Coconut Lime Fish Soup is a flavorful and refreshing dish that’s both creamy and tangy. It combines the richness of coconut milk with the brightness of lime and the delicate taste of fish. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- Fish: 1 lb firm white fish (like cod, tilapia, or snapper), cut into chunks
- Coconut milk: 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- Fish stock or water: 2 cups (or chicken stock if you prefer)
- Lime: 2 limes (juice and zest)
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated or thinly sliced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Tomatoes: 2, diced (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
- Red bell pepper: 1, thinly sliced
- Carrot: 1 medium, julienned or sliced thin
- Cilantro: Fresh, chopped for garnish
- Chili (optional): 1 small chili or ½ tsp red chili flakes for heat
- Olive oil or coconut oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Sugar: A pinch (optional, balances acidity)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Soup Base:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil or coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and red bell pepper. Stir for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Simmer:
- Pour in the coconut milk and fish stock (or water), and bring to a simmer. Add the diced tomatoes and carrots, and cook for about 10-12 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook the Fish:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, gently add the fish chunks to the pot. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
- Flavor the Soup:
- Add the lime juice and zest, salt, and pepper to taste. If using, add chili flakes or fresh chili for a little heat. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro. You can also add extra lime wedges on the side for a more intense lime flavor.
Tips:
- Fish Options: Use any firm white fish like halibut, cod, or mahi-mahi. Avoid delicate fish like tilapia if you prefer chunks rather than flakes.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or baby corn, or swap the carrot for sweet potato for a different flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Increase the chili or add some Thai red curry paste for more complexity and heat.
Enjoy your Coconut Lime Fish Soup—a light, comforting, and tangy dish perfect for any season!
