Fresh Coconut Lime Soup

Featured in Comforting Soups & Hearty Stews.

This bright Lime Coconut Dish mixes creamy coconut milk with fresh lime and soft, flaky fish. Sauté aromatics like ginger, garlic, and onions to build up flavors, then spice it up with turmeric and coriander for warmth. Add in veggies like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for crunch and color. The silky broth comes together using coconut milk and simple broth, made lively with lime juice and zest. Quick, light, and packed with flavor contrasts, this meal brings coziness and zest in every bite.
A chef holding a plate of food.
Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:39:03 GMT
Coconut lime fish with tropical spices in a fresh, zesty broth. Pin it
Coconut lime fish with tropical spices in a fresh, zesty broth. | linacooks.com

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
Smooth coconut lime fish soup with flaky fish chunks and bright citrus hints. Pin it
Smooth coconut lime fish soup with flaky fish chunks and bright citrus hints. | linacooks.com

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.

Tasty fish soup with a coconut lime foundation, great for a light but filling dinner. Pin it
Tasty fish soup with a coconut lime foundation, great for a light but filling dinner. | linacooks.com

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!

Coconut Lime Fish Soup

Tender white fish blended with creamy coconut milk, lime, and fragrant spices—offering a tropical meal that's light yet fulfilling.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Modern Asian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Liquids & Seafood

01 1 can (14 oz) creamy coconut milk
02 1 lb of white fish (like snapper, cod, or halibut), chopped into small chunks
03 2 cups broth (vegetable or fish)

→ Aromatics & Veggies

04 1 cherry-red bell pepper, cut into small squares
05 1 medium onion, chopped finely
06 1 grated piece of fresh ginger, about an inch long
07 2 minced garlic cloves
08 1 cup small cherry tomatoes, split in half

→ Flavor Boosters

09 A squeeze and zest from 1 lime
10 2 teaspoons of fish sauce (optional)
11 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 1 teaspoon each of ground coriander and turmeric
13 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
14 Salt and pepper, as much as you like
15 Fresh parsley or cilantro to sprinkle on top

Instructions

Step 01

In a big pot over medium heat, warm up some olive oil. Toss in the onion first and cook until it's soft (around 5 minutes). Then stir in the garlic and ginger, letting them cook for about a minute.

Step 02

Mix in the bell pepper, coriander, turmeric, and chili flakes. Let these cook for around 2-3 minutes until the peppers start to soften.

Step 03

Pour in the broth and creamy coconut milk. Get everything to a light simmer.

Step 04

Stir in the lime zest, tomatoes, and fish sauce. Carefully drop in the fish chunks and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the fish is tender and flakes apart easily.

Step 05

Squeeze in lime juice and tweak the seasonings if needed. Dish it up with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.

Notes

  1. A light but rich dish with flaky white fish swimming in coconut milk and lime, packed with tropical flavors.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big cooking pot

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has fish ingredients