Creamy Coconut Lime Fish Soup (Printable)
Silky coconut milk meets tender fish and zesty lime in this fragrant 35-minute soup.
# What You Need:
→ Fish & Protein
01 - 1.1 lbs white fish fillets such as cod, halibut, or tilapia, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, grated
05 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
06 - 2 small carrots, thinly sliced
07 - 2 stalks celery, sliced
08 - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
→ Liquids
09 - 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk
10 - 3 cups fish stock or vegetable stock
11 - Juice and zest of 2 limes
→ Spice & Seasoning
12 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce, use gluten-free if needed
14 - 1 teaspoon sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
16 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
17 - 1 small red chili, finely sliced, optional for heat
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped for garnish
# Steps:
01 - Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
02 - Add garlic, ginger, celery, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Pour in the fish stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
04 - Add coconut milk, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and chili if using. Stir well to combine.
05 - Gently add the fish pieces. Simmer for 7–8 minutes, until the fish is opaque and cooked through.
06 - Stir in lime juice and zest. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with green onions and fresh cilantro.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under 40 minutes but tastes like it simmered all day
- The combination of creamy coconut and bright lime is pure comfort food magic
02 -
- Dont let the soup boil vigorously once you have added the coconut milk or it may separate and become grainy
- Add the fish at the very end and watch it closely, overcooked fish becomes tough and disappointing
03 -
- Cut your fish into evenly sized pieces so they all cook at the same rate
- Have your lime juice measured and ready before you start cooking, you will want to add it immediately when the time comes