Sunny Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe: Fresh Beach Flavors

Tropical breezes whisper through this coconut lime fish soup, blending oceanic freshness with vibrant island flavors.

Aromas of zesty citrus and creamy coconut milk dance together in a single pot.

Delicate seafood transforms into a luxurious meal that feels like a seaside escape.

Layers of bright ingredients create a symphony of taste that will transport you far from your kitchen.

Fragrant herbs and tender fish chunks promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Each spoonful carries the essence of coastal cuisine, inviting you to savor every nuanced bite.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds set sail on a delicious journey.

Why Coconut Lime Fish Soup Is Refreshingly Delicious

• Culinary Adventure Awaits: Dive into a vibrant journey with this tropical-inspired soup that brings zesty lime and creamy coconut together in one delightful bowl.
• Master Quick Cooking Skills: Perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their kitchen confidence with a simple yet impressive recipe that requires minimal professional cooking experience.
• Nutrition Packed Delight: Loaded with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and aromatic herbs, this soup delivers a balanced meal that nourishes your body while tantalizing your taste buds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap fish types, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours, making it a versatile go-to meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients for Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral cooking oil that helps start the flavor foundation of the soup.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the soup.
• Garlic, Ginger, Red Chilies: Create a fragrant and spicy flavor profile that enhances the overall taste.

• Coconut Milk: Adds a rich, creamy texture and tropical flavor to the soup.
• Fish Stock, Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that adds depth to the soup.

• Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce: Contribute umami and saltiness to balance the soup's flavors.
• Lime Zest, Lime Juice, Sugar: Bring a bright, citrusy sweetness that complements the fish.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Red Bell Pepper: Add color, freshness, and a slight sweetness to the soup.

• White Fish: The main protein that creates the soup's primary substance and flavor.

• Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Provide a fresh, zesty finish and additional citrus brightness.

How to Make Creamy Coconut Lime Fish Soup

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a perfect base for your flavor-packed soup.

Step 2: Soften the Onions

Add chopped onion and cook until they become translucent and tender, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Build the Aromatic Foundation

• Garlic
• Ginger
• Red chilies

Saute these ingredients until they become wonderfully fragrant and start to dance with flavor.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Base

• Coconut milk
• Fish stock

Stir these together, creating a creamy and rich foundation for your soup.

Step 5: Season and Enhance

• Fish sauce
• Soy sauce
• Lime zest
• Lime juice
• Sugar

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Sliced red bell pepper

Cook until the vegetables are tender but still maintain their bright colors and crisp texture.

Step 7: Cook the Fish

Gently add white fish pieces to the simmering soup. Cook until the fish is perfectly done, flaking easily with a fork.

Be careful not to overcook, preserving the fish’s delicate texture.

Step 8: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste the soup and fine-tune the seasoning.

Add more lime juice, salt, or pepper to achieve your desired flavor profile.

Step 9: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve with lime wedges for an extra citrusy kick.

Tips to Balance Flavors in Fish Soup

• Select fresh, firm white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper for the best texture and flavor in the soup.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer red chilies to suit your heat preference.
• Use low-sodium fish stock or broth to control the salt content and prevent the soup from becoming too salty.
• For a lighter version, replace half the coconut milk with additional fish stock to reduce calories and fat.
• Ensure the fish is added at the last moment to prevent overcooking, which can make it tough and rubbery.

Variations to Refresh Coconut Lime Fish Soup

• Spicy Shrimp Swap: Replace white fish with succulent shrimp for a zesty seafood variation that adds a punch of flavor and changes the protein profile.
• Vegetarian Coconut Delight: Substitute fish with firm tofu or hearty mushrooms like oyster or shiitake, using vegetable broth to create a plant-based version of the soup.
• Low-Carb Thai Inspired: Reduce tomatoes and bell peppers, add extra ginger and lemongrass for an intensified flavor profile that keeps the soup light and keto-friendly.
• Dairy-Free Tropical Version: Confirm coconut milk is full-fat and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free, perfect for those with lactose sensitivities or following dairy-restricted diets.

What Goes Well with Coconut Lime Fish Soup

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complements the bright lime and coconut flavors, cutting through the soup's richness with refreshing acidity.
• Serve Crusty Bread Companion: Rustic sourdough or french baguette slices work wonderfully for soaking up the aromatic broth, adding delightful texture and helping to capture every delicious drop.
• Match Herbaceous Cocktail: Create a cilantro-lime mojito that mirrors the soup's key ingredients, enhancing the tropical and citrusy profile while providing a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the warm soup.
• Elevate with Tropical Side Salad: Prepare a light mango and cucumber salad dressed with similar lime and herb notes, creating a harmonious flavor connection that enhances the overall dining experience.

How to Store Coconut Lime Fish Soup Safely

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Separate fish from broth to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.

Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing if using delicate fish varieties.

Warm soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of fish stock or water to restore liquid consistency. Heat until thoroughly warm but not boiling to prevent fish from becoming tough.

Transfer portion to microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated evenly. Add fresh cilantro after reheating for bright flavor.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best for this soup?

White, mild fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia are perfect. They absorb the flavors well and maintain a tender texture without falling apart during cooking.

• Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, add more red chilies or include a dash of chili sauce to increase heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance for a personalized flavor profile.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! The soup is protein-rich from fish, loaded with vegetables, and contains healthy fats from coconut milk. It’s a nutritious one-pot meal packed with essential nutrients and low in calories.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to prepare this recipe?

Not at all. This soup is beginner-friendly with simple steps and basic techniques. Anyone with minimal cooking experience can successfully make this delicious dish.

Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy coconut lime fish soup brings tropical coastal flavors directly to kitchen tables with Caribbean-inspired zest. Delicate seafood swirls within silky coconut broth, delivering bright citrus notes and rich maritime comfort you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (cod, snapper, or halibut), cut into 1-inch pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 12 red chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
• 4 cups fish stock or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime zest
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a foundation for the soup’s aromatic base.
2. Sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red chilies, cooking until the kitchen fills with a fragrant essence, about 2 minutes.
4. Pour in coconut milk and fish stock, whisking to create a smooth, harmonious liquid.
5. Infuse the broth with fish sauce, soy sauce, vibrant lime zest, tangy lime juice, and a touch of sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Incorporate halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red bell peppers, allowing them to dance in the liquid for 5-7 minutes until tender yet crisp.
7. Carefully introduce white fish pieces, letting them poach gently for 5-7 minutes until they become delicately flaky.
8. Fine-tune the soup’s flavor profile by adjusting with additional lime juice, salt, or pepper to taste.
9. Elegantly serve the soup in bowls, crowning each portion with fresh cilantro and accompanying lime wedges for a final citrusy flourish.

Notes

• Swap fish stock with vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version that keeps the soup’s delicate flavor profile.
• Choose firm white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper to ensure the fish holds its shape and doesn’t disintegrate during cooking.
• Enhance the soup’s complexity by adding lemongrass or kaffir lime leaves during simmering for an authentic Southeast Asian twist.
• Reduce spiciness by removing chili seeds or substituting with a milder pepper if you prefer a gentler heat level.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg