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    Home » Recipes » Dips, Dressings & Seasonings » Fish Taco Seasoning

    July 23, 2020

    Fish Taco Seasoning

    5 from 6 votes

    8 Comments

    Jul 23, 2020

    by Lori Murphy

    Jump to Recipe

    This easy Fish Taco Seasoning is a blend of two kinds of chili powders and spices from your pantry. Rub your favorite fish or shellfish with this homemade spice mix to satisfy your next fish taco craving!

    two fish tacos on a parchment paper wooden plate with limes in the background

    We are big fish taco eaters. We probably eat fish tacos (or some form of taco for that matter) at least once a week.  My usually choosy husband has been transformed into a raving fish taco fan thanks to this easy seasoning blend...and as long as we make his with shrimp. He is quite the purist while the rest of us are big on accessorizing our tacos with ALL the toppings like this five minute Avocado Crema.

    black measuring spoons filled with spices near small bowls of more spices and some ancho chili peppers

    Throw out the seasoning packet

    The best thing about this recipe is you can assemble it all at once from spices you likely have on hand. The only spice that you might not have is the ancho chili powder (unless you aren't a regular Completely Steak Chili maker then you also might need a medium heat chili powder). Don't skip this ingredient - you'll find yourself wanting to use it in lots of recipes calling for regular chili powder it's that good.

    white and blue bowl filled with spices and a small gold spoon

    Assembling fish taco seasoning

    1. Measure out the spices into a small bowl.
    2. Toss gently with a fork.
    3. Save to a clean small spice jar or labeled ziploc bag to use the rest next time.

    It's the definition of easy peasy, right?

    piece of tilapia on a parchment covered cutting board with a bowl of spice mix next to it

    Type of fish for tacos

    Any firm white fish will do. Tilapia is a great first choice. Frozen fillets can be easily found at the grocery store or your local Trader Joe's. They are great to keep on hand when the taco craving strikes! 

    piece of tilapia seasoned with spices on a parchment covered cutting board with a bowl of spice mix next to it

    prep and cooking tips

    A few things to keep in mind when making fish tacos:

    • Type of pan - I prefer a cast iron skillet heated on medium high with 1 Tablespoon of canola or avocado oil until almost smoking.
    • Prepping the fish
      • Pat the fish dry on both sides before rubbing the spice blend on both sides of the fish.
      • I usually use about ½ - 1 teaspoon per side depending on how big the fillet is. For shrimp, I use about 1 Tablespoon per pound.
    • Cooking times
      • Average tilapia fillet - cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until firm when touched in the center.
      • Shrimp - approximately 2 minutes per side for 35-40 count shrimp until pink.
    white and blue bowl filled with spices and a small gold spoon

    Other uses

    You won't use the whole recipe of seasoning mix all at once so here are some ideas for other ways to use it:

    • Sprinkle over freshly popped popcorn or cereal mix for a little extra kick.
    • Add teaspoon or two to a cream sauce for an amped up pasta dish and top with some sauteed chicken breasts.
    white and blue bowl filled with spices and a small gold spoon.
    5 from 6 votes

    Fish Taco Seasoning

    Print RATE PIN
    Prep Time:5 mins
    Total Time:5 mins
    Servings 4 lbs of fish
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    Ingredients
     

    • 2 T medium chili powder
    • 1 T ground ancho chili powder, chipotle fine too
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Combine all seasonings in a small bowl with a fork.
    • Generously rub on seafood, shellfish before grilling or cooking on the stove. See notes below for suggested measurements and tips.

    Notes

    For shrimp or fish tacos. I typically use tilapia or mahi mahi.
    • Rub ½ teaspoon per side of a paper towel dried fish fillet and/or 1 Tablespoon per 1 lb of 35/40 count peeled and deveined shrimp. 
    • Heat a cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium high heat with 1 T of canola or avocado oil. Cook fish 3-4 minutes per side until firm and shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
    Other uses:
    • Excellent on swordfish basted first with melted butter and then seasoned.
    • Add 1-2 teaspoons to a cream sauce for an amped up pasta dish. Top with Foolproof Chicken Breasts.
    • Sprinkle over freshly popped popcorn.
    Course: Main Course, Snacks
    Cuisine: Seafood
    Author: Lori Murphy
    Did you make this recipe? Tag @josieandnina or tag #josieandnina!
    Dips, Dressings & SeasoningsMain Dishes

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    1. Lynda says

      September 28, 2020 at 4:40 pm

      5 stars
      Made shrimp tacos (or at least my husband did) last night, Delicious!! Thanks for another keeper!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        September 29, 2020 at 12:54 pm

        So glad you liked them Lynda! This seasoning is so versatile I've even put it on popcorn!🤗

        Reply
    2. Lynda says

      September 24, 2020 at 10:30 am

      Ok, I’m trying this on shrimp this week. I’ll let you know how it goes.

      Reply
      • Lori says

        September 26, 2020 at 1:32 pm

        yay Lynda! And yes please let me know! Thanks for trying it my friend!

        Reply
    3. Kendell says

      August 06, 2020 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds like the perfect staple seasoning that can be used anywhere you want to put it!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        August 08, 2020 at 7:52 am

        Thank you so much, Kendell! I have even put it on popcorn! Give it a try sometime!

        Reply
    4. Sarah Licata says

      July 23, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      This is the perfect seasoning to keep on hand for quick weeknight meals. I'll be making it in bulk!

      Reply
      • Lori says

        July 24, 2020 at 9:51 pm

        Hey Sarah! Thanks so much! It is a good one...I have also used it on pork as well with really great results.😋

        Reply

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