Zesty Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe: A Tropical Comfort Bowl

Tropical breezes whisper through every spoonful of this vibrant coconut lime fish soup recipe that bursts with fresh ocean flavors.

Delicate fish fillets swim in a creamy, zesty broth that tingles your taste buds with bright citrus notes.

Fragrant herbs and spices dance alongside tender seafood, creating a light yet satisfying meal.

Each carefully crafted bowl promises a journey through coastal culinary traditions.

The combination of coconut milk and lime juice transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Seafood enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters will adore this quick and nourishing soup that brings the essence of tropical cuisine directly to your table.

Prepare to savor every luxurious spoonful of this remarkable dish.

What Makes Coconut Lime Fish Soup Irresistible

• Packed with vibrant spices like turmeric, coriander, and red pepper flakes, this soup delivers a mouthwatering taste adventure that will wake up your taste buds.
• Ready in just a few simple steps, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish without requiring advanced cooking skills or hours of preparation.
• Combines nutritious fish, vegetables, and aromatic spices in a single pot, making it a wholesome meal that's both delicious and good for your body.
• Flexible recipe allows you to swap fish types, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables, making it perfect for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.

Everything That Goes into Coconut Lime Fish Soup

• White Fish: Delicate fish that flakes easily and absorbs the soup's rich flavors.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Foundational flavor base that creates depth and complexity in the soup.
• Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Tomatoes: Provides natural acidity and additional depth to the soup.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that gives the soup a rich and smooth texture.
• Broth: Provides additional liquid and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Lime Zest, Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy notes that complement the fish.
• Fish Sauce: Introduces a savory, umami element to the soup.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and building initial flavor layers.

• Turmeric: Offers warm, earthy flavor and golden color.
• Coriander: Provides a subtle, citrusy undertone.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat to the soup.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish that adds freshness and aromatic complexity.

Kitchen Tools for Coconut Lime Fish Soup Prep

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing aromatics and simmering soup.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onion, garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and herbs.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately adding spices like turmeric and coriander.
• Citrus zester or grater: Use to zest lime for fresh, bright flavor.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup into bowls.

How to Prepare Coconut Lime Fish Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up the Pot

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Gently sauté onions until they become soft and slightly see-through, which takes about 5 minutes.

Toss in garlic and ginger, stirring for another minute to release their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

• Turmeric
• Coriander
• Red pepper flakes

Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the peppers start to soften and become tender.

Step 3: Create Liquid Base

Pour in creamy coconut milk and broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.

The liquid will start to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.

Step 4: Introduce Seafood Magic

• Chopped tomatoes
• Lime zest
• Fish sauce

Carefully add fish pieces to the simmering liquid, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Let the fish cook gently for 8-10 minutes until it becomes flaky and tender.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup and taste.

Adjust seasonings as needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Chef’s Wisdom for Coconut Lime Fish Soup Success

• Remove fish from heat as soon as it flakes easily to maintain tender, moist texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
• Toast spices like turmeric and coriander in dry pan before adding to develop richer, more complex taste profile.
• Swap fish with shrimp, chicken, or tofu for versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Add fresh cilantro or mint just before serving to preserve bright, vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to match personal heat tolerance, creating a personalized soup experience.

Coconut Lime Fish Soup Twists and Fresh Takes

• Vegetarian Coconut Soup: Replace fish with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried before adding to the soup for extra protein and texture.
• Spicy Thai-Inspired Version: Increase red pepper flakes, add lemongrass, and swap fish sauce with chili paste for a more intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Seafood Option: Use shrimp or scallops instead of white fish, and reduce bell peppers to minimize carbohydrates while maintaining nutritional balance.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Already dairy-free, so perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals seeking a creamy, flavorful soup without compromising taste.

Serving Coconut Lime Fish Soup with Style

• Tropical Beach Picnic: Pack this soup in a thermos for a seaside lunch with crisp bread and cold white wine.
• Wellness Bowl Companion: Serve over brown rice or quinoa, topped with extra cilantro and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for added nutrition.
• Fresh Dinner Party Presentation: Ladle soup into wide bowls, garnish with thin lime slices, fresh herb sprigs, and a small drizzle of chili oil for elegant dining.
• Quick Protein Power Meal: Pair with a light green salad and crusty sourdough bread to create a complete, balanced meal that's both satisfying and quick to prepare.

Keeping Coconut Lime Fish Soup Tasting Great

• Transfer leftover 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.
• Cool the soup completely, then pour into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal carefully, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup seems too thick.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best for this soup?

White, mild fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia are perfect. They absorb flavors well and maintain a delicate texture during cooking.

• Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, increase red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers to boost heat. You can also include a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with lean protein from fish, anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, and nutrient-rich coconut milk. The combination provides balanced nutrition with low calories.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this soup?

No special skills required. This recipe is beginner-friendly with simple steps and straightforward techniques. Anyone comfortable using a pot and cutting vegetables can prepare this delicious soup.

Coconut Lime Fish Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty coconut lime fish soup brings together Mexico’s coastal flavors with creamy coconut milk and zesty lime. Fresh seafood and aromatic herbs create a comforting meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Fish & Liquids:

• 1 pound white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or snapper), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
• 2 cups fish or vegetable broth

Vegetables & Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Seasonings & Flavorings:

• 1 lime (zest and juice)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and ginger to the pot, allowing them to release their aromatic essence for about 1 minute.
3. Incorporate diced bell peppers, turmeric, ground coriander, and red pepper flakes, stirring continuously until the peppers become tender and slightly wilted, around 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour coconut milk and broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle, rolling simmer that allows flavors to meld together.
5. Add chopped tomatoes, lime zest, and fish sauce to the simmering liquid, creating a vibrant and fragrant base for the soup.
6. Carefully nestle fish pieces into the liquid, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
7. Allow the fish to cook gently in the simmering broth for 8-10 minutes, ensuring it becomes delicately flaky and fully cooked through.
8. Remove from heat and brighten the soup with fresh lime juice, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed for a perfectly balanced flavor.
9. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and aromatic complexity.

Notes

• Choose firm white fish like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi that holds its shape during simmering and absorbs flavor beautifully.
• Swap out fish for tofu or chickpeas to create a delightful vegetarian version without losing the soup’s vibrant tropical profile.
• Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes; start with less and gradually increase for personalized heat intensity.
• Enhance soup’s depth by toasting spices briefly before adding liquids, which releases more complex aromatics and intensifies overall flavor.

• Prep Time: 11 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg