Description
This vibrant Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a delicate and flavorful seafood dish, combining tender white fish chunks simmered in a creamy coconut milk broth infused with fresh lime, garlic, ginger, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this soup balances tangy, savory, and aromatic flavors for a refreshing culinary experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Broth
- 1 pound white fish fillets, cut into chunks
- 2 cups fish stock or broth
Soup Base and Flavorings
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil
Instructions
- Heat the aromatics: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté shallot, garlic, and ginger: Add the finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become fragrant and softened, building the flavor base for the soup.
- Add fish stock and simmer: Pour the fish stock into the pot and bring it gently to a simmer, forming the liquid base of the soup.
- Incorporate coconut milk and seasonings: Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and lime zest. Season the broth with salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors.
- Simmer and cook fish: Let the soup gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors. Then add the white fish chunks and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the fish turns opaque and is cooked through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and modify seasoning if necessary. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish and enjoy: Finish each bowl with fresh cilantro or Thai basil for brightness. Serve hot with optional lime wedges or rice on the side for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the white fish with any firm, mild-flavored fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia.
- For a spicier version, add sliced fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes during the sauté step.
- Using homemade fish stock will enhance the depth of flavor, but good-quality store-bought broth works well too.
- This soup pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or warm crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
