Coconut White Fish Stew (Printable)

Tender white fish in creamy coconut broth with vegetables and aromatic spices, ready in 40 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Seafood

01 - 1.3 pounds firm white fish fillets (cod, halibut, or haddock), cut into chunks
02 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
03 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
07 - 1 medium carrot, sliced thin
08 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced
09 - 1-2 red chilies, deseeded and finely chopped

→ Liquids

10 - 1.7 cups canned coconut milk
11 - 1.7 cups fish or vegetable stock

→ Spices & Aromatics

12 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
13 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
14 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 2 tablespoons fish sauce
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil

→ Garnish & Serving

18 - Lime wedges
19 - Steamed jasmine rice

# How-To Steps:

01 - Toss the fish pieces with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside while you prepare the base.
02 - In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
03 - Add garlic, ginger, and chilies. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Stir in bell pepper, carrot, and zucchini. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Add turmeric and ground coriander. Cook 30 seconds more to release flavors.
06 - Pour in coconut milk and stock. Bring to a gentle simmer.
07 - Stir in fish sauce and half the chopped cilantro. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, until vegetables are just tender.
08 - Add fish pieces. Cover and simmer gently for 6-8 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
09 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze more lime juice if desired.
10 - Ladle stew into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve hot with rice if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The broth is impossibly creamy without any dairy, making it light enough for a weeknight but luxurious enough for company
  • Everything cooks in one pot, so you get maximum flavor with minimal cleanup
02 -
  • Don't let the stew boil vigorously once the fish is added or it'll toughen up, gentle simmering is key
  • The fish continues cooking after you take it off the heat, so remove it when it's just barely opaque
03 -
  • Pat your fish completely dry before cutting into chunks, this helps it hold together better in the stew
  • Taste your coconut milk before starting, some brands are sweeter than others and may need more lime to balance

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