Sopa de Pescado with Coconut Milk

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Caribbean fish soup simmered with coconut milk, bell peppers, and tomatoes, creating a creamy and aromatic dish perfect for any meal. This puerto rican-inspired seafood ready in about 65 minutes pairs fish, coconut milk, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Puerto Rican cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 small finely chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 diced bell pepper, 1 diced carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb cubed fish, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 can coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, then stir in 1 diced tomato, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Simmer for 5 more minutes until the fish is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1 tablespoon lime juice, then remove from heat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sopa de Pescado with Coconut Milk take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 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 with Coconut Milk?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sopa de Pescado with Coconut Milk?

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 with Coconut Milk 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 with Coconut Milk?

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.

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