Tangy Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe: A Refreshing Ocean Bowl

Tropical breezes dance through kitchens when zesty coconut lime fish soup emerges as a culinary delight.

Bright citrus notes mingle with rich coconut cream, creating a symphony of flavors.

Fresh seafood transforms this simple soup into an extraordinary meal.

Tender fish chunks swim alongside aromatic herbs and spices.

Each spoonful brings a refreshing splash of ocean-inspired comfort.

The recipe promises a quick escape to coastal paradise without leaving your dining table.

Prepare to savor a bowl that celebrates the vibrant essence of tropical cooking.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of fish for this soup?

Yes, you can use various white fish like cod, halibut, tilapia, or even salmon. Choose firm fish that won’t break apart easily during cooking.

• Is this soup spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of red chilies you add. You can control the heat by adjusting the quantity or omitting them completely for a milder version.

• Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally dairy-free since it uses coconut milk instead of cream. Just ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free as well.

• How do I prevent the fish from becoming tough?

Cook the fish gently and briefly, just until it flakes easily. Remove the pot from heat as soon as the fish is cooked to prevent overcooking, which can make the fish rubbery and dry.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 4

Coconut Lime Fish Soup Starts with These Ingredients

• Vegetable Oil: Creates a flavorful foundation for sautéing ingredients, choose a neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.
• Onion: Provides sweet depth and aromatic base, select fresh firm onions with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds intense, pungent flavor, look for firm bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.
• Ginger: Brings warm, spicy note, choose plump roots with smooth, shiny skin.
• Red Chilies: Introduces vibrant heat, select bright, firm peppers without blemishes.

• Coconut Milk: Creates creamy, rich texture, opt for full-fat version for deeper flavor.
• Fish Stock: Builds oceanic depth, use fresh or high-quality store-bought stock.
• Fish Sauce: Adds umami complexity, choose authentic Thai or Vietnamese brands.
• Lime Zest, Lime Juice: Provides bright, citrusy brightness, use fresh limes for best flavor.
• Sugar: Balances acidity and heat, select fine granulated sugar.

• Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweet crunch and color, choose vibrant, firm peppers.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Introduces juicy, fresh element, select ripe, deeply colored tomatoes.
• White Fish: Offers delicate protein, choose fresh, firm-fleshed fish like cod or halibut.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh, herbal note, select bright green leaves with no wilting.
• Basil: Adds aromatic complexity, choose leaves that are deep green and unblemished.

Tools That Help You Cook Coconut Lime Fish Soup Right

• Large Pot: Essential for building and simmering the soup base, perfect for mixing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, ginger, chilies, bell peppers, and herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for precise chopping and slicing of vegetables and ingredients.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps accurately measure coconut milk, fish stock, and seasoning.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and sauteing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Ladle: Used for serving the soup into individual bowls cleanly and evenly.
• Zester or Grater: Helpful for extracting lime zest smoothly.
• Citrus Juicer (optional): Makes squeezing lime juice easier and more efficient.

Cook Coconut Lime Fish Soup for Bright, Bold Flavor

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat oil in a large pot and transform chopped onions into soft, translucent jewels. Introduce minced garlic, ginger, and red chilies, letting their aromatic dance fill your kitchen with incredible scents.

• Create Liquid

Pour coconut milk and fish stock into the pot, awakening a creamy foundation. Splash in fish sauce, lime zest, lime juice, and a touch of sugar, stirring until everything harmonizes into a beautiful broth.

• Welcome Colorful Companions

Toss red bell peppers and cherry tomatoes into the simmering liquid, allowing them to soften while maintaining their vibrant personality. Let the vegetables mingle and release their subtle flavors.

• Delicate Fish Finale

Gently lower fish pieces into the warm embrace of the soup. Allow them to cook tenderly, just until they flake with the lightest touch of a fork – remember, patience creates perfection.

• Final Flavor Flourish

Taste and adjust seasonings, listening to what the soup whispers it needs. A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, or an extra squeeze of lime can elevate the entire experience.

• Serve with Love

Ladle the soup into waiting bowls. Shower with fresh cilantro and basil, creating a vibrant green confetti. Place lime wedges nearby, inviting diners to add their personal touch of brightness.

Flavor Tips That Make This Soup Pop

• Choose the freshest white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper for the most delicate and tender texture in your soup.
• Adjust the number of red chilies to match your heat tolerance – fewer chilies for mild, more for a fiery kick that'll warm you up.
• Swap regular coconut milk with light coconut milk or coconut cream for a lighter version that's perfect for those watching calories.
• Replace fish with tofu, shrimp, or chicken for versatile protein options that work beautifully in this aromatic soup base.
• Make the soup base ahead of time and add fresh fish just before serving to save time and maintain the fish's perfect delicate texture.

Serve Fish Soup with Herbs and Crusty Bread

• Tropical Beach Picnic: Pack this soup in a thermos and enjoy it at a sandy shoreline, complemented by light beach snacks and fresh coconut water.
• Dinner Party Centerpiece: Create an elegant table setting with small soup bowls, garnish with extra herbs, and pair with crisp white wine for a sophisticated meal experience.
• Rice Bowl Companion: Serve the soup over steamed jasmine rice to make it heartier, allowing the flavorful broth to soak into the fluffy grains for added texture and satisfaction.
• Asian-Inspired Appetizer: Transform the soup into a starter by using smaller portions in shot glasses or mini bowls, topped with a single cilantro leaf for an impressive presentation.

Store and Chill Coconut Lime Soup Properly

• Cool the soup rapidly by placing the pot in an ice bath, stirring occasionally to ensure even temperature reduction and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the soup in airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 23 days. Separate fish and broth if possible to maintain optimal texture and flavor integrity.
• Freeze the soup base without fish for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, adding fresh fish during the final cooking stage to prevent overcooking and maintain delicate fish texture.
• Keep garnishes like cilantro and basil separate from the main soup when storing. Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color, crisp texture, and maximum flavor impact.

Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Coconut lime fish soup brings tropical Caribbean flavors to your kitchen with fresh seafood and aromatic herbs. Delicate fish simmers in creamy coconut broth, delivering a light yet satisfying meal perfect for warm evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (cod, snapper, or halibut), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) coconut milk
• 2 cups (480 ml) fish stock or chicken broth
• 2 tbsps fish sauce
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 12 red chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro and basil, chopped (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Aromatic Initiation: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing onions until translucent and softened.
2. Flavor Layering: Introduce garlic, ginger, and red chilies, stirring to release their intense aromatics and create a fragrant base.
3. Liquid Foundation: Pour coconut milk and fish stock into the pot, incorporating fish sauce, lime zest, lime juice, and sugar to build a complex, vibrant broth.
4. Vegetable Integration: Add red bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, allowing them to simmer and meld their flavors into the developing soup for 5-7 minutes.
5. Protein Poaching: Gently immerse fish pieces into the simmering broth, cooking until they become delicately flaked and perfectly tender without losing moisture.
6. Flavor Refinement: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lime juice to balance and elevate the soup’s overall taste profile.
7. Garnish and Serve: Ladle soup into serving bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and basil, and accompany with lime wedges for a personalized finishing touch.

Notes

• Preserve Fish Texture: Poach fish gently to maintain delicate, flaky consistency without overcooking, which can make the fish tough and dry.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust red chili quantity based on personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Enhance Soup Depth: Build rich flavor layers by letting aromatics like ginger, garlic, and chilies sauté fully before adding liquid ingredients.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap fish stock with vegetable broth for vegetarian version, use tofu instead of fish, or select gluten-free fish sauce for alternative dietary requirements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg