Coconut Lime Fish Soup with Cilantro

Coconut Lime Fish Soup with Cilantro

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• Author: fella
• Prep Time: 10min
• Cook Time: 20min
• Total Time: 30min
• Yield: 4 Servings 1x
• Category: soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Thai inspired

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Description

Delight your taste buds with this Coconut Lime Fish Soup! A comforting, creamy broth with zesty lime, tender fish, and fresh cilantro makes for a quick and healthy meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
• 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
• 3 cups fish or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for depth)
• 1 pound (450 g) white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or snapper), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Soup Base

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in the diced bell pepper and sauté for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.

2. Build the Broth

• Pour in coconut milk and fish or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
• Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add fish sauce (if using), lime juice, and lime zest.
• Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Cook the Fish

• Gently add the bite-sized white fish pieces to the pot.
• Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is tender and flakes easily.

4. Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro.
• Serve with lime wedges for extra tang.

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Notes

• For added heat, stir in red chili flakes or a diced chili pepper with the garlic and ginger.
• Substitute shrimp or scallops for the fish for a seafood variation.
• Serve with crusty bread or steamed rice for a heartier meal.

This Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a refreshing and healthy dish that balances the creaminess of coconut milk with the zesty tang of lime. Featuring tender white fish, aromatic ginger, and vibrant cilantro, this soup is both comforting and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
• Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes.
• A healthy, low-calorie option packed with protein and nutrients.
• Versatile—use your favorite white fish or adjust the seasonings to your taste.
• Great for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something light yet satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
• 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
• 3 cups fish or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1 pound (450 g) white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or snapper), cut into bite-sized pieces
• Juice and zest of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add the diced bell pepper and sauté for another 2–3 minutes, until slightly softened.

Step 2: Build the Broth

1. Pour in the coconut milk and fish or vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir in the fish sauce (if using), lime juice, and lime zest.
4. Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Cook the Fish

1. Add the fish pieces to the simmering broth.
2. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and tender. Be careful not to overcook.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
2. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a sliced red chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the fish and fish sauce. Add tofu or mushrooms instead for a hearty texture.
• Herb Substitutes: Swap cilantro with Thai basil or parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, bok choy, or zucchini for more nutrients and color.
• Rice Addition: Serve over steamed jasmine rice or add cooked rice directly to the soup.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the soup (without the fish) for up to 1 month. Add fresh fish when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat. Be cautious not to overcook the fish when reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen fish?

Yes, thaw the fish completely before adding it to the soup for even cooking.

2. Can I use light coconut milk?

Yes, but the soup will be less creamy. Full-fat coconut milk adds a richer texture.

3. What other fish can I use?

Any firm white fish like halibut, haddock, or sea bass works well.

4. How do I avoid overcooking the fish?

Add the fish to the soup when it’s simmering, not boiling, and cook just until opaque.

5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

The recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses coconut milk.

6. Can I add shrimp or other seafood?

Yes, shrimp, scallops, or mussels make great additions. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

7. What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, jasmine rice, or a side salad pairs well with this soup.

8. How do I thicken the broth?

Simmer the soup longer to reduce it slightly, or stir in a cornstarch slurry.

9. Can I substitute the lime with lemon?

Yes, lemon juice and zest work well if you don’t have lime.

10. Can I omit the fish sauce?

Yes, but the fish sauce adds a depth of umami flavor that enhances the dish.

Conclusion

Coconut Lime Fish Soup with Cilantro is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s both light and satisfying. Its balance of creamy coconut milk, tangy lime, and tender fish makes it an instant favorite. Perfect for any season, this soup is a quick and wholesome way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of a tropical-inspired meal.