Coconut Lime Fish Soup
Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a vibrant and aromatic dish that brings together the fresh, zesty flavors of the tropics in a comforting bowl. This recipe features tender white fish fillets simmered in a fragrant broth made with rich coconut milk, tangy lime juice, and a hint of heat from red chilies.
The addition of colorful vegetables like red bell peppers and cherry tomatoes not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful texture.
Garnished with fresh herbs, this soup is a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a light yet satisfying meal that transports you to a tropical paradise.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Exotic and Refreshing Flavors: This soup combines the creamy sweetness of coconut milk with the bright tang of lime, creating a refreshing and exotic flavor profile that transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
Nutrient-Rich and Healthy: Packed with protein-rich white fish and a variety of colorful vegetables, this soup offers a nutritious meal that’s both satisfying and health-conscious, making it perfect for those seeking a balanced diet.
Aromatic and Fragrant: The addition of garlic, ginger, and red chilies infuses the soup with a delightful aroma and a touch of heat, enhancing the overall sensory experience and making it irresistible.
Quick and Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe allows you to enjoy a gourmet-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs not only make the soup visually attractive but also add to its flavor complexity, ensuring that it looks as good as it tastes.
Key Ingredients:
White Fish Fillets: These provide a tender and delicate texture, absorbing the soup’s flavors beautifully. Choose firm white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut for the best results.
Coconut Milk: This rich and creamy ingredient forms the base of the soup, offering a luscious texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy lime and spicy chilies.
Lime Zest and Juice: Essential for adding a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the creaminess of the coconut milk, lime enhances the overall freshness and elevates the tropical taste of the dish.
Red Bell Pepper and Cherry Tomatoes: These colorful vegetables add both visual appeal and a fresh, crisp texture to the soup, along with a mild sweetness that balances the other flavors.
Aromatic Ingredients: Garlic, ginger, and red chilies provide a fragrant and slightly spicy foundation, infusing the soup with depth and warmth that rounds out the flavor profile.
Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pound white fish fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
14 oz coconut milk
2 cups fish stock or chicken broth
2 tablespoons fish sauce
Zest and juice of 2 limes
1 teaspoon sugar
1-2 red chilies, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh cilantro and basil for garnish
Instructions:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced chilies. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Pour in the coconut milk, fish stock, fish sauce, lime zest, lime juice, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the sliced red bell pepper and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Carefully add the fish pieces to the soup. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and basil. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes:
Fish Selection: Opt for firm white fish fillets like cod, tilapia, or halibut, which hold up well during cooking and absorb the flavors of the soup. If using frozen fish, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before adding it to the soup.
Adjusting Spice Levels: The amount of red chilies can be adjusted to suit your spice preference. For a milder soup, remove the seeds from the chilies or use fewer chilies. If you enjoy more heat, consider adding extra chilies or a dash of chili sauce.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk will provide a richer and creamier texture, but you can use light coconut milk for a lighter version. Be sure to stir the coconut milk well before adding it to the soup, as it can separate in the can.
Herb Garnish: Fresh cilantro and basil add a burst of freshness and aroma. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute with parsley or simply increase the amount of basil.
Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. It pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread, which can be used to soak up the delicious broth.
Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the fish from overcooking and becoming tough.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 4 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 300 | Protein: 25 grams | Carbohydrates: 15 grams | Fat: 15 grams | Saturated Fat: 10 grams | Cholesterol: 50 mg | Sodium: 800 mg | Fiber: 2 grams | Sugars: 5 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I substitute the white fish with another type of seafood?
Yes, you can substitute the white fish with other seafood options like shrimp, scallops, or even salmon.
Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood may require different cooking durations to ensure they are not overcooked.
What can I use instead of fish sauce if I have dietary restrictions?
If you need to avoid fish sauce due to dietary restrictions, you can use soy sauce or tamari as an alternative.
For a completely soy-free option, coconut aminos can be used, though you may need to adjust the salt levels to taste.
How do I make this soup spicier or milder?
To make the soup spicier, you can add more red chilies or incorporate a splash of hot sauce.
For a milder version, reduce the number of chilies used, remove their seeds, or omit them entirely based on your heat preference.
Can I prepare the soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base (excluding the fish) in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
When ready to serve, gently reheat the soup and add the fish, cooking just until the fish is cooked through.
What can I serve alongside this soup to make it a complete meal?
Coconut Lime Fish Soup pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice, which can be served on the side or added directly to the soup.
Crusty bread or a fresh green salad can also complement the flavors and textures of the soup, making it a well-rounded meal.
How do I prevent the fish from overcooking in the soup?
To prevent overcooking, add the fish pieces towards the end of the cooking process and simmer them gently.
Make sure the soup is at a low simmer rather than a rapid boil, as this helps the fish cook evenly and stay tender.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh cherry tomatoes are not available.
Diced tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes can be substituted; just be sure to drain them before adding to the soup to maintain the desired consistency.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
To make the soup vegan, replace the fish with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
Use vegetable broth instead of fish stock or chicken broth, and substitute fish sauce with a vegan alternative such as soy sauce, tamari, or coconut aminos.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding a slurry of cornstarch and water, or blending a portion of the soup’s vegetables and returning them to the pot.
Another option is to simmer the soup uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
What kind of pot should I use to make this soup?
A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven works best for making this soup, as it distributes heat evenly and helps prevent scorching.
Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably, allowing them to simmer without spilling over.