Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a flavorful and vibrant dish combining the creamy richness of coconut milk with the refreshing tang of lime juice. Originating from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Vietnam, this soup offers a tropical twist that is both nourishing and delicious. It’s easy to make and provides numerous health benefits, thanks to the omega-3 fatty acids in fish and vitamin C from lime.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp ginger, grated

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

• 2 cups fish or chicken broth

• 3 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• Lime wedges for serving

Directions

1. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

2. Cook the Bell Pepper: Add the red bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

3. Add Liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.

4. Flavor the Soup: Add the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook the Fish: Gently add the fish pieces and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the fish is cooked through.

6. Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro. Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal

• Protein: 15g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 30mg

• Sodium: 450mg

• Potassium: 400mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 6g

• Vitamin C: 20mg

This tropical soup is a perfect blend of creamy and tangy flavors, ideal for a refreshing, wholesome meal. Enjoy with some rice or crusty bread to complete the dish!

A Tropical Twist: Coconut and Lime

The magic of this dish lies in the combination of coconut milk and lime juice. Coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup, providing a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the zesty tang of lime juice. The addition of lime not only enhances the flavor but also gives the soup a refreshing quality, making it perfect for those who enjoy a balance of richness and brightness in their meals.

The coconut milk is the base of the soup, lending its tropical flavor and creamy consistency, while the lime juice provides an acidic contrast that prevents the dish from becoming too heavy. Together, they create a soup that is both comforting and refreshing, offering a unique flavor profile that’s characteristic of Southeast Asian cuisine.

The Fish: A Lean Source of Protein

The main protein in Coconut Lime Fish Soup comes from white fish fillets like cod or tilapia. These fish are mild in flavor and tender, making them perfect for this type of soup, as they absorb the flavors of the broth while maintaining their delicate texture. White fish is a great source of lean protein, which helps to build and repair tissues in the body. It’s also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their benefits to heart health.

When added to the soup, the fish cooks quickly, becoming flaky and tender in just a few minutes. Its mild taste serves as a wonderful backdrop to the bold flavors of the coconut milk and lime, allowing those ingredients to shine while still providing a satisfying and nutritious protein source.

The Vegetables: Adding Color and Flavor

The onion, garlic, and ginger form the aromatic base of the soup, providing depth and warmth. Sautéing the onion in olive oil brings out its natural sweetness, while the garlic and ginger add a fragrant, savory kick that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Red bell pepper is another key vegetable in this soup. It adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color, making the dish more visually appealing and balanced in flavor. As the bell pepper softens during cooking, it infuses the broth with a mild sweetness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

The combination of these vegetables creates a savory and aromatic foundation that elevates the dish, while the fresh cilantro added at the end brightens the soup and adds a burst of freshness.

The Broth: Rich and Flavorful

The broth in Coconut Lime Fish Soup is light yet flavorful. It’s made by combining coconut milk with either fish broth or chicken broth, depending on what you have available. The coconut milk brings a creamy richness, while the broth adds a savory depth to the soup, making it comforting without being too heavy.

The fish sauce adds another layer of depth and umami flavor, which is a hallmark of Southeast Asian cuisine. While the fish sauce may seem strong on its own, it balances out the sweetness of the coconut milk and the acidity of the lime juice. The addition of sugar helps to round out the flavors and prevent the soup from becoming too acidic.

Together, these ingredients form a flavorful and well-balanced broth that is both creamy and tangy, making each spoonful a satisfying experience.

Cooking the Soup: A Quick and Simple Process

Making Coconut Lime Fish Soup is quick and easy. The process begins by sautéing the onion, garlic, and ginger in olive oil until fragrant. After the vegetables have softened, the red bell pepper is added and cooked for a few more minutes. Next, the liquids—the coconut milk and broth—are poured into the pot, creating the base of the soup.

The key to a great fish soup is ensuring that the fish is added gently to the simmering broth. Once the broth is brought to a simmer, the fish pieces are carefully added and cooked for about 5-7 minutes, just long enough for the fish to become tender and flaky. Overcooking the fish will cause it to become tough, so it’s important to monitor the cooking time closely.

Once the fish is cooked, lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar are added to the soup, and the flavors are adjusted with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fresh cilantro is stirred in just before serving, adding a burst of freshness that completes the dish.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Coconut Lime Fish Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Each serving contains around 250 calories, making it a light yet satisfying meal. The 15g of protein per serving comes primarily from the fish, providing a lean and healthy source of protein that supports muscle growth and repair.

The soup also contains omega-3 fatty acids from the fish, which are known for their positive effects on heart health and inflammation reduction. The addition of lime juice provides 20mg of vitamin C, supporting immune health and promoting healthy skin.

While the soup does contain some saturated fat from the coconut milk, it’s important to note that coconut milk is also rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of healthy fat that can support energy levels and metabolism. Additionally, the fiber from the vegetables and fresh cilantro helps to aid digestion and keep you feeling full.

Serving Suggestions

Coconut Lime Fish Soup can be served on its own as a light meal or paired with other dishes for a more substantial meal. A bowl of steamed rice or a slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. For added texture and flavor, you can garnish the soup with lime wedges for an extra citrus burst, or sprinkle additional cilantro over the top for more freshness.

This soup also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, such as a cucumber salad or a green leafy salad, which will complement the light and tangy flavors of the soup.

Conclusion: A Refreshing and Nourishing Dish

Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the creaminess of coconut milk with the refreshing tang of lime. It’s quick and easy to make, yet it offers a satisfying and nourishing meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its light broth, tender fish, and fresh vegetables, this soup provides a well-rounded combination of flavors and nutrients that make it a healthy and delicious option. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a flavorful dinner, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.