Description
Tropical paradise meets comfort in this coconut lime fish soup, where creamy coconut milk and zesty lime dance with delicate seafood. Warm spices and fresh herbs elevate each spoonful, inviting coastal flavors that will transport you to a serene island getaway.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (450g) white fish fillets (such as cod, snapper, or halibut), cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 12 red chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can (14 ounces/400 milliliters) coconut milk
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) fish stock or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh cilantro and basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Awaken the aromatics by heating vegetable oil in a spacious pot over medium flame, coaxing chopped onions into translucent softness within 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic, ginger, and sliced red chilies, allowing their vibrant essences to dance and release intoxicating fragrances for 2 minutes.
- Stream coconut milk and fish stock into the pot, creating a luxurious liquid foundation infused with fish sauce, bright lime zest, tangy lime juice, and a whisper of sugar.
- Encourage the mixture to reach a gentle, rolling simmer, welcoming sliced red bell peppers and halved cherry tomatoes to mingle and soften for 5-7 minutes.
- Tenderly nestle fish pieces into the aromatic broth, allowing them to poach delicately until they transform into flaky, perfectly cooked morsels without losing their delicate texture.
- Calibrate the soup’s flavor profile by tasting and adjusting with strategic pinches of salt, pepper, or an additional splash of lime juice to elevate the overall harmony.
- Present the soup in inviting bowls, crowning each portion with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and basil, accompanied by vibrant lime wedges to personalize each serving.
Notes
- Choose firm white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper to maintain texture and prevent falling apart during cooking.
- Pat fish dry before adding to soup to ensure better searing and prevent watery consistency.
- Reduce cooking time for delicate fish to avoid overcooking, which can make it tough and rubbery.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm fish sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari sauce.
- Substitute coconut milk with light coconut milk for a lower-calorie option without compromising flavor.
- Boost protein by adding shrimp or scallops alongside fish for more variety and nutrition.
- Create a vegetarian alternative by replacing fish with extra-firm tofu or hearty mushrooms like oyster or king trumpet.
- Add depth to soup by including lemongrass or kaffir lime leaves during simmering for authentic Southeast Asian profile.
- Enhance spiciness with additional red chilies or a splash of sriracha for heat lovers.
- Prepare soup base ahead of time and add fresh fish just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg