Your favorite fish recipes will taste a whole lot better with an easy, affordable, and flavorful Fish Seasoning recipe!
There are so many herbs and spices to choose from and it can be hard to choose which ones to use for cooking fish. But there is no need to worry because I will share with you the best combination you can use.
Seasoning plays a crucial part in cooking fish and now, you have the key to the perfect spice rub for any kind of fish. Once you use it and cook the fish, you will taste just how incredible the burst and blend of flavors are.
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Here, you will learn the secret to the most awesome fish seasoning to use for baking, grilling, roasting, and more. In aroma, flavor, and quality, this fish seasoning is the one to beat!
How to Make Fish Seasoning
Instead of going through the trouble of adding the spices one by one, why not combine them in one jar, right? It’s ready and quick to use whenever you need a good fish seasoning for your favorite kinds of fish.
You don’t even need much effort, all you need are the right herbs and spices!
Ingredients
What goes into the best fish seasoning recipe?
Mixed herbs
One of the things I love about mixed herbs is that it’s literally a mix of different herbs. Aside from its rich flavors, it also radiates a fragrant aroma to make any dish appetizing. Every time I use mixed herbs for dishes, it truly works like magic.
It’s easy to make mixed herbs at home, as long as you have your preferred herbs. I use it to season most of my recipes, like Popcorn Chicken, Dodo Gizzard Stick Meat, and Egg and Cheese Sandwich!
Chives
What gives the fish seasoning a richer quality? Chives! These herbs are known for their pungent and onion-like flavor and aroma. You can use them as a garnish or a flavoring agent for lots of recipes.
Moreover, you can use it as a seasoning for eggs, soups, and other dishes. It truly jives with almost any dish you can think of. I especially suggest adding chives to Grilled Salmon for savory goodness!
Cumin
While commonly used as a spice in Asian and Mediterranean cuisine, cumin can instantly upgrade your fish seasoning. It is known for its distinct spicy, warm, and nutty flavor and fragrance.
it’s great for dry rubs, marinade, and even breading. I usually use cumin to cook Curry Chicken Pasta, Guacamole, and Grilled Salmon. Trust me, the cumin will give a much better quality to your recipes.
Garlic granules
Don’t you just love how garlic granules have that intense buttery and spicy flavor and aroma? Since the garlic already has a fine texture, it’ll be easier to use and mix into the other spices.
Using garlic granules is a good way of infusing its flavor into the fish. Remember that it’s not the same as garlic powder because you need twice the amount of granules to give it the same effect.
Onion granules
Whenever you use garlic granules, why not use onion granules, too? Just like fresh onions, these granules add a pungent, peppery, and spicy flavor to the fish. It’s perfect for any dish you can think of.
You can make it at home by grinding dehydrated onions for an easy homemade condiment. It is best to use it when you want to enjoy a pungent flavor without the texture of fresh onion.
Smoked paprika
Give fish a pleasant smoky quality with smoked paprika. These are made of red peppers that give the perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Paprika is already delicious but wait until you taste smoked paprika.
This seasoning is also great for Jollof Rice, Pizza Sauce, and Fish Stew! As an alternative, use paprika for a less woody flavor and aroma. You might be surprised at the depth of quality it can give.
Black pepper
No matter what recipe I’m cooking, black pepper is always one of my go-to spices. It has a mildly spicy and earthy yet citrus flavor for almost any dish. Black pepper can also remove any strong fishy smell or flavor.
You can use it for dressings, eggs, stir fry, and dry rubs. It’s a versatile spice that goes well with almost any dish. Instead of whole black peppers, you can also use ground black pepper for easy mixing.
Mace
How amazing would it be when you add mace to the fish seasoning? Mace is made from the dried outer shell of nutmeg seeds that tastes woody, warm, and citrusy. It truly goes hand in hand with the rest of the spices.
It gives a taste similar to cinnamon and pepper. You can also use this for baked goods, porridge, custards, and more. The mace will certainly turn your fish recipes around.
Sea salt
Let’s top off the fish seasoning recipe with sea salt. It balances all of the flavors with the right level of saltiness. I’m sure you’ve used sea salt in most of your recipes before.
You can season almost anything with salt. Even if added in a small amount, it can give a big change to your dishes. It’s definitely a staple spice in your kitchen. I can’t even remember how many times I seasoned with sea salt before!
After trying many combinations in the past, I have found that these ingredients are the best for fish seasoning. Try it out, and let me know if you love it!
Directions
It only takes simple steps to make fish seasoning:
- Measure the ingredients with measuring spoons.
- Then, put them in a spice grinder.
- Blend the contents until smooth and powdery.
- Once happy with the texture, transfer it into a jar to store!
It is so easy to do that it almost prepares itself. Whenever I use this fish seasoning, my family enjoys hearty, delicious, and flavorful fish meals!
Tips
Mixed herbs
You can easily make your own mixed herbs at home. All you need are basil, parsley, marjoram, oregano, sage, tarragon, and thyme. Place them in a jar to store. I always have it in my kitchen for everyday use!
Cumin powder
You can easily prepare cumin powder at home. When you have cumin seeds, just toast them, grind, filter, and store them.
Buy cumin in the grocery store and repeatedly roll and crush them using a rolling pin, mortar and pestle, or other similar kitchen tools.
Garlic granules and onion granules
- Peel the garlic cloves and onions.
- Arrange them on a baking tray.
- Dry them in the oven at 65°C for up to two hours or in the dehydrator at 46°C for up to seven hours.
- Once crumbly, grind them in the blender, food processor, grinder, mortar and pestle, or other similar tools.
Smoked paprika
Now, let’s take a look at how to make smoked paprika.
- Rinse, deseed, and slice the sweet peppers.
- Smoke the sweet peppers in an electric or charcoal smoker for about three hours.
- Grind the contents.
Otherwise, bake them in the oven at 93°C for about three hours. You can also do it in the dehydrator at 52°C for at least five hours.
Black pepper
If you have whole peppercorns, then you can grind them in a food processor, blender, or with a mortar and pestle until you get a fine powder. You may have black pepper in your kitchen right now, too.
Chives
Bon Appetit suggests buying chives with a green color and crispy texture. You can buy them in bunches, so ensure they do not have wilted chives. Wrap them in cling film, and refrigerate or freeze them to extend their shelf life.
Mace
Here’s how you can make mace:
- Roast the mace in a pan until crisp.
- Then, use a grinder to turn it into a powder.
- Filter the contents with a sieve.
Fish Seasoning Variations
The best thing about making fish seasoning at home is that you can make any flavor you want.
For instance, you can add chili flakes for a spicy flavor, too. You can add the ingredients according to how you want the fish to taste. Your fish can be as smoky, savory, or even as sweet as you want.
Mustard powder, allspice, cayenne, cardamom, ground ginger, and dried dillweed also make good spices for fish seasoning. Don’t be afraid to use marinades such as soy sauce, coconut milk, or other condiments!
More Seasoning Recipes
- All-Purpose Seasoning – you can easily make your own spice at home.
- Roast Chicken Seasoning Blend – it’s important to know how to season chicken, too.
- Paprika – make paprika to give the fish a sweet taste.
- Chili Flakes – a kick of spice never hurts.
Recommended Tools
- Spice grinder or blender or food processor: Mix the fish seasoning with any of these tools.
- Measuring spoons: Add the right amounts of herbs and spices.
- Jar: Store the contents in a jar.
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How to Use Fish Seasoning
Not only is fish seasoning easy to make, but it’s also simple to use.
Keep it near your kitchen counter so you can grab it whenever you need it. Just lightly rub it on both sides of the fish and marinate for at least 30 minutes before baking, roasting, or grilling.
Do not use too much seasoning to prevent overpowering the fish’s natural flavor. I suggest this fish seasoning for tilapia, croaker, bream, salmon, tuna, shrimp, crab, halibut, scallops, and other seafood.
Craving delicious seafood? Try these succulent fish recipes:
- Grilled Tilapia – season your tilapia right to enjoy how good it tastes.
- Oven-Grilled Croaker – make your croaker taste better with the right spices.
- Crispy Pan Fried Fish Fillet – every bite will surely be incredible.
- Fried Assorted Fish Stew – season your stew with fish seasoning and taste the broth.
- Red Bream Stew – add the seasoning to the stew as it cooks.
- Smoked Mackerel – your mackerel won’t just be smoky, but it will also be savory and spicy.
- Grilled Salmon – experience salmon like never before.
Storage Tips
- At room temperature: Store the fish seasoning in a container for two years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best seasoning to put on fish?
Aside from the seasonings mentioned in this recipe, you can also try other combinations that you think will taste good. For instance, Greenwood Fish Market suggests:
- Dill
- Basil
- Lemongrass
- Sage
- Parsley
- Smoked paprika
- Rosemary
How do you make fish taste good?
The best way to make fish taste good is to use a good seasoning blend in the right amount. Even if you get the flavor right, you still need to use just enough of it to season the fish. You should also store and prepare your fish properly.
What does fish spice contain?
It depends on the spice recipe you use. In this recipe, you just need mixed herbs, cumin, smoked paprika, mace, black pepper, sea salt, chives, onion granules, and garlic granules.
How to season fish before frying?
Before you season the fish, pat it dry first. Season it generously on all sides until fully coated. You can also dredge it in breading if you want a crispy dish. Then, cook the fish and drain out the oil, if any.
Fish Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp mixed herbs
- A pinch cumin
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp onion granules
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- A pinch black pepper
- 1 tsp chives
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp mace (optional)
Instructions
- Since the ingredients are already in small particles, combine everything in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, powdery, and fully combined.
- Store seasoning in a glass jar and place it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Video
Notes
- You can make some of the seasonings from scratch, such as mixed herbs, smoked paprika, onion granules, and garlic granules.
- Let the fish marinate in this rub for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a mortar and pestle instead of a spice grinder, blender, or food processor.