
Imagine holding a warm bowl of coconut lime fish soup that whisks you away to a sun-soaked shore. This lively soup blends tender white fish with smooth coconut milk and zesty citrus touches, making a comforting meal that's both healthy and thrilling. It's breezy enough for hot summer nights yet warming when the temperature drops.
I stumbled upon this soup during a beach getaway where a hometown cook revealed his trick - getting the perfect balance between rich coconut milk and tangy lime. Now it's my favorite way to wow dinner guests without sweating in the kitchen for ages.
Key Ingredients
- White Fish: Go for sturdy, subtle options like haddock or cod that won't fall apart as they cook
- Coconut Milk: Pick the full-fat canned version for the smoothest texture and deepest taste
- Fresh Limes: Their sharp tang cuts right through the richness
- Fresh Ginger: Grab pieces that seem dense and have smooth, unwrinkled skin
- Bell Peppers: Throw in different colors to boost both flavor and eye appeal

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Start Your Flavor Foundation
- Warm oil in a big pot on medium heat. Cook chopped ginger and garlic until they smell good, roughly 1 minute. Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn clear and soft. Mix in bell peppers and cook until they start to soften.
- Make Your Soup Base
- Add coconut milk and stock, mixing well. Sprinkle in turmeric and chili flakes. Warm it up slowly, avoiding a full boil. Let everything mingle for 5-7 minutes.
- Add Your Fish
- Slip fish chunks gently into the warm broth. Drizzle hot liquid over the fish. Cook until fish breaks apart easily, around 5-6 minutes. Stir carefully to keep fish pieces whole.
- Get The Taste Just Right
- Squeeze in fresh lime juice bit by bit, tasting as you add. Add salt and pepper. Throw in more chili if you want extra kick.
- Wrap It Up and Dish Out
- Pour into warmed bowls. Scatter fresh herbs on top with lime chunks. Enjoy right away while it's hot.
We've found this soup works wonders in our home - it's become our trusted fix for cold weather and runny noses. Something about the mix of ginger, coconut, and lime just perks everyone up.

Whenever I cook this soup, I think back to that first beach lesson about mixing flavors. The way coconut milk forms a velvety background for the soft fish, while lime and herbs bring freshness, makes this more than just food - it's a bowl of island comfort that always carries us to a dreamy beach paradise.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of fish can I use?
- Firm white fish like snapper, cod, or halibut is great since it won’t break apart while cooking.
- → Can I prep it in advance?
- The broth can be made ahead, but add the fish just before serving to avoid overcooking.
- → Do I have to use fish sauce?
- Fish sauce gives great depth, but you can skip it or replace it with a little extra salt for a vegetarian option.
- → Is light coconut milk okay?
- For the richest taste, full-fat is the way to go! But light coconut milk does work if you’re cutting calories.
- → How spicy should it be?
- Start with a pinch of red pepper flakes and add more if you like more heat!