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Best Fish Taco Seasoning

Section: Tasty Lunch Ideas

This seasoning mix combines chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powders to bring bright, savory depth to mild white fish such as tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi. A simple dry rub coats the fish evenly before baking at 400°F for 10 minutes, followed by a quick broil to add a hint of crispness. The result is tender, flaky fish bursting with balanced spices, perfect for serving in warm tortillas or alongside fresh toppings like slaw, avocado, and lime for a lively meal.

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Last modified on Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:53:38 GMT
A bowl of fish tacos with purple cabbage and lime wedges. Pin it
A bowl of fish tacos with purple cabbage and lime wedges. | dinabakery.com

This fish taco seasoning brings together vibrant spices that elevate any mild white fish to delicious new heights. It is designed to perfectly complement fish like tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi by adding warm smoky notes and a hint of heat. This seasoning blend is easy to prepare and transforms simple fish into a flavorful main dish ready for tacos or other meals.

I first mixed this seasoning on a whim when friends came over. It was an instant hit and has since become my go-to for fish tacos at every gathering.

Ingredients

  • Chili powder: the foundation of warmth and mild spiciness opt for a good quality variety for best flavor
  • Cumin: adds earthiness and complexity choose whole cumin seeds if you can toast and grind for freshness
  • Smoked paprika: provides smoky depth try to find Spanish smoked paprika for richer taste
  • Garlic powder: offers subtle savory notes boosts overall flavor without overpowering
  • Onion powder: rounds out the blend with gentle sweetness and aroma
  • Kosher salt: essential for seasoning fish improves texture and taste use kosher salt over table salt for better control
  • White fish (tilapia cod or mahi mahi): wild caught preferred for firmer texture and superior flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Seasoning Mix:
In a bowl combine chili powder cumin smoked paprika garlic powder and onion powder thoroughly. Store this mix in an airtight container for future use. For larger amounts just multiply the spices accordingly using two tablespoons per pound of fish.
Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit which is about 204 degrees Celsius. This temperature helps cook the fish evenly and gently.
Season the Fish:
Dry the fish using paper towels to remove any moisture. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly across the surface and lightly press it in. Then generously coat the fish with the seasoning mix pressing it to adhere well.
Bake the Fish:
Lay the seasoned fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for around ten minutes or until the fish becomes opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Broil for Finish:
Switch the oven setting to broil and place the fish under the broiler for about two minutes. This final step crisps the outer layer slightly and adds a beautiful golden color enhancing the flavor.
A plate of food with fish and vegetables. Pin it
A plate of food with fish and vegetables. | dinabakery.com

My favorite part of this recipe is the smoky paprika which adds a subtle fire roasted note that reminds me of summer cookouts. It became a family favorite the first time I served it alongside a tangy lime slaw.

Storage Tips

Keep the seasoning mix in an airtight container stored in a cool dry place. It will stay fresh for several months and saves time on future meals. For the prepared seasoned fish, wrap tightly and refrigerate up to two days or freeze for longer storage.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have smoked paprika you can use regular paprika or even a small pinch of chipotle powder to maintain smokiness. Ground coriander can be added to boost citrusy notes if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the baked fish in warm corn or flour tortillas with fresh toppings such as shredded cabbage slaw diced avocado chopped cilantro and lime wedges for that classic fish taco experience. A side of black beans or Mexican rice rounds out the meal perfectly.

Cultural Context

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A plate of food with a bowl of sauce. | dinabakery.com

Fish tacos originated in Baja California Mexico and are known for their simplicity fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This seasoning mix captures the essence of Baja cuisine focusing on balanced spice without overwhelming the fresh fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What fish works best with this seasoning?

White fish varieties like tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi absorb the flavors well and pair nicely with this seasoning blend.

→ Can I adjust the seasoning for stronger flavor?

Yes, increasing the seasoning quantity proportionally will deepen the taste without overpowering the fish.

→ Why is it important to pat the fish dry before seasoning?

Drying the fish helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes even cooking for an enhanced crust and flavor.

→ What cooking method is recommended for this seasoning?

Baking at 400°F followed by a brief broil creates tender fish with a lightly browned, flavorful top layer.

→ Can this seasoning mix be stored for later use?

Yes, the dry blend can be stored in a sealed container and scaled up for larger batches as needed.

Best Fish Taco Seasoning

A bold seasoning mix enhancing white fish with chili, cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion notes for baked perfection.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cooking Time
12 minutes
Total Preparation Time
17 minutes
By: Dina

Featured in: Lunch

Difficulty Level: Easy

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Number of Portions: 2 Serving Size

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

The Ingredients You'll Need

→ Seasoning Mix

01 1 tbsp chili powder
02 1 tsp ground cumin
03 1 tsp smoked paprika
04 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 1/2 tsp onion powder

→ For the Fish

06 1 tsp kosher salt
07 1 lb white fish (tilapia, cod, or mahi mahi), preferably wild caught

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Combine chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Stir until evenly incorporated and transfer to a sealed container for storage if not used immediately.

Step 02

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the fish.

Step 03

Pat the fish dry using paper towels. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over the surface and gently press it in. Apply the seasoning mix as a dry rub, covering the fish thoroughly and patting it to adhere.

Step 04

Place the seasoned fish on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the fish is tender and cooked through.

Step 05

Switch the oven to broil and broil the fish for 2 minutes to develop a lightly browned, slightly crisp surface for enhanced flavor.

Extra Tips

  1. Use 2 tablespoons of seasoning mix per pound of fish for a stronger flavor. Patting the fish dry before seasoning improves adherence and even cooking. Wild caught fish offers the best texture and taste.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Information

Check ingredient labels to avoid allergens, and speak to an expert if necessary.
  • Contains spices which may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals