Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor – A spicy, aromatic broth infuses the fish with bold flavors.
- Healthy – Loaded with lean protein from the fish and nutritious vegetables.
- Quick and Easy – Simple ingredients and a quick cooking time make it a great weeknight meal.
- Customizable – You can adjust the spice level to your liking and use any type of white fish.
- Light Yet Satisfying – A hearty yet light meal that leaves you feeling full but not weighed down.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- White fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or haddock)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- Fish stock or vegetable broth
- Chili peppers or red pepper flakes
- Fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper
- Lime juice
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth – Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until softened. Add the fish stock or vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
- Season the Broth – Add chili peppers (or red pepper flakes), cilantro, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well.
- Add the Fish – Gently add the fish fillets to the simmering broth. Cook for 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
- Finish with Lime – Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup just before serving for a touch of acidity.
- Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro or chili slices, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables – Toss in some sliced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Twist – Add more chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier soup.
- Herb Variation – Use fresh basil or parsley instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Make it Creamy – Stir in a little coconut milk for a creamier broth with a subtle sweetness.
- Use Different Fish – Feel free to swap out the fish for another firm white fish or even shrimp.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to remove the fish before freezing, as it may become rubbery when reheated.
- Reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen the soup if necessary.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fish for this recipe?
Yes, frozen fish works well. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
To make it less spicy, reduce or omit the chili peppers or red pepper flakes. For more heat, add additional chili peppers or hot sauce.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of fish stock?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute if you want a vegetarian version of the soup.
Can I add other seafood to this soup?
Yes, you can add shrimp, scallops, or even shellfish like clams to this soup for extra flavor.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, canned tomatoes work perfectly in this soup and save time.
How do I know when the fish is done cooking?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s cooked through.
Can I make this soup without cilantro?
Yes, you can skip the cilantro or substitute it with another herb like basil or parsley.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or a side salad.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, sauté the aromatics first, then add the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Add the fish in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This Spicy Fish Soup is a bold, flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is healthy. With tender fish, a spicy broth, and aromatic vegetables, it’s a satisfying and easy-to-make meal. Perfect for any time you’re craving a warm, nourishing soup with a bit of heat, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Spicy Fish Soup Recipe
Spicy Fish Soup is a bold, flavorful dish featuring tender white fish fillets simmered in a rich, aromatic broth with tomatoes, bell peppers, and warming spices. This easy, protein-packed soup is perfect for chilly nights and can be customized to your spice preference. Serve it with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Seafood, Spicy
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut), cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups fish or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
- Build the Broth – Add diced tomatoes, broth, paprika, cayenne, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Cook the Vegetables – Stir in sliced bell pepper and carrots. Simmer for about 10 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add the Fish – Gently place the fish fillets into the broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the fish is tender and flaky.
- Finish and Serve – Stir in lemon juice and chopped cilantro, then remove from heat. Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Mild Version – Reduce cayenne pepper for less heat.
- Seafood Mix – Add shrimp, mussels, or squid for variety.
- Creamy Option – Stir in coconut milk for a richer texture.
- Extra Vegetables – Include zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
