingredients accordingly; use 2 tablespoons of seasoning mix per 1 pound of fish.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the fish.
- Season the Fish: Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over the fish and gently pat it in to adhere. Then apply the fish taco seasoning as a dry rub, covering the fish thoroughly and patting it in.
- Bake the Fish: Place the seasoned fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the fish is tender and cooked through.
- Broil for Finish: After baking, switch the oven to broil. Broil the fish for an additional 2 minutes to lightly brown the top, giving it a slight crisp and enhanced flavor.
Notes
- For a stronger flavor, increase the seasoning quantity proportionally to the amount of fish you are preparing.
- Using wild caught white fish is preferable for the best taste and texture.
- Ensure to pat the fish dry before seasoning to help the seasoning stick better and promote even cooking.
- Serve the seasoned fish in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like slaw, avocado, and lime for classic fish tacos.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Fish taco seasoning, fish tacos, homemade seasoning, baked fish, easy fish recipe, healthy fish tacos, white fish seasoning
