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Caribbean Fish Soup (Fish Tea)

    This fragrant broth-based Caribbean fish soup, also known as fish tea, is made with hearty veggies, potatoes and various types of fish and seafood.

    Authentic Caribbean Fish Soup

    Caribbean fish soup, also know as fish tea, is a popular seafood soup in both Caribbean and Jamaican cuisines. Traditionally fish tea can take many hours to prepare and is on the spicier side so I’ve created a 30-minute weeknight version that can be made mild OR spicy, depending on your preference.

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    This soup was introduced to me by my bestie Vince who grew up eating fish tea regularly in Jamaica. Chef and Owner of Irie Kitchen, a local organic Jamaican restaurant here in West Michigan, I was lucky enough to have Vince cook me fish tea for my birthday recently. I’ve had it on my mind ever since!

    Hearty Caribbean Fish Soup Recipe

    What’s great about Jamaican fish tea is that it’s super versatile and can be made with whatever seafood you have on hand or can find fresh at your local fishmonger. My boys love all types of seafood so we typically do a mixture of shrimp and a mild white fish such as tilapia, snapper or halibut.

    Easy Caribbean Fish Soup Recipe

    Traditionally on the spicier side, the preferred type of chili pepper is a scotch bonnet pepper. These are on the spicier side, however, so I suggest skipping it if you prefer a mild soup.

    Liz Making Fish Soup

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    What do you serve with fish soup?

    When serving, I love to squeeze in a bit of fresh lime juice, minced white onion, and fresh cilantro. These final garnishes add a ton of flavor, texture, and balance to the rest of the dish. They make everything else pop on your palette.

    What kinds of fish can be used?

    Any mild white fish works well including cod, halibut, grouper, tilapia and more.

    Hearty Caribbean Fish Soup in a bowl

    Fresh thyme is also a great garnish if you’re not a fan of cilantro.

    Your spoon is waiting.

    Easy Caribbean Fish Soup

    Caribbean Fish Soup (Fish Tea)

    4.50 stars average
    This fragrant broth-based Caribbean fish soup, also known as fish tea, is made with hearty veggies, potatoes and various types of fish and seafood.
    PREP: 10 mins
    COOK: 30 mins
    TOTAL: 40 mins
    Save
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 medium onion (diced)
    • 1 large carrot (peeled and diced)
    • 2 stalks celery (diced)
    • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (minced)
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 scotch bonnet pepper (optional – minced)
    • 2 cups quartered Yukon gold potatoes
    • 8 cups chicken broth (or fish stock)
    • 1 pound raw shrimp ( peeled, deveined)
    • 1 pound raw mild white fish (such as tilapia, halibut or snapper – cut in 2-inch chunks)
    • salt and pepper (to taste)
    • minced cilantro, onion and lime juice (to serve)

    Instructions
     

    • Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Add onion, carrots and celery, plus a pinch of salt and pepper, and saute until tender, about 7-9 minutes, stirring frequently.
    • Add garlic and thyme to the pan along with scotch bonnet pepper if you want it to be spicy. (Leave out the pepper to keep mild.) Saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add potatoes to the pan, along with chicken broth, and stir well.
    • Bring to a boil then stir in shrimp and fish along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
    • Reduce to low and simmer 30 minutes. Serve with minced cilantro, onion and lime juice.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 236kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 34gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 228mgSodium: 1799mgPotassium: 888mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2191IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 178mgIron: 5mg

    SHOW AND TELL ON INSTAGRAM!Show me your creation and rate it below! Mention @thelemonbowl or tag #thelemonbowl! I would LOVE to see!

    Find more healthy soup recipes on my Pinterest!

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    Liz DellaCroce

    Liz Della Croce is the creator and author of The Lemon Bowl, a healthy food blog. Since 2010, Liz has been sharing delicious recipes that just so happen to be healthy. By using real ingredients with an emphasis on seasonality, Liz has built a growing audience of loyal readers who crave good food for their families. Click Here To Subscribe to my newsletter:

    9 Comments

      1. Only fish or shellfish stock should be used for fish soup which we call fish broth, fish braff or fish tea. In the Caribbean chicken stock is never used to make fish soups.

    1. Omg I used a mahi-mahi slice 1 talapia slice & shrimp.. insane top with celery leaves and cilantro also lime.
      I’m from the island so u can imagine,right up my alley love that you are enjoying this as part of the feature recipe.
      This is a great fish tea.

    2. Made this today, very good- the whole family enjoyed it. The one change I made to this was to add a can or so of coconut milk. Thanks for the recipe

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