Spices for fish
The spices that pair best with fish run citrusy, herbal, and floral: Coriander seed, Cilantro, Curry leaf, Dill, Lemongrass, and Makrut lime leaf are reliable starting points, each one named here because its own pairing notes call for fish. The full set sits below.
Ajwain
Sharp, thyme-like, pungent, bitter
Anise
Sweet, strong licorice, warm
Annatto
Earthy, peppery, mild, mainly color
Basil
Sweet, peppery, clove and anise
Cajun seasoning
Savory, peppery, smoky, warm heat
Chervil
Delicate, sweet, faintly anise, fresh
Chives
Mild, fresh, oniony, grassy
Cilantro
Bright, citrusy, pungent, fresh
Coriander seed
Citrusy, floral, warm, lightly sweet
Curry leaf
Nutty, citrusy, savory, faintly bitter
Dill
Fresh, grassy, citrusy, faintly anise
Dried lime
Sour, fermented, musty, intensely citrus
Epazote
Pungent, savory, resinous, petrol-herbal
Fennel seed
Sweet, warm, gentle licorice
Furikake
Savory, nutty, briny, umami
Galangal
Sharp, piney, citrusy, peppery
Ginger
Pungent, warm, bright, citrusy
Green peppercorn
Fresh, bright, mild, herbaceous pepper
Horseradish
Sharp, hot, nasal, pungent
Jerk seasoning
Warm, fiery, herbal, allspice-forward
Lemongrass
Bright, lemony, floral, grassy
Makrut lime leaf
Intense, floral, citrus-peel aroma
Mustard seed
Pungent, sharp, nose-clearing heat
Panch phoron
Earthy, nutty, pungent, anise-edged
Parsley
Fresh, grassy, clean, lightly peppery
Pink peppercorn
Sweet, fruity, mild, faintly peppery
Saffron
Floral, honeyed, earthy, faintly bitter
Sumac
Tart, lemony, fruity, deep red
Tamarind
Sour, fruity, date-like, tangy
Tandoori masala
Warm, earthy, tangy, deep red
Tarragon
Sweet, anise, grassy, delicate
Wasabi
Sharp, nasal, fresh, fleeting heat
White pepper
Earthy, sharp, fermented, less aromatic
Common questions
- What spices go with fish?
- Coriander seed, Cilantro, Curry leaf, Dill, Lemongrass, and Makrut lime leaf, among others.
- What flavors work with fish?
- The notes that stand out most are citrusy, herbal, and floral, read from the flavor profiles of the spices listed here.
- What is the boldest spice for fish?
- Ajwain is one of the strongest here: sharp, thyme-like, pungent, bitter. Add it early and taste as you go.
- What is a mild spice for fish?
- Annatto sits at the gentle end: earthy, peppery, mild, mainly color. It seasons without taking over.