Simple Seafood Soup with Coconut milk
Seafood soup with coconut milk is a decadent and slightly sweet dish! It features a savory taste from the seafood that is further enriched by aromatic herbs and spices, while coconut milk creates a velvety texture and subtle nutty undertones that balance the flavors perfectly. This soup is a satisfying and comforting meal that offers a delicious complexity and balance of tastes that any seafood enthusiast will enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1/3 cup onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1/3 tsp black pepper
- 2/3 quart (630 ml) fish or vegetable stock
- 7 oz (200 g) crushed tomatoes
- 14 oz (400 g) full-fat coconut milk
- 5.3 oz (150 g) white fish (sea bass, cod, sea bream etc.)
- 4 oz (115 g) shrimp peeled and deveined
- 4 oz (115 g) mussels meat
Instructions
Chop celery, onion, carrot and garlic. Cut the fish filet into cubes.
Place a pot on medium heat, and add the olive oil, onion, celery and carrots. Stew for 3 minutes till the vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally.
Add garlic, mix and cook for 1 minute more till fragrant. Then add paprika, salt, chili flakes and black pepper.
Pour in the stock, and add crushed tomatoes and coconut milk. Settle to boil. Then decrease the heat to low and simmer for 7 mins under the lid.
Place fish and mussels in the soup and cook for 5 mins. Then add shrimp and cook for 3 mins more until the seafood is cooked. Serve with chopped cilantro, and enjoy!
Chef's Tips & Notes
Recipe Details
Recipe Tags
Seafood soup with coconut milk is rich, creamy and slightly sweet! This soup recipe has a savory flavor from the seafood, which is enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices, while the coconut milk adds a creamy and velvety texture and subtle nutty flavor. This Seafood soup is a delicious and comforting dish with a complex yet balanced taste that will surely please any seafood lover!
What are seafood soups called?
Seafood soups can have various names depending on the region and the ingredients used in the recipe. Here are some common types of seafood soups:
- Bouillabaisse: a traditional fish soup from the Provence region in France that typically includes various types of fish, shellfish, vegetables, and herbs.
- Cioppino: a fish stew that originated in San Francisco, USA, made with various types of seafood such as crab, clams, shrimp, and fish in a tomato-based broth.
- Tom yum: a spicy and sour Thai soup that can include shrimp, squid, or fish, along with lemongrass, chili, and lime juice.
- Cullen skink: a Scottish soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and milk or cream.
- Caldo de mariscos: a Mexican seafood soup that typically includes shrimp, fish, clams, and mussels in a tomato-based broth flavored with garlic and chilies.
- Creamy seafood chowder: a thick and hearty soup made with fish, shellfish, vegetables, and cream.
- Brazilian Moqueca: is a traditional seafood stew originating in the northeastern state of Bahia, Brazil. It is made with fish, shrimp, or both, cooked in a fragrant and flavorful broth with coconut milk, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
These are just a few examples, but there are many more types of seafood soups that can be found in different parts of the world.

Is seafood soup with coconut milk good for you?
Seafood soup with coconut milk can be a healthy and nutritious meal, as it contains a variety of seafood that is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and coconut milk adds healthy fats and fiber. However, the exact nutritional content of the soup will depend on the recipe and the specific ingredients used.
Coconut milk is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of healthy fat that can provide energy and promote satiety. It also contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help boost the immune system.
Seafood is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, iron, zinc, and selenium, which are important for overall health and immune function.

What are this seafood soup made of?
Seafood soup with coconut milk can be made with various ingredients, depending on the recipe and personal preference. However, here are some common ingredients that are often used:
- Seafood: This can include a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, squid, clams, mussels, and fish, depending on your preference. I use sea bass fish, shrimp and mussels.
- Coconut milk (canned): This is a creamy and rich ingredient that gives the soup its signature flavor and texture.
- Vegetables: Vegetables such as crushed tomatoes, onions, garlic, carrots, and celery are used to add flavor and nutrients to the soup.
- Fish or vegetable stock: Stock made from fish or vegetables is used as a base for the soup.
- Aromatics: Herbs and spices such as paprika, chili flakes and cilantro add fragrance and flavor to the soup.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to season the soup and enhance its flavor.
The combination of seafood, coconut milk, vegetables, herbs and spices creates a flavorful and satisfying soup popular in many parts of the world.

How to make seafood soup with coconut milk?
Prepare the ingredients. Chop celery, onion, carrot and garlic.
Cut the fish filet into cubes. I took sea bass fish. However, you can use your favorite fish. It can be cod, sea bream, mackerel or even salmon.
Place a large pot on medium heat, pour the olive oil and place onion, celery and carrots. Stew for about 3 minutes till the vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally.
Add garlic, mix and cook for 1 minute more till fragrant. Then add paprika, salt, chili flakes and black pepper.
Pour in the stock, and add crushed tomatoes and coconut milk. Increase the heat and settle to boil. Then decrease the heat to low and simmer for 7 mins under the lid. Transfer fish and mussels to the soup and cook for 5 mins.
Then add shrimp and cook for 3 mins more until the seafood is cooked.
Serve with chopped cilantro and enjoy!

A Note from Chef Ana
This Simple Seafood Soup with Coconut milk is a dish I absolutely love preparing for my private dinner clients in The Woodlands and the greater Houston area. My philosophy has always been about elevating classic American comfort food with proper technique and the freshest local Texas ingredients. I source as much as I can from local farms and markets in the Houston area, because fresh, seasonal produce always makes a noticeable difference.
Whether you are hosting a dinner party, planning a celebration, or simply want a wholesome meal for your family, I would love to bring this recipe โ and many more โ to your table. Feel free to reach out to learn more about my personal and private chef services in The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Conroe, and the greater Houston area.
Substitutions & Variations
As a personal chef who specializes in dietary accommodations, I always encourage my clients to adapt recipes to their individual needs. Here are some practical variations for this recipe:
- Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally gluten-free as written โ no modifications needed! Just double-check that your fish stock does not contain hidden gluten from additives.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is already completely dairy-free thanks to coconut milk as the creamy base. No substitutions necessary!
- Vegan/Vegetarian: Replace the seafood with a combination of hearty vegetables like diced sweet potato, chickpeas, and mushrooms. Use vegetable stock instead of fish stock and add the vegetables based on their cooking times for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this soup?
Yes! Frozen shrimp and mussels work well in this recipe. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before adding to the soup. Pat them dry to avoid diluting the broth with excess water.
What is the best way to reheat this seafood soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the coconut milk from separating. Avoid boiling the soup vigorously, as this can make the seafood tough and rubbery. Add a small splash of stock or coconut milk if the soup has thickened in the refrigerator.
Can I substitute the white fish with another type?
Absolutely. Cod, halibut, snapper, or even salmon all work beautifully in this soup. Choose a firm-fleshed fish that holds its shape during simmering rather than a very delicate variety that might fall apart. Cut it into similarly sized cubes for even cooking.
How do I prevent the coconut milk from curdling?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the best stability and creamiest result. Stir the soup occasionally while it cooks, and add the coconut milk after the broth has come to temperature rather than shocking it with cold liquid.
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