Creamy Coconut Lime Fish Soup (Print)

Fragrant silky soup with tender fish, creamy coconut milk, and fresh lime for a light tropical meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fish & Protein

01 - 1.1 pounds white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger, grated
05 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
06 - 2 small carrots, thinly sliced
07 - 2 stalks celery, sliced
08 - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

→ Liquids

09 - 1 can (13.5 ounces) full-fat coconut milk
10 - 3 cups fish stock or vegetable stock
11 - Juice and zest of 2 limes

→ Spice & Seasoning

12 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
14 - 1 teaspoon sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
16 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
17 - 1 small red chili, finely sliced, optional
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped for garnish

# How To Make:

01 - Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
02 - Add garlic, ginger, celery, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Pour in the fish stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
04 - Add coconut milk, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt, pepper, and chili if using. Stir well to combine.
05 - Gently add fish pieces. Simmer for 7-8 minutes, until fish is opaque and cooked through.
06 - Stir in lime juice and zest. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with green onions and fresh cilantro.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way the coconut milk creates this velvety broth that feels luxurious but comes together in under 40 minutes
  • Its that perfect dinner when you want something nourishing but not heavy, like a warm hug that doesnt weigh you down
02 -
  • Don't let the soup boil vigorously once the fish is added, or the fish will turn rubbery and tough. Gentle simmering keeps it tender.
  • Add the lime juice at the very end, not during cooking, because prolonged heat can make lime taste bitter and lose its bright pop.
03 -
  • Cut your fish into slightly larger pieces than you think you need because they shrink slightly as they cook
  • Taste your coconut milk before adding. Some brands are sweeter than others, so adjust your sugar accordingly

Go Back