Laotian Fish Soup with Dill and Tamarind Broth

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and tangy fish soup infused with tamarind, fresh dill, and lemongrass, delivering a refreshing balance of flavors. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs tamarind concentrate, thin slices galangal slices, smashed garlic cloves 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: 25 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 180 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 1 bruised and cut 3-inch lemongrass stalk, 4 thin galangal slices, and 3 smashed garlic cloves, simmering for 10 minutes to infuse the broth.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tamarind concentrate and 2 tbsp fish sauce, tasting and adjusting for a balanced sour and salty flavor.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb white fish fillets cut into 1-inch chunks, lowering the heat to medium. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove the lemongrass, galangal, and garlic pieces with a slotted spoon to clarify the soup.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill, 2 sliced green onions, 1 thinly sliced red chili, and 1 tbsp lime juice for brightness. Serve hot with steamed rice or fresh herbs on the side.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Laotian Fish Soup with Dill and Tamarind Broth take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Laotian Fish Soup with Dill and Tamarind Broth?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tamarind concentrate from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Laotian Fish Soup with Dill and Tamarind Broth?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Laotian Fish Soup with Dill and Tamarind Broth for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Laotian Fish Soup with Dill and Tamarind Broth?

Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes