Description
Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a vibrant tropical dish featuring tender chunks of white fish simmered in a creamy coconut milk broth infused with lime, red curry paste, and fresh herbs. This Thai-inspired soup balances creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors for a healthy, comforting meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut, cut into chunks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 teaspoon red curry paste
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups seafood or vegetable broth
- Juice and zest of 2 limes
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Add Garlic, Ginger & Bell Pepper: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to release their aroma and soften the pepper.
- Incorporate Curry Paste: Add the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant, which enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Pour Liquids & Seasonings: Pour in the full-fat coconut milk and seafood or vegetable broth. Stir to combine, then add lime juice, lime zest, fish sauce, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Fish: Add the chunks of white fish to the simmering soup. Cook for 6–8 minutes or until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, ensuring it is perfectly tender.
- Final Seasoning & Garnish: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro to add brightness and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot with optional lime wedges on the side. For a more filling meal, accompany with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Notes
- Substitute shrimp or scallops for the fish for variation.
- Add a handful of spinach or chopped bok choy in the last few minutes for extra greens.
- Adjust the amount of red curry paste and lime juice to tailor the heat and tanginess to your preference.
- Use a mild white fish like cod or halibut to maintain a delicate flavor that complements the coconut broth.
- For a less spicy version, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tropical, Thai-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
