Sopa de Pescado: Traditional Puerto Rican Fish Soup
A light and flavorful fish soup packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, simmered in a fragrant tomato and garlic broth for a taste of the Caribbean. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium, finely chopped onion, medium, diced bell pepper, medium, diced tomato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds, cut into 1-inch pieces white fish fillets (cod or snapper)
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 1 medium, diced bell pepper
- 2 medium, diced tomato
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup (optional, for serving) cooked rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion, 1 medium diced bell pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 2 medium diced tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they break down and release juices.
- Step 3: Stir in 1.5 pounds white fish fillets (cut into 1-inch pieces), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until fish is opaque and cooked through.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Serve hot, optionally over 1 cup cooked rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sopa de Pescado: Traditional Puerto Rican Fish Soup take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Sopa de Pescado: Traditional Puerto Rican Fish Soup?
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 medium, finely chopped onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sopa de Pescado: Traditional Puerto Rican Fish Soup?
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 Sopa de Pescado: Traditional Puerto Rican Fish Soup 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 Sopa de Pescado: Traditional Puerto Rican Fish Soup?
Puerto Rican 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
