If you’re craving a flavorful, vibrant, and healthy soup, look no further than this Spicy Lemon Fish Soup. With a rich broth, tender pieces of fish, and a kick of spice, this soup is the perfect balance of heat and citrus, delivering a burst of freshness in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal or a light yet flavorful dish, this soup is both nourishing and delicious.
Packed with protein from the fish, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon, it’s a warming dish that’s sure to please your taste buds. The hint of spice from chili flakes or fresh chilies adds an exciting layer of flavor, making each bite a memorable experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal.
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of lemon and spice creates a vibrant, zesty broth.
Healthy & Light: Low in calories yet high in protein, perfect for a wholesome meal.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice according to your preferences for a mild or fiery dish.
Refreshing & Nourishing: A comforting soup that’s light on the stomach but rich in flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or halibut), cut into chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 4 cups fish stock (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 fresh red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the grated ginger and chili flakes (and fresh red chilies if using), cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
Add the Broth
- Pour in the fish stock and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and soy sauce.
Cook the Fish
- Add the fish fillets to the simmering broth, making sure they are fully submerged. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Stir in the lemon juice, adjusting the amount to your taste for the perfect balance of tartness.
Final Touches
- Once the fish is cooked, remove the pot from heat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve & Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of fish, vegetables, and broth. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, tangy, and comforting flavors.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 200 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 8g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 2g
SmartPoints: 5 per serving (based on fish and basic ingredients)
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Fish: Fresh fish fillets will yield the best flavor and texture for the soup. If you use frozen fish, make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the broth.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the chili flakes and fresh chilies according to your spice preference. If you like a milder soup, start with less and taste test as you go.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Fish Stock Substitution: If you can’t find fish stock, chicken broth works perfectly fine as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
- For a Creamier Option: If you want a creamier version of this soup, you can stir in a small amount of coconut milk at the end.
Why This Recipe Works
- Light yet Filling: The fish provides a lean source of protein, while the broth keeps the soup light and refreshing without sacrificing flavor.
- Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of fresh ingredients like lemon, ginger, and chilies creates a vibrant and aromatic broth that feels indulgent but isn’t heavy.
- Versatile: You can adjust the heat level, swap out vegetables, or even try different types of fish depending on your preference, making this soup endlessly adaptable.
- Quick to Prepare: This soup is simple to make and perfect for busy nights when you want a healthy, satisfying meal in no time.
This Spicy Lemon Fish Soup is the ideal choice for a light, flavorful, and comforting meal. With fresh fish, vibrant spices, and a hint of citrus, it’s a warming dish that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome lunch, dinner, or a satisfying starter, this soup is a delicious and healthy option that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.
Enjoy it on its own, or pair it with a side of crusty bread for a heartier meal. Either way, this soup is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors and simple, nutritious ingredients.
The Best Spicy Lemon Fish Soup You’ll Ever Taste
4
servings15
25
minutes200
kcalIngredients
1 lb white fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or halibut), cut into chunks
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small carrot, peeled and sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
4 cups fish stock (or chicken broth)
1 cup water
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
1-2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1-2 fresh red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the grated ginger and chili flakes (and fresh red chilies if using), cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to release their flavors. - Add the Broth
Pour in the fish stock and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and soy sauce. - Cook the Fish
Add the fish fillets to the simmering broth, making sure they are fully submerged. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Stir in the lemon juice, adjusting the amount to your taste for the perfect balance of tartness. - Final Touches
Once the fish is cooked, remove the pot from heat.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. - Final Touches
Once the fish is cooked, remove the pot from heat.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use Fresh Fish: Fresh fish fillets will yield the best flavor and texture for the soup. If you use frozen fish, make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the broth.
Customize the Heat: Adjust the chili flakes and fresh chilies according to your spice preference. If you like a milder soup, start with less and taste test as you go.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Fish Stock Substitution: If you can’t find fish stock, chicken broth works perfectly fine as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
For a Creamier Option: If you want a creamier version of this soup, you can stir in a small amount of coconut milk at the end.