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Creamy Coconut White Fish Stew

Creamy Coconut White Fish Stew

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tropical-inspired, Southeast Asian

Description

Get ready to warm up with this Creamy Coconut White Fish Stew—a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s naturally dairy-free, gluten-free, and perfect for both cozy dinners and light tropical-inspired meals. With tender white fish, creamy coconut milk, garlic, and lime, this stew is easy to make and full of nourishing ingredients. It’s one of those easy dinner ideas that feels gourmet but comes together quickly—great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Serve with rice, naan, or enjoy it as a light low-carb bowl!


Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk

1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 pound white fish fillets (cod, halibut, tilapia, or haddock), cut into chunks

1/4 teaspoon salt (more to taste)

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (more to taste)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro


Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

2. Pour in the coconut milk. Stir well to combine with the aromatics and bring to a gentle simmer.

3. Add fish sauce or soy sauce, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors.

4. Gently add white fish chunks. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 6–8 minutes until fish flakes easily.

5. Turn off heat. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top. Adjust seasoning with extra lime juice, salt, or pepper if needed.

6. Serve warm with jasmine rice, naan, or enjoy on its own.


Notes

Use fresh or fully thawed fish for best texture—frozen fish can make the stew watery.

Don’t boil the stew after adding the fish—keep the heat low to avoid overcooking.

Add chili flakes or fresh chili if you prefer a spicy version.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 570mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: creamy fish stew, coconut fish soup, white fish stew, easy dinner ideas, dairy-free stew