Creamy Coconut Lime Fish Soup (Printable)

Tender fish simmers in coconut milk with aromatics and fresh lime for a silky, satisfying bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Protein

01 - 1.1 lbs 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 - 13.5 oz can coconut milk (full-fat)
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 - 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
17 - 1 small red chili, finely sliced (optional)
18 - Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped for garnish

# How to Make It:

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 the 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 the fish pieces. Simmer for 7–8 minutes, until the 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 Hacks:

01 -
  • The coconut milk creates this velvety richness that tricks you into thinking it took hours to make
  • That hit of fresh lime right at the end wakes up every single ingredient in the bowl
02 -
  • Let the soup cool slightly before tasting. Coconut milk masks heat and you might think its mild until it burns your tongue
  • Fish continues cooking after you remove it from heat. Pull it when it looks slightly underdone
03 -
  • If your coconut milk has separated give the can a good shake or whisk it while heating
  • Fish sauce brands vary wildly in saltiness. Start with less than you think you need

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