Spicy Lemon Fish Soup is a zesty, flavorful dish that balances the freshness of fish with the heat from chilies and the tanginess of lemon. This vibrant soup is inspired by various Asian and Latin American cuisines, which often combine fresh seafood with aromatic herbs, spices, and citrus to create refreshing yet hearty soups.
Here’s a recipe for a Spicy Lemon Fish Soup that’s both comforting and full of punch:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) firm white fish (like tilapia, snapper, or cod), cut into chunks or fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 fresh chilies (jalapeño or serrano), sliced (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced or grated
- 1-2 tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups fish stock or water (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for umami)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric (for color and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (optional, for warmth)
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust for tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced lime wedges, for serving
Optional Vegetables:
- 1 small carrot, thinly sliced
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 1 cup baby spinach or bok choy, chopped
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and chilies. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Cook the Tomatoes and Spices:
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes, and cook for 3-4 minutes, until they soften and release their juices.
- Add the turmeric, cumin, and fish sauce (if using), and stir to combine. Cook for another 1 minute to bloom the spices.
3. Add the Broth and Vegetables:
- Pour in the fish stock or water and bring the soup to a simmer.
- If you’re adding vegetables like carrot, celery, or spinach, toss them into the pot at this stage.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Cook the Fish:
- Add the fish chunks or fillets to the simmering broth.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes (depending on the size of the fish pieces) until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If using fish fillets, you can break them into smaller pieces with a spoon as they cook.
5. Finish the Soup:
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and coconut milk (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and sugar if needed.
- If the soup is too sour, a pinch of sugar can help balance the flavors.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.
Serving Suggestions:
- This soup pairs beautifully with steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the broth.
- You can also serve it with a side of tortillas or fried plantains for a more filling meal.
- If you want to add more heat, serve with extra sliced fresh chilies or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Tips:
- Fish Options: Any firm white fish works well in this recipe. Try tilapia, snapper, or cod, but you could also use salmon or mackerel for a richer flavor.
- Adjust Heat: Feel free to increase or decrease the number of chilies based on your spice preference. If you want a milder soup, remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them to the pot.
- Broth Variations: For a more intense flavor, use homemade fish stock or chicken broth. For a lighter version, use vegetable broth.
- Creaminess: Adding coconut milk is optional but makes the soup a bit creamier and balances the heat with richness. You can also add a swirl of cream or half-and-half if you prefer a dairy option.
This Spicy Lemon Fish Soup is perfect for those who love bright, tangy flavors with a spicy kick. It’s a great dish for warming up on a cool day or serving as a light but satisfying dinner. Enjoy!
