Fish soup recipe

Fish soup is a comforting bowl full of tender pieces of fish, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth that’s both light and satisfying. It’s a dish that feels like a hug…

By Julia • November 9, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Fish soup is a comforting bowl full of tender pieces of fish, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth that’s both light and satisfying. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, with a blend of herbs and subtle spices that bring out the natural taste of the sea. The soup usually has a nice mix of textures from the soft fish to the slight crunch of veggies, making every spoonful interesting and tasty.

I love making fish soup because it’s so versatile—you can use different types of fish depending on what’s fresh or what you have on hand. One of my favorite little tricks is adding a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving; it brightens up all the flavors and makes the soup feel extra fresh. It’s also pretty quick to put together, which is great when I want something easy but still wholesome to eat.

When I serve fish soup, I like to pair it with crusty bread for dipping so nothing gets wasted. It’s a perfect meal to share with family or friends, warm and simple but full of personality. There’s just something about sitting down with a steaming bowl that instantly makes me feel cozy and cared for, especially on cooler days or after a busy afternoon.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

White Fish: Cod, haddock, or tilapia are great choices for their mild flavor and firm texture. If you can’t find these, try snapper or pollock. Avoid oily fish here as they can overpower the soup.

Fish Stock or Broth: Fish stock adds depth, but vegetable broth works well too. If you want extra flavor, you can also add a splash of white wine or fish sauce.

Potatoes: They add heartiness and soak up the flavors. Yukon gold or red potatoes work nicely because they hold their shape when cooked.

Fresh Dill: This herb brightens the soup with a clean taste. If you’re not a fan, parsley or fennel fronds make good alternatives.

How Do You Make Sure the Fish Doesn’t Overcook in Soup?

Fish cooks very quickly and can become tough if overdone. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Add the fish near the end of cooking, when all the veggies are tender.
• Simmer gently—avoid boiling once fish is added to keep it delicate.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
• Use a gentle stir to keep fish pieces intact.

Once done, remove from heat right away to keep the fish tender and the soup perfect.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large pot – perfect for cooking all the soup ingredients in one place without crowding.
• Sharp knife – helps you cut fish and vegetables into even pieces safely.
• Cutting board – keeps your workspace clean and stable while chopping.
• Wooden spoon – great for stirring the soup gently without scratching your pot.
• Ladle – handy for serving the soup into bowls without spills.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap white fish for shrimp or scallops for a different seafood twist that cooks quickly.
• Add a pinch of saffron for a subtle, earthy color and flavor boost.
• Include chopped fennel or leeks for a sweeter, aromatic vegetable note.
• Add a splash of coconut milk at the end for a creamy texture and gentle tropical taste.

How to Make Classic Fish Soup

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Soup Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) white fish fillets (such as cod, haddock, or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups (1 liter) fish stock or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Time Needed:

This fish soup recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and about 25 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 35 minutes. This includes simmering time for the vegetables and gently cooking the fish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This will create a flavorsome base for your soup.

2. Cook Vegetables:

Add the diced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to start softening.

3. Add Tomato and Spices:

Mix in the chopped tomato, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and bay leaf. Cook for another 2 minutes to help develop the flavors and bring out a rich aroma.

4. Simmer the Soup:

Pour in the fish stock or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Add Fish:

Carefully add the bite-sized fish pieces to the pot. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until the fish is cooked through and has turned opaque. Be gentle when stirring so the fish stays intact.

6. Season and Finish:

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your liking. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the chopped fresh dill right before serving for a fresh, herbal touch.

7. Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and offer lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright and zesty flavor to each bowl.

Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of classic fish soup!

Can I Use Frozen Fish for This Soup?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the fish completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Pat it dry to prevent extra moisture in the soup.

How Can I Store Leftover Fish Soup?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the fish. You may need to add a splash of broth if the soup thickens.

Can I Substitute Vegetables in This Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap carrots and potatoes for other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips, or add celery and leeks for extra flavor.

Is It Possible to Make This Soup Spicier?

Yes! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped fresh chili when sautéing the onions and garlic to give the soup a gentle heat kick.