This recipe blends the tangy brightness of lime with the creamy richness of coconut milk, creating a deliciously refreshing dish. A tropical soup that is both comforting and satisfying, Coconut Lime Fish Soup is perfect whether you’re craving a light lunch or a soothing dinner. It’s sure to delight your taste buds with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Fish
- Quantity: 500 grams (2 pounds) of firm white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut works well), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Role: Gives lean protein, plus a supple texture that soaks up the flavors of the broth.
Coconut Milk
- Quantity: 1 (14 oz/400 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
- WHAT IT DOES: Adds a luscious, creamy texture and light sweetness, helping mellow the acidity of the lime.
Lime
- Amount: Juice and zest of 2 limes.
- Role: Brightness and acidity, these ingredients give the soup more depth.
Aromatics
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: A 2 cm piece, grated.
- Onion: 1 medium, minced.
- Role: These will create the flavor base — depth and warmth for the soup.
Vegetables
- Bell Peppers: 1 red bell pepper, sliced.
- Tomatoes: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved.
- Leafy Greens: 1 cup of spinach/kale.
- Role: Add color, texture and more nutrients, making the soup heartier and more flavorful.
Seasonings
- Fish Sauce: 1 tablespoon.
- Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Role: These seasonings balance the soup’s flavors, supplying umami and a touch of sweetness.
Herbs & Garnishes
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped.
- Green Onions: 1/4 cup, chopped (only green parts).
- Lime Wedges: For serving.
- Role: Add freshness and flavor when used as a garnish.
Optional Additions
- Chilies: 1–2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (optional, for heat).
- Broth: 2 cups fish or chicken broth.
- Noodles or rice: for serving, if desired.
- Function: Chilies contribute heat; broth acts as the soup’s base; noodles or rice add bulk.
And you may modify these amounts according to your health guidelines or taste levels. Have fun cooking your Coconut Lime Fish Soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat the Oil: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the onion: To the pot, add 1 medium onion (finely chopped). Cook while mixing, for almost 4 minutes, until the onion is transparent.
- Stir in Garlic and Ginger: Add in 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.
- Add Bell Pepper: Then add 1 sliced red bell pepper to pot. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes or until it is starting to soften.
2 Build the Broth
- Add Coconut Milk and Broth: To the pot, pour in 1 can (14 oz) of luke-or-full-fat coconut milk and 2 cups of fish or chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Season the Broth: Stir in 1 teaspoon sugar, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon lime zest, and 2 tablespoons lime juice.
3 Add Fish and Vegetables
- Add Fish Pieces: To the simmering stock, carefully add 1 pound of firm white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut), cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Add Tomatoes: Stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes.
- Optional Heat: For a spicier soup, add 1-2 sliced Thai bird chilies now.
- Simmer: The fish should be cooked through and flake readily with a fork after 5 to 7 minutes of simmering the soup.
4 Finish the Soup
- Add Greens: 1 cup baby spinach or kale, stirred in. Continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the greens are wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning: To adjust the soup’s seasoning, taste it and add more salt, pepper, or lime juice.
5 Garnish and Serve
- To serve: Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish: For each consuming, sprinkle with fresh the leaves of cilantro, chopped green onions and lemon wedges.
- Optional Side: Steamed jasmine rice, or pick up an Italian loaf of crusty bread to sop up the flavorful broth.
Serving Suggestions
There’s a lot you can do with Coconut Lime Fish Soup and it plays nicely with many sides and garnishes. Its rich, creamy texture and bright lime notes create a luscious balance, making it a perfect option for casual get-togethers and special occasions alike. Some serving suggestions to make this more enjoyable:
Accompaniments
- Steamed Rice: Accompany the soup with a bowl of fragrant steamed jasmine or basmati rice. The broth, extremely flavorful, is absorbed by the rice, which makes each spoonful even more satisfying.
- Soup Devouring: A side of crusty warm bread or baguette is ideal for dunking in the soup. It provides a nice contrast of texture and drinks in the flavorful broth.
- Noodles: For a heartier meal, add rice noodles or soba noodles straight to the soup. These noodles soak up the coconut broth beautifully and lend a different texture to the dish.
Salads and Sides
- Green Salad: Serve a light, refreshing green salad alongside the soup with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. [The lettuce will offer a nice contrast to the creamy, rich soup.]
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus give soup a with a smoky taste that marries well with the fresh elements.
- Pickled Vegetables: Serve with a small side of pickled vegetables, such as carrots or daikon radish. The acid will cut through the richness of the soup.
Garnishes
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley or Thai basil to the tops of each bowl for a fragrant finish.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a little extra citrus, if desired. This intensifies the soup’s bright, tangy tang.
Beverages
- Light White Wine: A clean, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc provides a great accent to the flavors in the soup.
- Iced Tea: An herbal tea enjoyed iced or iced coconut water are refreshing contrast to the warmth of the soup.
These are some of my favorite serving suggestions to serve with Coconut Lime Fish Soup so that you can eat like its fine dining, only without the fine dining price!
Variations
Classic Thai Coconut Lime Fish Soup
This one has a brothy coconut milk, flavored with lime and garlic and ginger and lemongrass. Lean white fish such as cod or halibut is simmered until tender. Diced red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs including cilantro and Thai basil round out the flavor. Use Thai bird’s eye chilies for a little more kick. Steamed jasmine rice is served with this soup to make a complete meal.
Spicy Coconut Lime Fish Stew
For heat-loving types, this version adds Thai bird’s eye chilies, red curry paste and lemongrass to the broth. The fish is pan-fried on its own, and then added to the spicy coconut broth. Pair it with rice noodles or crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful broth.
Vegetarian Coconut Lime Soup
Swap fish for tofu or a mix of zucchini, mushrooms and sweet potatoes. Vegetarize it: Use vegetable broth and omit the fish sauce. This iteration is just as hearty and delicious, rendering a plant-based version without skimping on flavor.
Coconut Lime Fish Chowder
Inspired by chowder-type soups, this one incorporates diced potatoes and corn into the coconut-lime brothing. A spoonful of seafood seasoning, such as Old Bay®, adds rich flavor. A great soup for a cooler evening that can be served with crusty bread .
Fish Stew, Coconut Lime with Shellfish
This lavish version features a white fish paired with shellfish like mussels or langoustines in a coconut-lime broth. The broth is infused with wonderful aromatic flavor via a rempah paste of chilies, ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and lime zest.
Use these alternatives as ech to help you find your best bowl of Coconut Lime Fish Soup!
Health Benefits
Coconut Lime Fish Soup Not only is Coconut Lime Fish Soup delicious, it’s also healthy! Fish, its primary ingredient, is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are essential to healthy heart and brain function. Omega-3s are known to lower inflammation, and the risk of chronic diseases.
Coconut milk is rich and creamy, but also contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that the body uses easily for energy, which is helpful for weight management. And the lime juice in the soup, in turn, is high in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system while acting as a potent antioxidant. Bell pepper and other veggies add fiber, as well as an assortment of vitamins and minerals included to help support your wellness.
Conclusion
Coconut lime fish soup is as much a journey, if more than a meal, a vivid road trip to the heart of tropical food. This beautiful balance of rich coconut milk and vibrant lime provides cooling comfort in a broth that works perfectly with the creamy-fleshed fish. It’s all-purpose and robust, both an answer to the dilemma of what to cook for a weeknight meal and a show-off plate, heaped with toppings for guests.
In addition to being tasty, this soup has many health benefits! Fish provides us with lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and coconut milk contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), whichare metabolized easily for energy. The lime juice gives a kick of vitamin C, which is good for the immune system, and brightens the soup’s flavor with acidity.