Bright Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe: Tropical Comfort in a Bowl

Craving a tropical escape with your zesty coconut lime fish soup that whisks you straight to balmy coastal kitchens?

Ocean-fresh flavors dance through this vibrant bowl, promising pure culinary excitement.

Delicate fish swims in a creamy coconut broth infused with bright citrus notes.

Fragrant herbs and subtle spices create a harmonious melody of taste sensations.

Quick and simple ingredients come together in minutes, making this recipe perfect for spontaneous meal adventures.

Delightful aromas will fill your kitchen, signaling a meal that promises comfort and exotic charm.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this soul-warming soup that transforms ordinary dinner into a mini vacation.

Ideal Pairings with Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the zesty lime and delicate fish flavors, cutting through the creamy coconut base.
• Serve With Crusty Bread: Offer warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette slices to soak up the rich, aromatic broth and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Match Tropical Side Salad: Create a light green salad with mango, cucumber, and a citrus vinaigrette that echoes the soup's tropical and tangy profile, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Recommend Sparkling Water: Choose a lime-infused sparkling water with fresh mint to refresh the palate between spoonfuls and mirror the soup's bright, clean flavor notes.

Variations of Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup

• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace coconut milk with almond milk or vegetable broth for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains a creamy texture.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap fish with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, using vegetable stock instead of fish sauce to create a plant-based alternative that keeps the zesty flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or red chili flakes during the sautéing stage to introduce heat and complexity to the soup's flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Reduce cherry tomatoes and replace with low-carb vegetables like zucchini or cauliflower florets, maintaining the soup's nutritional balance while minimizing carbohydrate content.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best in this soup?

White, mild fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia are perfect. These fish hold their shape well and absorb the zesty coconut lime flavors without overpowering the broth.

• Can I make this soup spicy?

Absolutely! Add fresh chopped chilies or a dash of sriracha sauce during the simmering stage. This will give the soup a nice kick of heat that complements the coconut and lime.

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious dish packed with protein from the fish, healthy fats from coconut milk, and vitamins from fresh vegetables. The soup is low-carb and provides a balanced, wholesome meal.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add some rice noodles or cooked rice directly into the soup. You can also include extra vegetables like spinach or bok choy to increase the nutritional value and make it more substantial.

Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup Highlights

• Packed with protein from fish, healthy fats from coconut milk, and vibrant vegetables, this soup delivers a balanced meal in one delightful bowl.
• Flexible recipe allows swapping fish types, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant dish but requires minimal cooking skills, making it ideal for home cooks wanting to elevate their meal game without complicated techniques.

Key Ingredients for Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup

• Olive Oil: A light cooking oil that helps sauté the aromatics and develop rich flavors.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory foundation for the soup.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and warmth to the soup's flavor profile.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that gives the soup a rich, tropical texture.
• Stock: Provides a flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
• Fish Sauce: Adds a savory, umami element to enhance the overall taste.

• Fish Cubes: The main protein that cooks gently in the fragrant broth.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds a burst of fresh, slightly acidic flavor and color.
• Lime Juice: Brings a bright, zesty citrus note to balance the creamy soup.
• Salt: Helps to season and enhance the soup's overall taste.

• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Provides a fresh, aromatic finish and additional citrus brightness.

Step-by-Step Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup Prep

Step 1: Create Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Sauté the ingredients until they release a mouth-watering fragrance and become soft and translucent, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Build Flavorful Liquid Foundation

Pour in creamy coconut milk, rich chicken or vegetable stock, and a splash of fish sauce.

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to maintain a calm simmer.

This creates a luxurious broth that will infuse your soup with deep, complex flavors.

Step 3: Introduce Colorful Vegetables

Add halved cherry tomatoes to the simmering broth.

Let them cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their sweet, tangy juices into the liquid.

Step 4: Gently Cook Delicate Fish

Carefully slide fish cubes into the simmering broth.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, watching the fish transform from translucent to opaque white, indicating it’s perfectly cooked through without becoming tough.

Step 5: Brighten With Citrus Punch

Remove the pot from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup.

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt or an extra squeeze of lime to balance the flavors precisely to your liking.

Step 6: Serve With Elegant Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls.

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top and place a wedge of lime on the rim of each bowl for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

Pro Tips for Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup

• Select firm white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper that won't break apart during cooking and maintains a delicate texture.
• Start with less lime juice and gradually add more to control the zesty flavor without overpowering the delicate fish and coconut broth.
• Keep the broth at a gentle simmer to prevent fish from becoming tough or rubbery, which happens with high heat.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or bok choy during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value without compromising soup's consistency.
• Swap fish sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version, and use vegetable stock to make the soup vegetarian-friendly by substituting fish with tofu cubes.

How to Store and Reheat Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing portions with fresh cilantro garnish.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Gently reheat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Check the temperature and fish doneness to prevent overcooking.

Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tropical waves of flavor crash through this zesty coconut lime fish soup, blending Caribbean coastal freshness with creamy coconut richness. Rich seafood broth and tangy citrus notes invite coastal culinary adventure for bold palates seeking delightful maritime comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) coconut milk
• 1 lb (450 g) white fish fillets (e.g., cod or tilapia), cubed
• 2 cups (473 ml) fish or vegetable stock
• 1 cup (237 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a medium-heat pot and gently sauté finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger until their aromas meld and become fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
2. Pour in creamy coconut milk, prepared stock, and pungent fish sauce. Elevate heat to create a gentle bubbling, then immediately reduce to a soft, consistent simmer.
3. Introduce halved cherry tomatoes into the simmering liquid, allowing them to soften and release their sweet juices for roughly 5 minutes.
4. Carefully fold delicate fish cubes into the soup, maintaining a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes until the protein transforms to a milky white and becomes perfectly cooked through.
5. Brighten the soup’s profile by drizzling fresh lime juice, then meticulously taste and calibrate seasoning with additional salt or citrus notes as desired.
6. Transfer the aromatic soup into serving bowls, creating an elegant presentation by scattering vibrant chopped cilantro and positioning zesty lime wedges alongside for individual garnishing.

Notes

• Select firm white fish like cod, halibut, or snapper for best texture and even cooking throughout the soup.
• Customize spice levels by adding red chili flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers to create a more intense heat profile.
• Use light coconut milk for a lower-calorie version without compromising the creamy, rich flavor of the soup.
• Toast whole spices like cumin or coriander seeds before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg