Lao-Style Spicy Tamarind and Fish Soup with Dill

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-10 · Updated 2026-05-10

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are developed and reviewed.

A sour and spicy fish soup infused with tamarind, fresh dill, and chili, capturing the soulful flavors of Lao cuisine in a comforting broth. This Asian-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs tamarind paste, fish sauce, fresh dill for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 180 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 lb, cut into 2-inch pieces white fish fillets (such as tilapia or catfish)
2 tbsp tamarind paste
3 tbsp fish sauce
1/2 cup, chopped fresh dill
2, sliced fresh red chili
2 medium, thinly sliced shallots
3, minced garlic cloves
5 cups water
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp sugar

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 thinly sliced shallots and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2: Add 5 cups water and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 3 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Add 1 lb cut white fish fillets and cook gently for 5-6 minutes until the fish is opaque and cooked through.
Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill, 2 sliced fresh red chilies, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Adjust seasoning with more fish sauce or lime juice to balance sourness and saltiness.
Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with additional dill if desired.