Description
This Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a flavorful Southeast Asian-inspired dish combining tender white fish, creamy coconut milk, and a bright lime twist. Infused with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and a hint of chili, this soup offers a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness. Quick to prepare and naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, it’s an ideal comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red chili or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 2 cups fish or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or tilapia), cut into chunks
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat and sauté aromatics: Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, red chili or chili flakes (if using), and ground turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the coconut milk and fish or vegetable broth, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Add the fish sauce, lime zest, and lime juice, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the fish and vegetables: Carefully add the chunks of white fish, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes to the simmering soup. Continue to simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked, opaque, and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or basil. Serve immediately with lime wedges and optional side accompaniments like steamed rice or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, add rice noodles or fresh baby spinach just before serving.
- Seafood variations such as shrimp or scallops can be substituted for the white fish.
- To keep the recipe dairy-free and Whole30-compliant, ensure the fish sauce does not contain any added sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southeast Asian-Inspired
