Coconut Lime Fish Soup
Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a vibrant, quick-to-make dish that balances the creamy richness of coconut milk with the zesty brightness of lime and tender flakes of mild white fish. Perfect for a light lunch or a comforting dinner, this refreshing soup brings tropical flavor to your table in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Tropical / Fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 300g fresh fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into chunks
- 400ml full-fat coconut milk
- 2 cups fish or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes or 1 small fresh chili, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- Additional herbs (lime leaves or lemongrass)
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat a little oil in a pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. This creates the warm aromatic base for the soup.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the fish or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the coconut milk until the broth is creamy and slightly thickened, forming the soup’s rich foundation.
- Add the Lime Zest and Seasonings: Stir in the fresh lime zest, lime juice, and red chili flakes or fresh chili. Adjust the lime and chili to taste for a balanced bright and mildly spicy flavor.
- Cook the Fish: Gently add the fish fillets to the simmering broth, ensuring it is not boiling to keep the fish tender. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sliced green onions on top just before serving to add fresh, herbaceous brightness and vibrant color.
Notes
- Use fresh fish for best taste and texture.
- Do not overcook the fish; add it last and simmer gently.
- Taste and adjust lime juice and seasoning throughout cooking.
- Choose full-fat coconut milk for richer flavor and texture.
- Add herbs at the end to maintain color and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300ml)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: coconut lime soup, fish soup, quick fish recipe, tropical soup, gluten free soup, easy fish soup