????️ Spicy Lemon Fish Soup ????
This Spicy Lemon Fish Soup is the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. Packed with aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and bird’s eye chilies, it’s a warming, comforting, and bold dish that will leave your taste buds tingling. It’s a delightful way to enjoy fish with a touch of spice and freshness from the lemon. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) whitefish fillets (such as cod, halibut, or any white fish), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon stem, smashed (or use 2-3 stalks of lemongrass if available)
- 1-inch chunk ginger, chopped
- 2-3 bird’s eye Thai chilies, sliced (adjust for spice level)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or fish stock for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, to balance the heat and acidity)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1-2 fresh kaffir lime leaves (optional, for extra citrusy aroma)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, ginger, and bird’s eye chilies to the pot. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemongrass and Broth: If using lemongrass, add the smashed lemon stem (or lemongrass stalks) to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth (or fish stock), and bring to a gentle simmer. If using kaffir lime leaves, add them now as well.
- Season the Broth: Stir in the fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar (if using) to balance the flavors. Let the broth simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing all the aromatics to infuse into the liquid.
Step 2: Cook the Fish
- Add the Fish: Carefully add the whitefish fillets to the pot. Let the fish cook in the simmering broth for about 5-6 minutes, or until the fish turns opaque and easily flakes apart.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt or additional soy sauce if needed. If you want more acidity, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for that extra punch.
Step 3: Final Touches
- Garnish and Serve: Once the fish is fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Discard the lemongrass stalks (if used) and kaffir lime leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Optional Heat: If you want an extra kick, you can drizzle a bit more fish sauce or add a dash of chili flakes to spice it up.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Spicy Lemon Fish Soup with a side of steamed rice to soak up all the delicious broth. It’s also perfect on its own as a light, flavorful meal!
Tips:
- Adjust Spice Levels: You can control the spiciness by adding more or fewer bird’s eye chilies. If you prefer a milder version, remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them to the soup.
- Fish Options: This soup works well with any white fish, but you can also use shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add some sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or spinach to the soup for extra texture and flavor.
Enjoy this spicy, tangy, and aromatic soup—perfect for when you want something comforting but with a kick! ????️????????