Description
This Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a vibrant and aromatic Asian-inspired dish that combines tender white fish in a creamy coconut milk broth infused with fresh lime, ginger, and chili. It’s a light yet satisfying soup perfect for a healthy meal, balancing zesty citrus flavors with subtle heat and rich coconut cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red chili or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fish or vegetable broth
- 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia), cut into chunks
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, which builds the flavor base of the soup.
- Add Garlic, Ginger, and Chili: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili or chili flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant to release their aromas.
- Simmer Broth and Coconut Milk: Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Add the coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, lime zest, and turmeric if using. Stir well to combine all the flavors, then bring back to a gentle simmer.
- Add Fish and Tomatoes: Gently add the chunks of white fish and halved cherry tomatoes to the simmering broth. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, or additional lime juice as desired. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley, and serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
- For a heartier version, stir in cooked rice or rice noodles just before serving.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or naan for dipping.
- The recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free; just confirm your fish sauce is gluten-free if necessary.
- Adjust chili quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
