Description
This Spicy Lemon Fish Soup is a light and zesty broth-based soup infused with bold citrus flavor, a kick of heat, and tender flakes of white fish. It’s comforting without being heavy, making it perfect for chilly evenings or as a refreshing reset meal after indulgent days.
Ingredients
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1 lb white fish fillets (cod, halibut, haddock), cut into chunks
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 small red chili, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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4 cups fish or vegetable stock
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1 large lemon (zest + juice)
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1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
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Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
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Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add 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 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 lemon zest and bring to a gentle simmer. -
Add the fish
Carefully add the chunks of white fish. Let simmer (not boil!) for 6–8 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. -
Finish with lemon and herbs
Stir in the lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more chili if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Notes
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For even more lemony flavor, add a preserved lemon wedge or a splash of lemon juice at the end.
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Don’t overcook the fish — once it flakes easily, it’s done!
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Add a handful of greens (like spinach or kale) in the last minute or two for an extra nutrient boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg