Description
This Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a vibrant and creamy seafood soup featuring tender white fish fillets simmered in a fragrant broth made with coconut milk, fresh lime juice, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly balanced with savory fish sauce, garlic, ginger, and shallots, this dish offers a refreshing yet comforting taste of tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Stock
- 1 pound white fish fillets, cut into chunks
- 2 cups fish stock or broth
Soup Base
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture is fragrant and softened but not browned.
- Add fish stock: Pour in 2 cups of fish stock or broth. Increase the heat slightly and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer to start building the soup base.
- Add coconut milk and seasonings: Stir in the can of coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and lime zest. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Simmer to blend flavors: Allow the soup to simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, letting all the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Cook the fish: Add the chunks of white fish to the pot. Simmer for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the fish pieces are opaque and cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt or lime juice as needed. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Garnish and enjoy: Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro or Thai basil for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve with lime wedges or rice on the side if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili flakes when sautéing the aromatics.
- Use firm, white fish such as cod, halibut, or snapper to prevent the fish from breaking apart during cooking.
- Fish sauce adds umami depth but can be substituted with soy sauce for a milder flavor or to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Serve immediately for best texture of the fish and freshness of flavors.
