Description
Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a vibrant and refreshing Southeast Asian-inspired dish that combines tender white fish fillets with creamy coconut milk and zesty lime juice. Enhanced by aromatic garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables, this soup offers a nourishing and flavorful meal perfect for any season, balancing tangy, savory, and creamy notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Liquids and Condiments
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 cups fish or chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to build a flavorful base.
- Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until they release their fragrance and infuse the oil.
- Cook the bell pepper: Add the sliced red bell pepper to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes more, allowing it to soften and blend with the aromatics.
- Combine liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and fish or chicken broth, stirring well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer and season: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Then add lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar, stirring to combine flavors. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Add the fish: Gently slide the bite-sized fish pieces into the soup. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and cooked through without breaking apart.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro. Serve the soup hot, accompanied by lime wedges for an extra citrus burst.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality fish for the best texture and flavor; cod or tilapia are excellent choices.
- For a spicier version, add sliced Thai chili peppers or a spoonful of red curry paste when adding the bell pepper.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth quantity or simmer for a few extra minutes to concentrate the flavors.
- To make this soup vegetarian, substitute fish with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of fish or chicken broth.
- Frozen fish can be used but ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for best results.
- Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the fish if made ahead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Keywords: coconut lime fish soup, Southeast Asian soup, creamy fish soup, coconut milk soup, lime soup recipe, healthy fish soup, easy soup recipe
