Description
A vibrant and tangy Spicy Lemon Fish Soup that combines tender white fish with zesty lemon, warming spices, and a mild heat from chili, perfect for a light yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Broth
- 1 lb white fish fillets (cod, halibut, haddock), cut into chunks
- 4 cups fish or vegetable stock
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Aromatics and Spices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Lemon and Garnish
- 1 large lemon (zest + juice)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and chili: Stir in the minced garlic and sliced chili. Cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in the cumin and smoked paprika. Stir to coat the onion mixture and let the spices bloom for about 30 seconds.
- Build the broth: Pour in the fish or vegetable stock and diced tomatoes. Stir in the lemon zest and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the fish: Carefully add the chunks of white fish to the simmering broth. Let simmer (not boil) for 6–8 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish with lemon and herbs: Stir in the lemon juice, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional chili or red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Use firm white fish like cod, halibut, or haddock for the best texture.
- Adjust chili quantity according to your spice preference; remove seeds to reduce heat.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice are key to the soup’s bright flavor profile.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture; reheating may slightly change fish texture.
- The soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240ml)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: spicy lemon fish soup, fish soup recipe, easy fish stew, Mediterranean fish soup, healthy fish soup
